Evaluation of Microleakage, Tensile Bond Strength, and Adhesive Interface of Bulk Fill, Ormocer, and Alkasite Against Conventional Composite in Caries-Affected Primary Molars

Abstract

This study presents an evaluation of the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and microleakage (ML) of a bulk-fill (BF) composite, Ormocer, and Alkasite in comparison to the conventional composite bonded to caries-affected dentin (CAD) in deciduous dentition. Eighty-four human primary molars displaying carious lesions involving the middle third of dentin were included. CAD was exposed, and the teeth were randomly assigned to four groups based on the type of restorative material used: Group 1 (conventional composite), Group 2 (BF composite), Group 3 (Alkasite), and Group 4 (Ormocer). Sample storage and artificial aging were performed. Dye penetration, a universal testing machine, and a stereomicroscope were used for microleakage, µTBS, and failure mode assessment. The interface was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). µTBS and ML results were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc tests (p < 0.05). Group 1 (conventional composite) exhibited the highest microleakage and lowest bond strength. The minimum ML and maximum μTBS values were demonstrated by Group 4 (Ormocer). Ormocer and Alkasite proved to be better alternatives to conventional composites in terms of ML and bond strength in deciduous dentition.