RESUMO
PURPOSE: To determine the microtensile bond strength of two adhesives systems to either superficial or deep dentin. METHODS: The crowns extracted human premolars were transversally sectioned next to the occlusal DEJ to expose flat dentin surfaces. The surfaces were bonded with: (1)two-step, total-etch adhesive Prime&Bond NT (PB),(2)wo-step, self-etching adhesive FL-Bond (FB), according to manufacturers' directions. Composite build-ups were constructed incrementally. After storage for 24 hours in water at 37 degrees, the teeth were longitudinally sectioned in the "x" and "y" directions to obtain bonded sticks with a cross-sectional area of 0.81mm(2) with a slow-speed diamond saw. The remaining dentin thickness (RDT) was measured to assess the superficial dentin group (RDT> or =3mm) and the deep dentin group (RDT< or =2mm). Microtensile bond strength measurements were evaluated. Fractured specimens were examined with a stereomicroscope at 60 magnification to determine the mode of failure. SPSS11.5 software package was used for analysis of the bond strengths. RESULTS: The results showed the bond strength of Prime&Bond NT were significantly higher either to superficial or deep dentin(P<0.05). Different dentin depths had no effect on the microtensile bond strengths of dentin bonding agent (P>0.05). No cohesive failure was observed in either superficial or deep dentin. Most of the failure was adhesive failure. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, it can be concluded that different dentin depths can not influence the microtensile bond strengths of Prime&Bond NT and FL-Bond adhesive systems.