Interactions of conditioners on the dentin surface.

The distinction between dentin conditioners and primers has become blurred as agents have been combined to simplify the steps required in dentin bonding. Most bonding systems use acidic conditioners designed to remove the smear layer and demineralize the dentin surface. It would seem desirable to reduce the acid concentration and/or application time to the minimum required to obtain maximum bond strengths and minimum microleakage. The pulpal effects of acidic conditioners seem to be minimal if the subsequently placed bonding agents and resin composites truly seal dentin. Several systems have been designed to be bonded to smear layers, including the new light-cured glass-ionomer cements. More research is needed to develop methods of strengthening smear layers and the bonds between them and adhesive resins.