A practice-based assessment of the handling properties of 3M ESPE Scotchbond Universal adhesive

However, achieving a similar bond to dentine eluded researchers and clinicians for decades, because of its organic and water content. Despite this, however, advances have been made in the formulation of dentine bonding agents and so-called gold standards such as Sotchbond Mulipurpose (3M) and Optibond (Kerr) were introduced in 1993 and have remained highly regarded. However, as manufacturers seek to provide clinicians with the optimum material, much research and development has been undertaken. It is therefore the aim of this evaluation to assess the handling properties of a newly developed universal dentine bonding system, Scotchbond Universal (3M ESPE) produced following the testing of 400 different formulations (Thalaker C; Personal Communication, April 2013). Its constituents (table 1) include a silane for enhanced bonding to ceramic materials.

Materials and methods

Together with the manufacturers of Scotchbond Universal (3M ESPE AG), a questionnaire was designed in order to obtain background information on the evaluators current usage of dentine/enamel bonding systems and to rate the presentation, instructions, dispensing and ease of use of the new material. The majority of responses were given on a visual analogue scale (VAS).