Adhesive bond strength at the composite/dentin interface is influenced by various factors, including the etching mode and composite resin type. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the total-etch and self-etch mode on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of conventional and bulk-fill composite to dentin, using the universal adhesive system. Sixty non-carious human teeth were sectioned parallel to their longitudinal axis, using a low-speed diamond saw to obtain a flat dentin surface. According to the etching technique and composite resin type used, teeth were randomly divided into four different groups (n = 15): TC (total-etch/conventional composite), TB (total-etch/bulk-fill composite), SC (self-etch/conventional composite), and SB (self-etch/bulk-fill composite). Cylindric composite build-ups were made with 3M Filtek Z250 and 3M Filtek Bulkfill Posterior, using a plastic mold, 4 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height. The specimens were subjected to the μTBS test in a universal testing machine and failure force was recorded. Failure modes were determined using stereoscopic and scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA and Student's t test. The μTBS was significantly affected by the etching technique. A significant statistical difference was determined between total-etch and self-etch groups, irrespective of the composite resin type used. Higher bond strength was obtained in total-etch groups. The μTBS was not affected by the composite resin type. No significant statistical difference was determined between the conventional and bulk-fill groups, irrespective of the etching-mode.
Keywords: bond strength; composite resin; self-etch; total-etch; universal adhesive.
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