Effect of mechanical alteration of enamel surface on shear bond strength of different bonding techniques

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mechanical alteration of enamel surface on shear bond strength in different bonding techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy samples were fabricated and randomly divided into three groups: Group A (n = 30) – prepared enamel surfaces, Group B (n = 30) – unprepared enamel surfaces, and Group C (n = 10) – prepared enamel surfaces + etch and rinse which served as a control group. Group A and Group B were further divided into three subgroups (n = 10), sub-Group A1, B1 (nanohybrid composite + self-etch), sub-Group A2, B2 (self-adhering composite), and A3, B3 (self-adhering composite + self-etch). Teflon ring molds were used to make composite resin cylinders with the specific bonding protocol of each group. Shear bond strength testing was conducted, and data were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean shear bond strength values were as follows: C> A1> A3>A2>B1> B3> B2. CONCLUSIONS: Prepared enamel surfaces resulted in higher shear bond strength values as compared to unprepared enamel surfaces. Prior application of self-etch agent resulted in higher shear bond strength values of self-adhering composite in prepared and unprepared enamel surfaces.