Principles of Adhesion to Tooth Structure

Abstract

Adhesion or bonding refers to the forces or energies between atoms or molecules at an interface that hold two phases together. Adherends are the surface or substrate that is adhered. While, Adhesive/adherent is the material that can join substances together, resist separation and transmit loads across the bond. This article highlights the concept of adhesion, wettabiltity, factors affecting strength of the adhesive junction, then it focuses on the adhesion in dentistry, factors affecting bonding to tooth structure, Composition of dental adhesive Systems, Classification of dental adhesives and finally, degradation of the adhesive interface.