Bond Strength and Water Resistance of a Resin Composite Bonded to Glass Plates Treated with Commercial Ceramic Primers

Background: Silane coupling agents are used as a bonding agent between ceramics and resins in dentistry. The effectiveness of these agents is often enhanced by the addition of acid or by heat treatment. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate, the clinical characteristics, TBS (tensile bond strength) and water resistance of eight commercial ceramic primers (seven silane coupling agents and one alumina zirconia primer). Method: Glass plates were used as the adherent. The TBS of the resin composite and the wettability of the resin monomer to glass surfaces treated with ceramic primers was investigated, with 3-MPS (methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) used as a control. The values obtained from the experiments were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests (p < 0.05). Results: No significant differences in TBS were observed between the commercial products and MPS, except for the alumina zirconia primer. However, four products (three of the seven agents and the alumina zirconia primer) exhibited significantly lower TBS values after application of thermal stress when compared with those stored in water (p < 0.05). All but one of the eight primers displayed significantly higher contact angles between the treated glass and the resin monomer when compared with MPS (p < 0.05). These results suggest that some commercial ceramic primers may contribute to increased strength and durability.