Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation of a Self-Adhering Flowable Composite Resin Liner: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

BACKGROUND: “Self-adhering composite resins,” are claimed to eliminate the need for a separate acid etching and bonding agent application step, thus simplifying the direct restorative procedure, both regarding the technique sensitivity and the duration of treatment. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the marginal adaptation of self-adhering flowable composite (Dyad flow) in comparison to the conventional flowable composite (Tetric N-flow) under scanning electron microscope (SEM). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This in vitro study was conducted on 44 extracted human maxillary premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Box-only Class II cavities on the distal surface were prepared with the dimensions of 4 mm buccolingual width, 2 mm mesiodistal depth, and gingival margin at the cementoenamel junction. They were divided into two groups of 22 teeth each and were restored accordingly: Group I – Gingival floor lined with Tetric N-Flow and were restored with Tetric N-Ceram; Group II – Gingival floor lined with Dyad flow and were restored with Herculite Precis. After thermal cycling, the sectioned tooth-restoration interfaces were evaluated for the marginal adaptation under SEM at ×200 magnification. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The resultant data were statistically analyzed by applying Chi-square test, using the SPSS (version 16.0) software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups regarding the marginal adaptation. The marginal adaptation of the self-adhering flowable composite when used as a liner in Class II restorations was comparable to that of the conventional flowable composite.