Effect of different adhesive systems and laser treatment on the shear bond strength of bleached enamel

Purpose: This study determined the shear bond strength of a nanohybrid composite resin to bleached enamel immediately or 15 days later using different adhesive systems and laser application. Methods: One hundred and forty enamel specimens were prepared from human molar teeth and bleached either with 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) or 30% CP according to the manufacturer's (Vivastyle/Vivadent) recommendations. After bleaching treatments specimens were divided into two groups according to the treatment time of the adhesive procedures: immediately or 15 days after the bleaching treatments. The four groups were then divided into five subgroups due to the surface treatments: using a two-step self-etching adhesive (AdheSe, Ivoclar Vivadent G, Schaan, Liechtenstein) or a two-step etch and rinse adhesive (Excite, Ivoclar Vivadent G, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and application of laser prior to adhesive procedures or not. After adhesive procedures nanohybrid composite resin cylinders of 4 mm × 2 mm (Tetric Evo Ceram/Vivadent) were bonded to the enamel surfaces. All specimens were subjected to shear bond strength test after thermocycling and 24 h of storage in water. Data were analyzed statistically. Results: Mann-Whitney U-test analysis showed no significant difference in the mean bond strength values of enamel bleached with either 16% CP or 30% CP (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the groups bonded immediately or 15 days after bleaching (p > 0.05). Application of the etch and rinse adhesive after 15 days showed the highest bond strength values, whereas self-etching adhesive and laser application showed the lowest values in both bleaching treatments. Conclusions: The results suggested that following the bleaching treatments, the use of etch and rinse adhesive system may provide higher bond strengths than self-etching adhesive and laser application.