Bond Strength of Self-etching Primer and Total-etch Adhesive Systems to

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess in vitro the tensile bond strength of a selfetching and 2 total-etch, single-bottle adhesive systems to primary dentin. Methods: Thirty-six sound primary canine buccal surfaces were randomly assigned to 3 groups (N=12), corresponding to the tested adhesive systems: (1) group I=Excite (EX); (2) group II=Single Bond (SB); and (3) group III=Prompt L-Pop (PLP). After 24-hour storage in distilled water, tensile bond strength was tested for failure at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Results: Means (MPa) and standard deviation (±) were: (1) EX=12.72 (±2.89); (2) SB=10.86 (±2.09); (3) PLP=8.66 (±2.23). Single Bond and Excite showed statistically similar results (P >.05) and provided the highest means. Prompt L-Pop was statistically different from the other groups (P<.05) and reached the lower bond strength to primary dentin. Conclusions: Total-etch agents provided the best overall bonding performance, whereas the all-in-one, self-etching, self-priming adhesive system yielded remarkably lower bond strength to primary teeth dentin. (J Dent Child. 2004;71:131-134)