Effect of thermal cycling on bond strengths of single-step self-etch adhesives to bovine dentin.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of thermal cycling on dentin bond strengths of single-step self-etch adhesives. Five commercially available single-step self-etch systems were used. The adhesives were applied to the dentin surfaces of bovine incisors, and then light-irradiated. Resin composites were condensed into a mold and light-irradiated. Bonded specimens were divided into two groups and stored in water at 37 degrees C for 24 h without thermal cycling, or in water at 37 degrees C for 24 h followed by 10,000 thermal cycles between 5 degrees C and 60 degrees C. Ten samples per group were tested for shear strength at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. The data were analyzed by Student's t test and Tukey HSD test at a probability level of 0.05. After 24 h of storage in water, the mean dentin bond strengths ranged from 9.3 MPa to 14.0 MPa. After 10,000 thermal cycles, the mean bond strengths remained unchanged. Failure after the test was commonly due to adhesive breakdown associated with partial cohesive failure of the resin. The present results suggest that the benefit of using single-step self-etch systems, in terms of simplifying the clinical procedure, might be acceptable even after thermal stresses.