ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength (TBS) of repairs in recent fillings of methacrylate- (MBC) or silorane-based composites (SBC) subsequent to different surface treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty slabs of Filtek P60 (3M ESPE, St Paul, USA) and Filtek P90 (3M ESPE) were stored for 10 days in distilled water at 37°C. The surface of adhesion was abraded with a 600-grit silicone paper and repaired using each respective composite: G1, no treatment (control); G2, application of adhesive; G3, application of silane and adhesive; G4, sandblasting (Al2O3) and adhesive; and G5, sandblasting (Al2O3), silane, and adhesive. Further 10 slabs of each composite were also evaluated for cohesive strength (G6). After 30 days immersion in distilled water at 37°C, the TBS was determined. RESULTS: TBS results were higher for MBC than for SBC (P = 0.00012). The experimental groups were similar for SBC and the TBS was 27% of its cohesive strength. For P60, sandblasting significantly improved the TBS compared to other groups. With MBC, G4 and G5, the TBS was approximately 47% of its cohesive strength. CONCLUSION: Sandblasting (Al2O3) improves the repair-strength of MBC, whilst for the SBC all treatments succeed. MBC presents higher repair strength than SBC.