Enamel bond strength of self-etch sealant with and without prior acid etching.

Our study was undertaken to evaluate the bond strength (BS) of a self-etch sealant to enamel and to determine the effect of prior enamel conditioning with phosphoric acid. Lingual surfaces of permanent human molars were mounted in copper rings and assigned to five groups: Group 1, Clinpro (control); Group 2, Enamel Loc; Groups 3, 4, 5, Enamel Loc with prior phosphoric acid etching of enamel for 5, 10, 15 seconds, respectively. Sealants were applied and BS measured. Clinpro showed significantly higher BS than Enamel Loc. Prior enamel etching for 10 and 15 seconds improved BS of Enamel Loc.