Effects of chlorhexidine on bonding durability of different adhesive systems using a novel thermocycling method

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of chlorhexidine on the bonding durability of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesive systems using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) thermocycling method. Methods Twenty freshly extracted intact human third molars were ground and bonded with either an etch-and-rinse adhesive (Single-Bond) or a self-etch adhesive (G-Bond). Specimens were either left untouched or placed in PCR tubes filled with three thermocycling mediums: water, chlorhexidine or silicone oil. Thermocycling (5000 cycles) was done using the PCR programme at temperatures of 5 °C and 55 °C. The microtensile bond strength (μTBS) was evaluated and interfacial nanoleakage was assessed by scanning electron microscopy before and after thermocycling. Results Significant differences were detected among groups kept in different media after thermocycling. For Single-Bond, both the chlorhexidine and silicone oil groups could preserve the μTBS (p < 0.001). For G-Bond, μTBS of the chlorhexidine and water groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). No obvious increase in silver deposition was observed in specimens incubated in water after thermocycling, less silver penetration was found in specimens incubated in chlorhexidine. Conclusions In this experimental model, chlorhexidine was found to preserve bonding durability in Single-Bond but have no significant effects on G-Bond.