Contraction patterns in cavities tested with two dentin bonding agents.

Abstract

Differences in microleakage at occlusal and cervical margins have been attributed to variations in the microstructure of enamel. The lack of homogeneity in dentin may have similar influences on the effectiveness of composite bonding. This study examined marginal contraction gaps occurring at the occlusal, cervical, mesial, and distal margins of dentin cavities restored with a composite restorative material, with and without the use of dentin bonding agents. Results showed that marginal contraction gaps at the dentin-restoration interface among the four sites in both treated and untreated cavities are not statistically different in size. Adhesion of composite restorative materials to dentin is not affected by the location of the margins.