Which material is used to bond resin-based restorations to tooth structure?

• A. Articulating paper
• B. Finishing strip
• C. Barbed broach
• D. Resin bond

Answer: (D)

Adhesion of resin-based restorations to tooth structure is achieved with a bonding agent that creates a durable interface between the tooth and the composite. This resin bond forms a hybrid layer and resin tags in etched enamel and dentin, allowing micromechanical interlocking and, with some systems, chemical bonding. The typical sequence is to etch enamel with phosphoric acid, apply a dentin conditioner or primer, then apply the bonding resin before placing and curing the composite. This bonding step improves retention and reduces microleakage at the margins. The other items are unrelated to bonding: articulating paper marks occlusion, finishing strips smooth and finish restorations, and barbed broaches are used in endodontics. So the material used to bond resin-based restorations to tooth structure is the resin bonding agent.