Long-term dentin retention of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement in non-carious cervical lesions

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical long-term retention to dentin of seven adhesive systems. Methods A total of 270 Class V restorations of four etch-and-rinse, one self-etch adhesive system and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement were placed in non-carious cervical lesions without intentional enamel involvement. The restorations were evaluated at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and then every year during a 13-year follow-up. Dentin bonding efficiency was determined by the percentage of lost restorations. Results During the 13 years, 215 restorations could be evaluated. The cumulative loss rate at 13 years was 53.0%, with significant different failures rates for the different systems varying between 35.6 and 86.8%. Four systems fulfilled the ADA 18-month full acceptance retention criteria. Two systems showed at 18 months and earlier high debonding rates. The annual failure rates for the etch-and-rinse systems were Optibond 3.1%, Permagen 13.0%, Scotchbond MP 4.8%, Syntac classic 2.8%; for the self-etch system P&S 4.4%; and the resin-modified glass ionomer cement Vitremer 2.7%. Conclusion It can be concluded that all systems showed a continuous degradation of the bond with a wide variation, which was independent of the adhesion strategy. Three bonding systems showed a cumulative failure rate after 13 years between 36 and 41% with the best retention for the resin-modified glass ionomer cement and a four-step etch-and-rinse system.