Purpose: To assess in vitro the bond strength of three self-etching adhesive systems to primary teeth dentin.
Methods: Fifteen crowns of primary molars were sectioned mesiodistally and embedded in acrylic resin (n=30). Dentin was exposed and the specimens were randomly assigned in groups (n=10): (1) Clearfil SE Bond; (2) Prime & Bond NT/NRC; and (3) One Up Bond F. A 3 mm-diameter dentin bonding site was demarcated, the adhesive systems were applied and resin composite cones were bonded. After 24 hours in distilled water, tensile bond strength was tested to failure (0.5 mm/minute). Data were submitted to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Scheffé test.
Results: Means were (MPa): (1) 16.60 (+/- 4.10); (2) 8.48 (+/- 4.51); and (3) 6.75 (+/- 1.26). CSE Bond yielded significantly higher bond strengths (P < 0.05). Prime & Bond NT/NRC and One Up Bond F means were markedly low and no statistically significant difference was observed between them.