Influence of Different Surface Treatments on the Bond Strength Between Composites and Resin Cement

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different surface treatments on bond strength (BS) between composite and a resin cement trough microshear bond strength test. Seventy five discs (10x2 mm) of Filtek P90, Filtek Z250 and Filtek Z350 XT (3M ESPE), were divided into 5 groups according to the treatment: C= control - no treatment; sandblasting J= aluminum oxide (50μm); sandblasting JE = + 99.3% ethanol for 5 min; silica coating S = (3M-ESPE Cojet - 30 microns); SS = silica coating + silane. PVC tubes (0.5 x 0.80 mm) were attached on the composite disc, and then, inserted resin cement (3M ESPE-RelyX ARC). After 24 hours artificial saliva storage at 37oC, the specimens were tested for microshear crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. Data were evaluated in two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (5%) for contrast. The results showed that sandblasting with aluminum oxide (J) was efficient in increasing the BS for composites Z350 and P90. For the Z250, there were no difference between treatments. Also, CS showed results similar to controls for all composites. SE showed the worst results for Z350 e P90. BS values were dependent on the type of composite and the surface treatment used. Sandblasting with aluminum oxide seems to be an effective surface treatment for composites and may lead to higher BS values, while the use of ethanol could be harmful.