title: Self-etching aspects of a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to assess the marginal adaptation of cavities restored with a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive, OptiBond FL (OFL) under different application protocols.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four class V cavities were prepared with half of the margins located in enamel and half in dentin. Cavities were restored with OFL and a microhybrid resin composite (Clearfil AP-X). Three groups (n = 8) that differed in the etching technique were tested with thermomechanical loading, and specimens were subjected to quantitative marginal analysis before and after loading. Micromorphology of etching patters on enamel and dentin were observed with SEM. Data was evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni post hoc test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significantly lower percent CM (46.9 ± 19.5) were found after loading on enamel in group 3 compared to group 1 (96.5 ± 5.1) and group 2 (93.1 ± 8.1). However, no significant differences (p = 0.30) were observed on dentin margins.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Etching enamel with phosphoric acid but avoiding etching dentin before the application of OFL, optimal marginal adaptation could be obtained, evidencing a self-etching primer effect.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A reliable adhesive interface was attained with the application of the three-step etch-and-rinse OFL adhesive with a selective enamel etching, representing an advantage on restoring deep cavities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, International University of Catalonia, Sant Cugat del Valles, 08195, Barcelona, Spain, jbahillovarela@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bahillo
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roig
authors.forename: Tissiana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bortolotto
authors.forename: Ivo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Krejci
mesh_terms: D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D003738:Dental Cements; D045662:Dental Etching; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D003738:Dental Cements