Bonding Agents and Adhesives

Abstract

Development of molecules which will adhere to tooth structure is a high-priority area of dental research. Although enamel and dentin present formidable obstacles to adhesive mechanisms, there is substantial progress in the formulation of agents which are already altering certain procedures, such as the conservative restoration of the erosion lesion. These materials are evaluated with particular attention to dentin bond agents and the glass-ionomer system. The latter is of particular interest due to its proved biocompatibility, fluoride leach, and bonding capability. The exact status of dentin bond agents based on phosphonates remains controversial, and the possible reasons for the divergent data are discussed.