The influence of enamel prism orientation on leakage of resin-bonded restorations.

A new method is described for the quantification of leakage between etched enamel and restorative resin. A significant correlation was demonstrated between the plane of enamel section prior to etching and subsequent leakage. It is suggested that these findings will be of value in the design of cavities for use with the acid-etch technique; when possible, enamel should be prepared to expose prisms transversely prior to etching and bonding.