Dent Mater. 2026 Jan 19:S0109-5641(26)00015-1. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of dual cure activator (DCA) on the bond strength of universal adhesives to bleached enamel and to analyze changes in surface morphology and elemental composition.

METHODS: Bovine enamel specimens (n = 198) were divided into bleached and unbleached groups. DCA (Clearfil DC Activator) was applied to etched enamel surfaces before application of three universal adhesives: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (UBQ), Optibond Universal (OBU), and Palfique Universal Bond (PUB). Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured after 24-hour water storage. Surface morphology and elemental composition were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test (α=0.05).

RESULTS: PUB demonstrated the lowest bond strength to unbleached enamel but showed significant improvement with DCA application (p < 0.001). Bleaching significantly reduced SBS across all adhesive groups (p < 0.001), with UBQ showing the least reduction. DCA application significantly increased SBS to bleached enamel for OBU (p < 0.001) and PUB (p < 0.001) but had no significant effect on UBQ (p = 0.72). SEM/EDS analysis revealed morphological alterations after bleaching and confirmed successful DCA incorporation through sulfur detection.

SIGNIFICANCE: Bleaching significantly compromised the bond strength of universal adhesives to enamel in etch-and-rinse mode. The application of DCA can enhance the bonding performance of bleached enamel, particularly with specific adhesives. These findings underscore DCA as a viable clinical strategy for immediate post-bleaching restorative procedures in certain scenarios.

PMID:41558951 | DOI:10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006

Dent Mater. 2026 Jan 19:S0109-5641(26)00015-1. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of dual cure activator (DCA) on the bond strength of universal adhesives to bleached enamel and to analyze changes in surface morphology and elemental composition.

METHODS: Bovine enamel specimens (n = 198) were divided into bleached and unbleached groups. DCA (Clearfil DC Activator) was applied to etched enamel surfaces before application of three universal adhesives: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (UBQ), Optibond Universal (OBU), and Palfique Universal Bond (PUB). Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured after 24-hour water storage. Surface morphology and elemental composition were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test (α=0.05).

RESULTS: PUB demonstrated the lowest bond strength to unbleached enamel but showed significant improvement with DCA application (p < 0.001). Bleaching significantly reduced SBS across all adhesive groups (p < 0.001), with UBQ showing the least reduction. DCA application significantly increased SBS to bleached enamel for OBU (p < 0.001) and PUB (p < 0.001) but had no significant effect on UBQ (p = 0.72). SEM/EDS analysis revealed morphological alterations after bleaching and confirmed successful DCA incorporation through sulfur detection.

SIGNIFICANCE: Bleaching significantly compromised the bond strength of universal adhesives to enamel in etch-and-rinse mode. The application of DCA can enhance the bonding performance of bleached enamel, particularly with specific adhesives. These findings underscore DCA as a viable clinical strategy for immediate post-bleaching restorative procedures in certain scenarios.

PMID:41558951 | DOI:10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006

Dent Mater. 2026 Jan 19:S0109-5641(26)00015-1. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of dual cure activator (DCA) on the bond strength of universal adhesives to bleached enamel and to analyze changes in surface morphology and elemental composition.

METHODS: Bovine enamel specimens (n = 198) were divided into bleached and unbleached groups. DCA (Clearfil DC Activator) was applied to etched enamel surfaces before application of three universal adhesives: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (UBQ), Optibond Universal (OBU), and Palfique Universal Bond (PUB). Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured after 24-hour water storage. Surface morphology and elemental composition were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test (α=0.05).

RESULTS: PUB demonstrated the lowest bond strength to unbleached enamel but showed significant improvement with DCA application (p < 0.001). Bleaching significantly reduced SBS across all adhesive groups (p < 0.001), with UBQ showing the least reduction. DCA application significantly increased SBS to bleached enamel for OBU (p < 0.001) and PUB (p < 0.001) but had no significant effect on UBQ (p = 0.72). SEM/EDS analysis revealed morphological alterations after bleaching and confirmed successful DCA incorporation through sulfur detection.

SIGNIFICANCE: Bleaching significantly compromised the bond strength of universal adhesives to enamel in etch-and-rinse mode. The application of DCA can enhance the bonding performance of bleached enamel, particularly with specific adhesives. These findings underscore DCA as a viable clinical strategy for immediate post-bleaching restorative procedures in certain scenarios.

PMID:41558951 | DOI:10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006

Dent Mater. 2026 Jan 19:S0109-5641(26)00015-1. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of dual cure activator (DCA) on the bond strength of universal adhesives to bleached enamel and to analyze changes in surface morphology and elemental composition.

METHODS: Bovine enamel specimens (n = 198) were divided into bleached and unbleached groups. DCA (Clearfil DC Activator) was applied to etched enamel surfaces before application of three universal adhesives: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (UBQ), Optibond Universal (OBU), and Palfique Universal Bond (PUB). Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured after 24-hour water storage. Surface morphology and elemental composition were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test (α=0.05).

