Effect of Enamel Bevel on the Clinical Performance of Resin Composite Restorations Placed in Non‐carious Cervical Lesions

Abstract

Laboratory testing of enamel bevel reports many advantages; however clinical studies on this topic are scarce and controversial. To evaluate the effect of enamel bevel on the retention rates of composite restorations placed in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Forty-two patients with more than 20 teeth in occlusion and having at least two NCCLs participated in this study. The cavities were divided into non-beveled (control) and beveled (short bevel [45°, 1-2 mm long] prepared with a diamond bur) groups. The NCCLs were restored with the 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesive ExciTE and the resin composite 4 Seasons (Ivoclar Vivadent). Eight-four restorations were placed and evaluated at baseline, after 6 and 12 months according to the modified U.S. Public Health Service criteria. The 12-month retention rates (95% confidence interval) for the beveled (91% [77-97%]) and non-beveled [88% (73-95%)] groups were similar. No significant differences were detected between groups in other criteria (Fisher test, p > 0.05). No significant differences were detected in the same group compared across different recall times (McNemar test, p > 0.05). Enamel beveling may not be clinically relevant for the retention of composite restorations in NCCLs after 12 months. Beveling enamel margins may not be necessary in NCCL restorations restored with the 2-step etch-and-rinse systems.