Microscopy investigations. Techniques, results, limitations.
This paper critically reviews current microscopy techniques that are used to image resin-dentin interfaces and more in particular to investigate the process of hybridization and resin-tag formation. A short description of the four most commonly used microscopy techniques with their necessary specimen-preparation methodology is provided along with a discussion of their possibilities, limitations and potential artifact formation. With this critical appraisal on microscopy techniques available to study adhesive interfaces, it is hoped to encourage the use of high-resolution analytical tools to further elucidate the mechanisms of bonding at the ultra-structural level. Besides ultra-morphologic characterization, more research should be devoted to study the chemical and physical properties of resin-dentin bonds. The final objective of such fundamental research should be to establish a more durable and reliable adhesive restorative technique.
Van Meerbeek
B
B
Dept. Operative Dentistry & Dental Materials, School of Dentistry, Oral Pathology and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. bart.vanmeerbeek@med.kuleuven.ac.be
Vargas
M
M
Inoue
S
S
Yoshida
Y
Y
Perdigão
J
J
Lambrechts
P
P
Vanherle
G
G
D016477:Artifacts; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003804:Dentin / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D016591:Histocytological Preparation Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013499:Surface Properties
D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents