Laboratory evaluation of Amalgambond and Amalgambond Plus.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of a microfilled resin restorative material and an amalgam alloy to dentin using the Amalgambond Plus adhesive system with a variety of bonding regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study design incorporated bonding composite to both dry and moist dentin using open-ended plastic matrices and closed-ended gelatin capsules. In addition, the bond strength of amalgam to dry dentin was determined. RESULTS: The mean SBS of Silux Plus to dentin using Amalgambond without the HPA powder ranged from 17.55 +/- 1.96 MPa to 22.47 +/- 3.89 MPa. The SBS range observed when the microfilled composite was bonded to dentin with Amalgambond Plus (includes the HPA powder) was from 20.33 +/- 3.84 MPa to 22.50 +/- 3.69 MPa. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the SBS of the microfilled resin restorative material to dentin between the groups that were bonded using an open-ended cylinder-shaped plastic matrix and those prepared using a closed-ended gelatin capsule matrix, nor was there a difference (P > 0.05) in the SBS when the microfilled resin restorative material was bonded to either wet or dry dentin surfaces. The use of multiple applications of Amalgambond adhesive did not markedly increase the SBS with this system. The mean bond strength of amalgam alloy (Dispersalloy) to dentin using Amalgambond Plus was 10.41 +/- 1.47 MPa.