Dentin
bonding based on a wet-bonding technique is the fundamental
technique used daily in clinics for tooth-restoration fixation and
clinical treatment of tooth-related diseases. Limited bonding durability
led by insufficient adhesive infiltration in the demineralized dentin
(DD) matrix is the biggest concern in contemporary adhesive dentistry.
This study proposes that the highly hydrated noncollagenous protein
(NCP)-formed interfacial microenvironment of the DD matrix is the
root cause of this problem. Meanwhile, the endogenous phosphate groups
of the NCPs are used as pseudonuclei to rapidly induce the formation
of amorphous CaF2 nanoparticles in situ in the interfacial microenvironment. The DD matrix is thus reconstructed
into a novel porous structure. It markedly facilitates the infiltration
of dentin adhesives in the DD matrix and also endows the DD matrix
with anticollapsing capability when water evaporates. Whether using
a wet-bonding or air-drying mode, the bonding effectiveness is greatly
promoted, with the 12 month bonding strength being about twice that
of the corresponding control groups. This suggests that the nanoreinforced
DD matrix eliminates the dependence of bonding effectiveness on the
moisture status of the DD surface controlled only by experiences of
dentists. Consequently, this bonding strategy not only greatly improves
bonding durability but also overcomes the technical sensitivity of
bonding operations of the total-etched bonding pattern. This exhibits
the potential to promote dentin bonding and is of great significance
to dentistry.