the ability to bond effectively to two substrates of a different nature.Bonding to enamel is reliable and durable. 2 In contrast, bonding to dentin has been difficult due to its variable nature and heterogeneous structure. Hybridization with resin by monomer interdiffusion has been identified as the basic bonding mechanism resulting in an intimate interlocking of the cured resin with the dentin. Different factors are shown to synergistically affect the integrity of each component of the hybrid layer, thereby contributing to a rapid and catastrophic failure of the resin-dentin bond. The success of adhesion to acid-etched enamel was further propelled by Buonocore et al. 10 They recommended the treatment of the enamel surface with an aqueous acid solution, which resulted in the formation of resin tags by penetration of the resin monomer into the resulting microporosities, and a micromechanical bond was formed after polymerization.The enamel bonding technique has become the standard and is well accepted. However, bonding to dentin has evolved significantly with the development of various bonding systems. During the early 1990s, dentin bonding agents were introduced, which are referred to as fourthgeneration agents. However, their use has been minimal due to the complexity to perform bonding and due to these adhesives being time consuming and consisting of a separate etchant, primer, and bonding resin.2 To overcome these drawbacks, the evolution of new dentin bonding agents, i.e., seventh-generation (all-in-one) bonding agents, has occurred in the recent past. They are less technique sensitive, less time consuming, and effective. 4 The advantages of the self-etching system include complete infiltration of the bonding agent into the demineralized dentin and a reduced number of clinical procedural steps. Evidence-based studies have shown that bacteria left in the tooth remain viable for a long duration.3 Hence, an antibacterial cavity cleanser is recommended to eliminate the potential risks due to bacterial activity. A 2% chlorhexidine has been proven to be an effective agent to disinfect dentin.1 It preserves the dentin bond strength by inhibiting host-derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).3 The use of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate for 60 seconds was found to inhibit collagenitic activity, thus maintaining the resin-dentin interface. 3 The purpose of this study was to evaluate appearance of the hybrid layer in two different seventh-generation bonding agents on human teeth with and without the application of 2% chlorhexidine.
ABSTRACT
Aim:To evaluate the appearance of a hybrid layer in two seventh-generation bonding agents on human teeth with and without the application of 2% chlorhexidine.
Materials and methods:Class II cavities (MO-OD) were prepared on 12 human maxillary teeth. These teeth were divided into two groups (n = 6) to receive either of the two seventh-generation bonding agents. The bonding agent was applied in the mesioocclusal cavity. On the disto-occlusal cavity, 2% chlorhexidine was applied for 30 se...