What is a seventh-generation bonding agent?
Adhesives for bonding direct and indirect restorative materials to teeth have evolved through the years. Variations in the number of bottles and the mechanism of bonding have defined each “generation” of bonding systems. The seventh-generation combines the acid, primer, and resin in one bottle. These materials involve only a single step, which eliminates separate etching, rinsing, and mixing for the light-cured products. Ideal features of a seventh-generation bonding agent: • High bond strength (20-30 MPa) to enamel and dentin • Thin film thickness to ensure complete seating of restorations • Fluoride-releasing to prevent onset of secondary caries • Delivery option, bottle or unit-dose • Tolerant to moist and dry environment • Radiopaque, easier to differentiate adhesive layer from recurrent caries • Minimizes postoperative tooth sensitivity • Little to no margin discoloration over time • Available in light-cured and dual-cured formulations • Good shelf life Advantages: • One-step proc
