An Update on Universal Adhesives: Indications and Limitations

This article presents an overview of the so-called “Universal Adhesives”, which theoretically have the potential to simplify and expedite adhesive protocols, by providing flexibility about the etching approach and type of substrate, thus representing the state-of-the-art in adhesive dentistry. However, despite the claimed advantages of having a single adhesive for all uses, there is still controversial information about the most convenient techniques and indications for this type of adhesives. This review aimed to summarize the historic background and clinical indications of Universal Adhesives. Also, commercially available products and th eir compositions will be presented, and the most relevant results from laboratorial research and clinical trials using Universal Adhesives will be discussed.Recent FindingsThe 10-MDP monomer has become the standard reference for acid phosphate functional monomers, providing a high reactivity with metallic, ceramic, and mineral substrates. Nonetheless, manufacturers have developed several other functional monomers to provide “universal” bonding capabilities to their adhesives. In general, recent studies suggest that Universal Adhesives present acceptable survival rates on restorations of non-carious cervical lesions, for up to 5 years. However, there is a high incidence of marginal discoloration, which is even high er when the Universal Adhesives are applied with a self-etch technique. Thus, to reduce the problems associated with ma...
Source: Current Oral Health Reports - Category: Dentistry Source Type: research