RESULTS: PUB demonstrated the lowest bond strength to unbleached enamel but showed significant improvement with DCA application (p < 0.001). Bleaching significantly reduced SBS across all adhesive groups (p < 0.001), with UBQ showing the least reduction. DCA application significantly increased SBS to bleached enamel for OBU (p < 0.001) and PUB (p < 0.001) but had no significant effect on UBQ (p = 0.72). SEM/EDS analysis revealed morphological alterations after bleaching and confirmed successful DCA incorporation through sulfur detection.

SIGNIFICANCE: Bleaching significantly compromised the bond strength of universal adhesives to enamel in etch-and-rinse mode. The application of DCA can enhance the bonding performance of bleached enamel, particularly with specific adhesives. These findings underscore DCA as a viable clinical strategy for immediate post-bleaching restorative procedures in certain scenarios.

PMID:41558951 | DOI:10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006

Dent Mater. 2026 Jan 19:S0109-5641(26)00015-1. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of dual cure activator (DCA) on the bond strength of universal adhesives to bleached enamel and to analyze changes in surface morphology and elemental composition.

METHODS: Bovine enamel specimens (n = 198) were divided into bleached and unbleached groups. DCA (Clearfil DC Activator) was applied to etched enamel surfaces before application of three universal adhesives: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (UBQ), Optibond Universal (OBU), and Palfique Universal Bond (PUB). Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured after 24-hour water storage. Surface morphology and elemental composition were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test (α=0.05).

RESULTS: PUB demonstrated the lowest bond strength to unbleached enamel but showed significant improvement with DCA application (p < 0.001). Bleaching significantly reduced SBS across all adhesive groups (p < 0.001), with UBQ showing the least reduction. DCA application significantly increased SBS to bleached enamel for OBU (p < 0.001) and PUB (p < 0.001) but had no significant effect on UBQ (p = 0.72). SEM/EDS analysis revealed morphological alterations after bleaching and confirmed successful DCA incorporation through sulfur detection.

SIGNIFICANCE: Bleaching significantly compromised the bond strength of universal adhesives to enamel in etch-and-rinse mode. The application of DCA can enhance the bonding performance of bleached enamel, particularly with specific adhesives. These findings underscore DCA as a viable clinical strategy for immediate post-bleaching restorative procedures in certain scenarios.

PMID:41558951 | DOI:10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006

Dent Mater. 2026 Jan 19:S0109-5641(26)00015-1. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of dual cure activator (DCA) on the bond strength of universal adhesives to bleached enamel and to analyze changes in surface morphology and elemental composition.

METHODS: Bovine enamel specimens (n = 198) were divided into bleached and unbleached groups. DCA (Clearfil DC Activator) was applied to etched enamel surfaces before application of three universal adhesives: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (UBQ), Optibond Universal (OBU), and Palfique Universal Bond (PUB). Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured after 24-hour water storage. Surface morphology and elemental composition were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test (α=0.05).

RESULTS: PUB demonstrated the lowest bond strength to unbleached enamel but showed significant improvement with DCA application (p < 0.001). Bleaching significantly reduced SBS across all adhesive groups (p < 0.001), with UBQ showing the least reduction. DCA application significantly increased SBS to bleached enamel for OBU (p < 0.001) and PUB (p < 0.001) but had no significant effect on UBQ (p = 0.72). SEM/EDS analysis revealed morphological alterations after bleaching and confirmed successful DCA incorporation through sulfur detection.

SIGNIFICANCE: Bleaching significantly compromised the bond strength of universal adhesives to enamel in etch-and-rinse mode. The application of DCA can enhance the bonding performance of bleached enamel, particularly with specific adhesives. These findings underscore DCA as a viable clinical strategy for immediate post-bleaching restorative procedures in certain scenarios.

PMID:41558951 | DOI:10.1016/j.dental.2026.01.006

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Dec;28(12):1246-1251. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_771_25. Epub 2025 Dec 9.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The aim is to evaluate the effect of a strontium chloride-incorporated hypochlorous acid (Sr/HOCl) conditioner on bond performance in eroded dentine using self-etch adhesives.

CONTEXT: Adhesive bonding to eroded dentine presents significant challenges owing to the compromised substrate ultrastructure, exposed collagen networks, and reduced resin infiltration, necessitating innovative pretreatment approaches.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-four caries-free molars were subjected to a 5-day erosive cycling using Coca-Cola. The specimens were randomly allocated to four groups based on the Sr/HOCl pretreatment and adhesive system: Clearfil SE Bond 2 (SEB) and Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (UBQ). Microtensile bond strength testing, failure mode analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were conducted. Three-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc comparisons, Chi-square test for failure modes, and t-test for elemental analysis (α =0.05).

RESULTS: UBQ with Sr/HOCl pretreatment significantly improved bond strength (P < 0.001), whereas SEB showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). Mixed failures were predominant across groups. EDS confirmed exclusive strontium incorporation into the treated specimens (P < 0.001), with preserved calcium and phosphorus levels. CLSM revealed reduced interface permeability and enhanced resin infiltration following Sr/HOCl treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Sr/HOCl conditioning significantly enhanced the bonding to eroded dentine through organic component reduction, strontium deposition, and improved interface characteristics. This pretreatment particularly benefits simplified adhesive systems, suggesting its clinical potential for improving the durability of eroded substrates.

PMID:41438441 | PMC:PMC12721429 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_771_25