Influence of bovine teeth obtained from different area on enamel and dentin bond strength of 2-step adhesive systems

Abstract

Due to the current problem related to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy, bovine teeth that are specified to belong to head/neck organs, have been restricted to be used in Japan. Bovine teeth have been used as a substitute for human teeth in bond tests of various dental materials. However, the reduction of bovine teeth available may bring a situation we have to use bovine teeth regardless of their origins. Unfortunately, the influence of their origins on bond strength of adhesive systems is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of bovine teeth collected from 4 different places on bonding efficacy of two light-cured adhesive systems in terms of shear bond strength and topographic evaluation of fractured specimens. The results showed no significant difference in bond strength among 4 origins of bovine teeth. On the other hand, fractographical evaluations by a light microscope and SEM revealed difference in the origins. Further study is needed to clarify the characteristics of bovine teeth for the substitute of human teeth.