Objectives: To compare the in vitro shear bond strength of two commerc
ially available resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RmGIC) to bovine
dentine, with and without the use of adhesive bonding systems. Method
s: Ninety-six flat bovine dentine surfaces were divided into eight gro
ups for bonding procedures. Fuji II LC and Vitremer were bonded to den
tine that had been treated with and without Clearfil Photo Bond, Clear
fil Liner Bond, or Clearfil Liner Bond II. The control group consisted
of specimens that were treated as recommended by the manufacturer of
each resin-modified glass ionomer cement. The bonded assemblies were s
tored in tap water for 24 h at 37 degrees C, and shear bond strengths
measured using a universal-testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 m
m/min. Results: For the control group, shear bond strength of Fuji II
LC was significantly greater than Vitremer (P < 0.005). However, when
any of the resin bonding systems was applied, no statistical differenc
e between Fuji II LC and Vitremer was determined (P > 0.05). The Clear
fil PhotoBond and Liner Bond groups showed similar bond strengths (P >
0.05), but were significantly less than Liner Bond II (P < 0.001). Co
nclusions: A recent bonding system combined with the RmGICs exhibited
the greatest shear bond strength to dentine, irrespective of chemical
differences that may exist between the two RmGICs. (C) 1998 Elsevier S
cience Ltd. All rights reserved.