Comparison of shear bond strength between 7th and 8th generation bonding agents in flowable composite resin

Background: Aesthetics, function and structure of teeth are the focus in patient care. A demand for aesthetic dentistry mainly attributed to patient discontent with tooth color. The increased interest in aesthetic dentistry prompted the development of systems aiming for efficient bonding of enamel and dentin through simplified processes. Bonding is a crucial component contributing to the enhancement of the biomechanics and aesthetics of teeth. The last two decades, bonding agents are rapidly evolving. Generation 7 is self-etch bonding agent, containing etch, primer, and bonding in a single package. Generation 8 bonding is a universal adhesive containing nanofillers to increase the thickness of the hybrid layer and enhance the mechanical properties. Highly filled flowable composite resin also have nanofillers that improve mechanical and aesthetic characteristics. The shear bond strength test serves as an assessment tool for the efficacy of bonding agents.
Purpose: To determine the difference in shear bond strength of generation 7 and 8 bonding agents in flowable composite resin.
Methods: Flowable composite resin samples were applied to the enamel of human upper permanent incisors. The control group used generation 7 bonding agents, while the treatment group used generation 8 bonding agents. Testing was conducted using a Universal Testing Machine.
Result: The data were normally distributed, not homogeneous, and did not show significant differences. The control group showed an average shear bond strength of 4.77 MPa, while the treatment group showed a slightly higher average of 5.13 MPa.
Conclusion: Generation 7 and 8 bonding agents have equivalent shear bond strength.