Bonding and sealing ability of a new self-adhering flowable composite resin in class I restorations

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess by means of shear bond strength tests (SBS), microleakage analysis (μLKG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the bonding potential and sealing ability of a new self-adhering composite resin. 

Materials and methods: SBS and μLKG of Vertise Flow (VF, Kerr) were measured and compared to the all-in-one adhesive systems G-Bond (GB, GC), AdheSE One (AO, Ivoclar Vivadent), Adper Easy Bond (EB, 3M ESPE), Xeno V (XV, Dentsply), and iBOND (iB, Heraeus Kulzer). For each system, 20 molars were tested for SBS on dentin (n = 10) and enamel (n = 10). For μLKG assessment, 12 premolars per group were selected and small, box-shaped cavities were made. After restoration, the teeth were immersed in 50 wt% silver nitrate solution for 24 h. For each group, 10 randomly selected specimens were processed for leakage calculations, while two of the specimens were examined under SEM. Between-group differences in SBS to dentin and μLKG were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance followed by the Dunn's Multiple Range test. Enamel SBS data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey test. 

Results: On dentin and enamel, VF recorded the lowest SBS values that were statistically comparable to those measured by GB, iB, and AO. μLKG analysis showed the lowest percentage of stained interface for VF. Significantly greater extent of infiltration was seen for iB and EB. 

Conclusions: Although VF resulted in lower bond strengths values on either dental substrate, better marginal sealing ability was visualized in comparison with all-in-one adhesive systems. 

Clinical relevance: The results of the present study demonstrated satisfactory in vitro outcome of the self-adhering flowable composite resin VF when used to restore class I cavities.