The effect of etchant and cement age on the adhesion of resin composite to conventional and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements

The effects of etching with maleic or phosphoric acid on the adhesion of resin composite to resin-modified glass-ionomer cement restorative materials were evaluated through a shear bond test. These effects were determined with both recently set and aged cement. For the three resin-modified materials tested, compared to no etching, the two etchants improved or did not affect the adhesion of resin composite, regardless of the age of the cement. For a chemically cured material, included in the study as a control, the same effects were observed, except that etching of the recently set cement with maleic acid was detrimental to adhesion.