In vitro evaluation of a silane containing self-adhesive resin luting agent.

Objectives: To investigate the setting characteristics, wettability and bonding capacity with a lithium disilicate ceramic of a silane containing self-adhesive resin luting agent (Panavia SA Universal-PU).
Methods: The degree of conversion (DC %) and extent of acid neutralization (SY %) of PU were measured on dual- (DC) and self-cured (SC) specimens after 10, 30 and 60 min storage by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, whereas the presence of silanols was traced by curve-fitting the 60 min spectra, using the silane-free analog (Panavia SA Plus-PS) as a control. The role of a dedicated adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick-CU) in assisting the early DC % in PU-SC was investigated on 10 min-stored specimens. The water contact angles on polished and HF acid-etched lithium disilicate surfaces (IPS e.max Press), were assessed before and after silanization by unset PU or a silane primer (Ultradent Silane-SL). Finally, the shear strength of PU-DC specimens bonded to the acid-etched ceramic surfaces was determined before and after SL treatment.
Results: The DC % was higher in DC than SC (PU, PS; all time intervals), in PU-SC than PS-SC (30, 60 min) and in the CU assisted PU-SC group. The SY % was lower in DC than SC (PU, PS) and higher in PS-SC than PU-SC groups. Silanols were found only in unset PU and PU-DC groups. SL treatment provided higher water contact angles on polished and acid-etched ceramic surfaces and higher shear bond strength on acid-etched ceramic surfaces than PU (p < 0.05 for all comparisons).
Significance: Although the degree of conversion of the silane containing luting agent was improved in the self-curing mode, especially in the adhesive assisted group, it was still inferior to light-curing. Acid-neutralization and presence of silanols were affected by the setting modes. The use of a silane primer enhanced the hydrophobicity and bond strength of the silane containing luting agent with the etched ceramic substrate.
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