Do dentin bond strength tests serve a useful purpose?
PURPOSE: The publication of dentin bond strength data is prolific in the dental literature and will remain so as more and more new dentin bonding agents are marketed. It is the purpose of this presentation to assess the usefulness of this information. METHODS: The limitations of dentin bond strength tests are examined in the context of current knowledge about the methods used. RESULTS: The evidence provided shows that dentin bond strength measurement techniques provide data that is not able to act as a consistent predictor of clinical performance. Fundamental flaws in the most popular methods adopted have been identified and alternative approaches need to be explored. Unfortunately, we do not as yet have in place methodologies that allow us to establish a reliable link between laboratory bond strength data and clinical performance. CONCLUSION: For the present, clinically based evidence remains the only reliable means for the selection of dentin bonding agents.
