Function of the hybrid zone as a stress-absorbing layer in resin-dentin bonding.

The effects of dentinal surface conditioning with phosphoric acid or with phosphoric acid and subsequent deproteinization by sodium hypochlorite on resin bonding are presented. Bond strengths mediated by the Gluma/Pekafill bonding and restorative system were not affected by the alternative pretreatment methods, while marginal performance of restorations in dentinal cavities was significantly adversely affected by the deproteinization procedure. The resin polymer coupling zone has an important function as a layer that compensates for the curing stresses of the restorative material that act in a wall-to-wall direction.