Effect of ethanol-dissolved rhodamine B marker on mechanical properties of non-simplified adhesives.

OBJECTIVES: Rhodamine B (RB) is commonly used to evaluate dental polymers, including dental bonding systems (DBS). For reliability assessments, its effect should not only allow visualization of the dentin-polymer interface but also must not interfere with the bonding of the DBS to dentin as measured by the microtensile bond strength and hardness tests.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Flat human dentin surfaces were prepared and randomly distributed (n = 10) into six groups: Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (MP) or Clearfil SE Bond (SE) in concentrations of none/control, 0.02 or 0.1 mg/mL. These combinations were prepared through ethanol dissolution to improve their penetration into the dentin. All specimens were fabricated with Filtek Z250 (n = 10) and prepared for a microtensile bond test (μTBS) (0.5 mm/min) after 7 days and 6 months. The failure modes were determined using a stereomicroscope (×40). For the hardness test, flat human dentin blocks were prepared and treated as previously described (n = 6). The specimens were stored at 37 °C/48 h and were tested (Knoop indenter - 25 gF/10 s). Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). The effect of time was evaluated using the Student t-test.

RESULTS: For 7-day μTBS, both the DBS and RB concentrations were significant factors (p < 0.01). After 6 months, only the RB concentration was significantly different. Adhesive failures were prevalent for all groups. Regarding hardness, the DBS differed only with the use of 0.10 mg/mL of RB.

CONCLUSIONS: Ethanol-dissolved rhodamine B in concentrations of 0.02 and 0.10 mg/mL in non-simplified adhesives can affect the physical-mechanical properties of functional monomer-based systems rather more than those of BisGMA systems.