RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Considering the use of silane-containing universal adhesives to enhance the repair bond strength of porcelain restorations, a question arises whether the application of these adhesives eliminates the need for a separate application of silane or not. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effect of various kinds of surface treatment, including hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching, the application of bis-silane and the use of universal adhesives, on the repair bond strength of feldspathic porcelain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this experimental in vitro study, 70 porcelain disks were fabricated and divided into 7 groups (n = 10) for the following types of surface treatment: C (control group) HF etching + silane + Porcelain Bond; HSB HF etching + Single Bond; HSSB HF etching + silane + Single Bond; HAB HF etching + All Bond; HSAB HF etching + silane + All Bond; HFB HF etching + FuturaBond®; and HSFB HF etching + silane + FuturaBond. After applying different kinds of surface treatment, the specimens were light-cured and the Filtek® Z250 composite was bonded to the treated surfaces. The specimens were incubated in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h, and then underwent 5,000 thermal cycles. The repair bond strength of porcelain was measured and the mode of failure was determined under a stereomicroscope. Data was analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test. RESULTS: Differences between the groups in the porcelain repair bond strength were significant (p < 0.0001). Bond strength for Single Bond (p < 0.001) and All Bond (p < 0.001) along with silane was significantly higher than for the application of these adhesives without a separate silane application step. This difference was not significant for FuturaBond. Mixed failure was the dominant mode of failure in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The application of silane, irrespective of the use of universal adhesives with or without silane, increased the porcelain repair bond strength. Thus, a separate silane application step following HF etching and the use of universal adhesives with or without silane can enhance the repair bond strength of feldspathic porcelain.