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Dental Adhesives and Sealants: Enhancing Bond Strength and Long-Term Oral Protection
Dental adhesives, also known as bonding agents, are sophisticated resin-based materials designed to create a strong, durable micromechanical and sometimes chemical bond between tooth structure (enamel and dentin) and restorative materials like composite resin, porcelain, or metal. The process typically involves a series of steps: conditioning the tooth with a mild acid (etching) to create microscopic pores in the enamel and a collagen-rich layer in the dentin, followed by the application of a primer to penetrate this layer, and finally the adhesive resin itself, which flows into the micro-retentive spaces and is light-cured. This forms a "hybrid layer"—a fusion of adhesive resin and tooth collagen—that effectively seals the sensitive dentin, prevents bacterial microleakage, and secures the restoration. Modern "universal" or self-etching adhesives have streamlined this multi-step process into fewer, more user-friendly steps, improving clinical efficiency while maintaining bond strength.
In contrast, dental sealants are purely preventive, non-invasive materials applied to…