RAMAN IMAGING OF DENTAL ADHESIVE DIFFUSION

The clinical success of dental composites depends critically upon the adhesive bond that secures it to the tooth. Previous efforts to charac terize the adhesive/dentin interface have generally required sample pr eparation that alters or damages the interface. Using micro-Raman spec troscopy, we have collected chemical and morphologic information on th e dentin/adhesive interface with minimal sample preparation, Results f rom this technique have provided direct evidence of adhesive penetrati on and demineralization depth for two adhesive systems.