Replica patterns on composite restorations performed in vitro with different acid-etch procedures and dentin adhesives.

160 experimental Class V restorations using two chemically cured composite resins were inserted in extracted human teeth with conventional and modified acid-etch restorative procedures. The modifications included cavity treatment with non-composite resin, ethanol, or four different dentin adhesives. Following demineralization of the teeth the fillings were examined in the SEM concerning their replica patterns of the etched cavity walls. In vitro conditions favored resin penetration into pretreated enamel and dentin, but resulted in minor variations between different acid-etch procedures compared with those previously seen on resin restorations placed in vivo in teeth with vital pulps.