Influence of the number of adhesive layers on adhesive interface properties under cariogenic challenge using streptococcus mutans.

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that the number of adhesive layers influences the adhesive interface properties under cariogenic challenge conditions using a Streptococcus mutans model. Bovine teeth (n = 90) were sectioned into blocks of 5 mm and divided into two groups for microleakage testing (n = 60) and tensile bond strength testing (n = 30). In each group, the samples were subdivided into subgroups according to the number of adhesive layers applied on the dentin: one (SB1), two (SB2), and three adhesive layers (SB3). The samples of the control groups were placed in BHI broth medium supplemented with 2% sucrose without microorganisms, and the experimental groups were submitted to Streptococcus mutans American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) for 5 days. For the tensile strength test, samples were sectioned into 1-mm-thick slices and submitted to a constant load of 0.5 mm/min in a universal testing machine. Fractured surfaces were analyzed and characterized as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. The microleakage test was performed with silver nitrate solution. In experimental groups, the tensile test revealed a statistically significant difference between the one- (18.59 ± 5.3) and three-layer (11.28 ± 5.0) groups (p < 0.001; ANOVA and Tukey's test). The adhesive failure mode was slightly more frequent in the one- (60%) and three-layer (80%) adhesive application groups. On the other hand, the microleakage levels of all experimental groups were statistically similar (Kruskal-Wallis; p > 0.05). The experimental conditions influenced tensile properties and failure modes of different adhesive interfaces; however, they did not influence microleakage.