An investigation on the shear bond strength of one dentin adhesive at two different dentin depths.

: The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of dentin depth and patient's age on the shear bond strength of one dentin adhesive (ART Bond), using an Instron Universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Forty human molar teeth were used and were divided into two main groups, twenty each representing two age groups of patients, i.e., between 20 to 30 years and between 30-40 years of age. Every group was further subdivided into two subgroups of different dentin depths, i.e., superficial and deep. Results were recorded in Kg/Cm2 and converted into MPa units, then tabulated and statistically analyzed. A Duncan's range statistic test at P < or = 0.05 showed statistically significant differences between the bond strength values for both age groups at different dentin depths, with the superficial dentin showing higher bond values, and there were also statistically significant differences between the bond strength values of the two age groups at the same dentin depth, with the older age group showing higher bond values.