Repair bond strength of bulk-fill resin composite: Effect of different adhesive protocols

This study evaluated the effect of different adhesive protocols on the shear bond strength (SBS) of bulk-fill resin composite repaired with bulk-fill or conventional composite. Cylindrical bulk-fill resin composite specimens were prepared and allocated into groups according to the bonding strategy: no treatment, Silane+Scotch Bond Multipurpose (S+SBMP), Tetric N Bond Universal, and Single Bond Universal. Following bonding strategy, bulk-fill or conventional composite buildups were performed. After 24 h of storage in distilled water at 37°C, shear force was applied to the interface using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α=0.05). SBS was influenced by the bonding strategy and the composite used (p<0.001). Irrespective of the composite used, the group S+SBMP yielded the highest SBS values (p<0.001). Repair bond strength of bulk-fill composites can be improved by using a silane coupling agent followed by a hydrophobic resin.