Evaluation of experimental calcium-containing primer in adhesive system on micro-tensile bond strength and acid resistance

Abstract

Modern adhesive systems have been developed for enhanced mechanical and antibacterial properties; however, no such systems contain a calcium source to enhance bond strength. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of an experimental calcium-containing primer (10 wt% CaCl2) in two-step self-etching adhesive systems on micro-tensile bond strength (µ-TBS) and acid resistance in dentin adhesive interface observations after acid-challenge using scanning electron microscopy. Using two types of primers and bonding agents (Clearfil SE Bond primer (SEP), experimental calcium-containing primer (CaP), Clearfil SE Bond (SEB), and Clearfil Protect Bond), we prepared four experimental groups. The µ-TBS of CaP-SEB did not differ from that of SEP-SEB. Meanwhile, the CaP groups showed a thicker acid-base resistance zone. Thus, two-step self-etching adhesive system composed of experimental calcium-containing primer can be used as an adhesive system with high acid resistance and acceptable bond strength.