Back to the multi-step adhesive system: A next-generation two-step system with hydrophobic bonding agent improves bonding effectiveness.

This study evaluated the bonding effectiveness of a newly developed two-step hydrophobic bonding material. Three groups using different bonding systems were compared: BZF group, using the new bonding system (BZF-29; GC, Tokyo, Japan); GPB group, using a one-step bonding system (G-Premio Bond; GC); and SE2 group, using a two-step bonding system (CLEARFIL SE Bond 2; Kuraray Noritake Dental, Tokyo, Japan). Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was measured after storage in water for 24 h, 3 months and 6 months (n=25/group). Fracture surfaces were observed under scanning electron microscopy. The BZF group showed significantly higher µTBS than the other groups (p<0.001). Dominant failure patterns were cohesive failure for the BZF group (48-84%), mixed failure for the SE2 group (48-60%) and interface failure between adhesive and resin composite for the GPB group (48-52%). The hydrophobicity of the BZF-29 bonding system improves the long-term bonding effectiveness between adhesive and resin composite.