Effect of light-curing unit and bonding agent on shear bond strength of composite resin to dentin

Shear bond strength is one of the most important mechanical characteristics involved in clinical durability of tooth-colored restorations, which is directly related to polymerization shrinkage. This study evaluated the efficacy of two light-curing units (LED2 & QTH) and two types of dentin bonding agents (Excite & Clearfil SE bond) on composite resin shear bond strength to dentin. Forty caries-free sound human premolars were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 after being disinfected with sodium hypochlorite. The occlusal surface of dentin in each specimen was exposed and flattened by a fissure bur; composite resin was bonded with Excite or Clearfil SE bonding agents and polymerized with QTH or LED2. Shear bond strength values of the specimens were tested in a Dartec universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA and Dunkan test (α = 0.05). Maximum shear bond strength values were recorded in composite restorations bonded with Clearfil SE bonding agent and polymerized by LED2; minimum values were recorded in composites restorations bonded with Excite and polymerized by QTH. Statistical analysis showed statistically significant differences between the experimental groups (p value = 0.03). Under the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that two curing systems of LED2 & QTH are equally effective on shear bond strength of different bonding agents, whereas Clearfil SE bonding agent produces higher shear bond strength than Excite total-etch regardless of the type of light-curing unit.