Surface free-energy measurements as indicators of the bonding characteristics of single-step self-etching adhesives.

This study examined the surface free-energy of dentin treated with the single-step self-etching adhesives Bond Force, Clearfil tri-S Bond, and G-Bond Plus. The labial dentin surfaces of bovine mandibular incisors were wet ground with #180-, #600-, and #2,000-grit silicon carbide paper. The adhesives were applied to the ground dentin, and then rinsed with acetone and distilled water.