title: Validity of bond strength tests: A critical review: Part I.
abstract: Adhesive systems are selected based on their bond strengths achieved while testing in laboratories. These bond strengths can predict the longevity of a restoration to some extent. There were several discrepancies in the reported bond strengths. To critically review the reliability of macro-bond strength tests used to evaluate resin-tooth interface. Relevant literature published between January 1983 and May 2013 was collected from PubMed database, Google scholar, and hand-searched journals of Conservative Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental materials. Variables that influence the test outcome are categorized into substrate-related factors, factors related to specimen properties, preparation of specimens, and test methodology. Impact of these variables on the test outcome is critically analyzed. There is lack of a standard format for reporting the bond strength tests, which could lead to misinterpretation of the data and bonding abilities of adhesives.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, GITAM Dental College and Hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Kantheti
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sirisha
authors.affiliation: Departments of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vishnu Dental College and Hospital, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Tankonda
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rambabu
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, GITAM Dental College and Hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Yalavarthi Ravi
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Shankar
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, SIBAR Institute of Dental Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Pabbati
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ravikumar
keywords: Bond strength test; push-out; shear; tensile; variables