ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of a re-wetting agent on the microtensile bond strengths (mTBS) of primary and permanent dentin after acid or laser etching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve permanent and 12 primary molar teeth were ground to expose an occlusal dentin surface. Each group teeth were randomly divided into groups; I-II: 37% phosphoric acid etching with/without re-wetting agent, III-IV: Erbium: Yttrium aluminium garnet laser etching with/without re-wetting agent. An etch-and-rinse adhesive was used, and vertical sticks were obtained for the microtensile test. RESULTS: mTBS of permanent teeth was higher than that of primary teeth (P < 0.05). Re-wetting agent groups were similar with control groups in both etching groups in the permanent teeth (P > 0.05). Re-wetting agent group was similar with the control group in acid etch group (P > 0.05) and lower than the control group in laser etch group in primary teeth (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acid etching in permanent teeth; laser etching in primary teeth was found more successful. The use of re-wetting agent did not provide an advance on bond strength of the adhesive in both primary and permanent teeth after acid-etch or laser-etch.