A recent clinical study evaluated the clinical performance of posterior composite restorations using a universal adhesive system applied with three different protocols.
Universal adhesives can be used with three clinical strategies:
Self-etch: the adhesive is applied directly to dentin and enamel without prior phosphoric acid etching.
Selective enamel etch: phosphoric acid is applied only to the enamel before applying the adhesive.
Etch-and-rinse: enamel and dentin are etched with acid before applying the adhesive.
In the study, Class I and Class II restorations were performed using these three protocols. Researchers evaluated parameters such as restoration retention, marginal adaptation, postoperative sensitivity, and wear, using FDI clinical criteria over 26 months of follow-up.
The results showed that all three application protocols demonstrated similar clinical performance, with no significant differences in restoration survival during the evaluation period.
The authors concluded that universal adhesives can provide good clinical results regardless of the application protocol, although longer follow-ups are needed.
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