Simultaneous activation technique: an alternative for bonding composite resin to glass ionomer.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new simultaneous activation technique (SAT)-for the union between glass ionomer cements and composite resins. METHODS Forty primary molars were embedded in self-curing acrylic resin. Class I cavity preparations were performed on the dentin surface and the teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups (N = 10). Two groups were restored with the SAT and 2 by etching the ionomer surface/sandwich technique (ST). The materials tested were Vidrion F (SS/ White), Vitremer (3M), and Z100 (3M). After 24 hours in aqueous solution at 37 degrees C, a tensile test was performed. The microleakage study was also performed by selecting 40 primary molars which were distributed in the same way as in the bond strength test. Furthermore, 1 tooth from each group of the microleakage test was evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS The SAT and ST did not show statistically significant differences in both tests. CONCLUSIONS The SAT is a less complex, quicker, and feasible alternative for the bonding of glass ionomer cements to composite resins in primary molars.