OBJECTIVEThis in vitro study was to evaluate the micro-tensile bond strength (microTBS) of three adhesives to sclerotic dentin in non-carious cervical lesions.

METHODSThe maxillary premolars extracted due to periodontitis and with non-carious cervical lesions were collected. The non-carious, natural cervical sclerotic lesions were bonded with a total-etching adhesive Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, a two-step self-etching adhesive Contax, and an all-in-one self-etching adhesive Adper Prompt L-Pop. Artificially prepared wedge-shaped lesions were also made in sound premolars and bonded with the same adhesives as the controls. MicroTBS of these three adhesives was measured.

RESULTSMicroTBS of Scotchbond and Contax to sclerotic dentin was significantly lower than to normal dentin. But microTBS of Adper Prompt L-Pop to normal dentin was significantly lower than to sclerotic dentin. MicroTBS to sclerotic dentin was Scotchbond 46.805 MPa, Adper Prompt L-Pop 39.045 MPa, and Contax 29.852 MPa.

CONCLUSIONSIn sclerotic dentin the microTBS was decreased because of the inferior micro-morphology of resin tags. Adhesives with low pH value might bond to sclerotic dentin effectively.