Effect of dental silane primer activation time on resin-ceramic bonding

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of activation time for the hydrolysis of dental silane primers on resin bonding to ceramic. Two commercial two-part silane primers (Bis-Silane, BS; Tokuso Ceramic Primer, TCP) were tested. Leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic (IPS Empress CAD) surfaces were used as the bonding substrates. The degree of hydrolysis of each mixed silane was observed at five specified times (immediately, 10 min, 30 min, 1 h, and 2 h after mixing) using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Prior to resin (Duo-Link) bonding, the polished ceramic surfaces were pretreated with silanes that were activated in two different ways: an 'in-solution' or 'on-surface' activation, at the specified times. All bonded specimens were stored in water at37 °C for 24 h prior to tensile bond strength (TBS) testing (n = 12). A one-bottle silane (Monobond-S, MS) was also tested. The FTIR analysis showed that the hydrolysis proceeded gradually for 2 h in the BS, but the initial hydrolysis halted in the TCP. When the BS was further hydrolyzed up to 2 h, the TBS values significantly increased up to 30 min (p < 0.001) with no further significant increases (p > 0.05) regardless of the activation method used. For TCP, there were no significant differences in TBS as a function of activation time (p > 0.05). The fractographic analysis of the debonded surfaces was consistent with the TBS data. In conclusion, a lengthened activation time was effective for the BS in enhancing resin bonding efficacy to the ceramic.