Objectives: To compare the in vitro shear bond strength of two commercially available resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RmGIC) to bovine dentine, with and without the use of adhesive bonding systems.
Methods: Ninety-six flat bovine dentine surfaces were divided into eight groups for bonding procedures. Fuji II LC and Vitremer were bonded to dentine that had been treated with and without Clearfil Photo Bond, Clearfil Liner Bond, or Clearfil Liner Bond II. The control group consisted of specimens that were treated as recommended by the manufacturer of each resin-modified glass ionomer cement. The bonded assemblies were stored in tap water for 24 h at 37 degrees C, and shear bond strengths measured using a universal-testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min.
Results: For the control group, shear bond strength of Fuji II LC was significantly greater than Vitremer (P < 0.005). However, when any of the resin bonding systems was applied, no statistical difference between Fuji II LC and Vitremer was determined (P > 0.05). The Clearfil PhotoBond and Liner Bond groups showed similar bond strengths (P > 0.05), but were significantly less than Liner Bond II (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: A recent bonding system combined with the RmGICs exhibited the greatest shear bond strength to dentine, irrespective of chemical differences that may exist between the two RmGICs.