Introduction

It is not uncommon for clinicians to forget the use of “curing” lights with bonded direct esthetic restorations only initiates a chemical process that takes infinite time to complete.^1,2  As a consequence, the bond strengths of bonded direct esthetic restorations to tooth substrates that can be achieved will vary over time as the chemical process continues.^1,2

There are a number of different methods to measure the bond strength of bonded direct esthetic restorations to various substrates using a variety of bonding procedures.  Unfortunately because of preparation limitations, most results are reported as 1-hour, 24-hour, or even longer bond strengths.^3,4,5,7  While the results are reproducible, they do not indicate what may be expected immediately after placement of bonded direct esthetic restorations when shrinkage stresses are developing, when finishing and polishing procedures are performed, or when occlusal adjustments must be made.^5,6

This article presents a step-by-step description of a method for immediate measurement of in vitro bond strength of bonded direct esthetic restorations.  The method may be adapted to examine a variety of effects produced by different substrates, substrate preparations, bonding application procedures, and long-term thermal cycling and staining.  The method may also be used for studies of bonded indirect esthetic restorations.

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Citation Number: Vol. 4, No. 3, Page 012