Dentine bonding agents--optimizing the use of composite materials.

The latest generation of dentine adhesives appear to show improved bonding to dentine than did their predecessors. Therefore, in clinical situations where there is little enamel, and instead large areas of dentine to bond to, or in situations where there are smaller areas of 'critical' dentine, dentine bonding agents may be of value in optimizing the use of a wide range of composite materials. This article reviews the mode of action of dentine adhesives, and details the clinical technique for some applications.