Fatigue of the resin–enamel bonded interface and the mechanisms of failure

The durability of adhesive bonds to enamel and dentin and the mechanisms of degradation caused by cyclic loading are important to the survival of composite restorations. In this study a novel method of evaluation was used to determ.ine the strength of resin–enamel bonded interfaces under both static and cyclic loading, and to identify the mechanisms of failure. Specimens with twin interfaces of enamel bonded to commercial resin composite were loaded in monotonic and cyclic 4-point flexure to failure within a hydrated environment. Results for the resin–enamel interface were compared with those for the resin composite (control) and values reported for resin–dentin adhesive bonds. Under both modes of loading the strength of the resin–enamel interface was significantly (p≤0.0001) lower than that of the resin composite and the resin–dentin bonded interface. Fatigue failure of the interface occurred predominately by fracture of enamel, adjacent to the interface, and not due to adhesive failures. In the absence of water aging or acid production of biofilms, the durability of adhesive bonds to enamel is lower than that achieved in dentin bonding.