Bonding mechanism of Ketac-Molar Aplicap and Fuji IX GP to enamel and dentin

Purpose: To evaluate the bonding mechanism to enamel and dentin of two chem ically-cured restorative glass ionomer cements (GICs). Materials and Method s: Buccal surfaces of six caries-free premolars stored in a 1% chloramine s olution were ground and then polished with 600 grit SiC paper to expose bot h enamel and dentin. Ketac-Molar Aplicap (after conditioned with Ketac-Cond itioner) or Fuji IX GP (after conditioned with Cavity Conditioner) was appl ied on the enamel and dentin according to the manufacturers' instructions. Ketac-Molar Aplicap was coated with Ketac-Glaze and Fuji TX GP with GC Fuji Varnish. After 24-hr immersion in water, all teeth were sectioned bucco-li ngually in the center of the bonded surface. Bonded interfaces of one of th e halves of the sectioned specimens were etched with 35% phosphoric acid ge l for 10 s and then soaked in 5% sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 min. Al l specimens were dehydrated with ethyl alcohol and dried with HMDS. Bonding interfaces were coated with gold-palladium and observed under the SEM. Res ults: For both Ketac-Molar Aplicap and Fuji IX GP, an intimate adaptation b etween the material and the enamel was observed. Both materials bonded to d entin without gap formation. For both Ketac-Molar Aplicap and Fuji IX GP, n either resin tags nor hybrid layer was observed in any specimen.