Description

3M ESPE Adper Scotchbond SE is a two-bottle, self-etching adhesive system (6^th-generation, Type I). It is indicated for use with light-cured direct restorations, porcelain, composite and metal repair, and root surface desensitization. The primer features a pink indicator that disappears upon the application of the adhesive. The adhesive is radiopaque and tinted yellow, with the color disappearing after application over the self-etching primer. Although it is recommended that the tooth be lightly dried prior to the bonding procedure, the system is moisture tolerant, allowing for bonding to wet or dry preparations. The material is not compatible with dual- or self-cured materials or for use in bonding porcelain veneers. The introductory kit contains 5 g of primer, and 5 g of adhesive and accessories. Instructions for use begin with application of Liquid A (primer) to coat the preparation surface, followed by application of Liquid B (adhesive) for 20 seconds. A 10-second air dry is followed by a second coat of Liquid B that is lightly air thinned and light cured for 10 seconds. This bonding system received a 91% rating.

Evaluation Protocol

• Fifteen editors of THE DENTAL ADVISOR clinically evaluated 3M ESPE Adper Scotchbond SE.
• 238 bonding procedures were completed during the evaluation period.
• 3M ESPE Adper Scotchbond SE was evaluated on a 1 to 5 rating scale:
  • 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = very good, 5 = excellent.

Editors’ Observations

Manufacturer’s instructions/Packaging
Clear instructions and color diagrams on laminated cards make the system easy to understand. Packaging is complete, including color coding of Liquid A and B bottle tops and applicators. Clarification of time is needed in instructions for application of Liquid A (primer).

Viscosity/Ease of Application
Viscosity of both primer and adhesive was generally well-liked by editors. The primer was judged by some to be a little runny but did wet the preparation surface well. The need for two different brushes, two coats of adhesive, and 10 seconds of air drying between coats makes application more complicated than other bonding systems.

Color Indicator
The pink color indicator is easy to see and confirms a thorough application of the self-etching primer, followed by a proper coating of adhesive to change the color. Although appreciated by some editors, this feature was judged to be unnecessary by others. Furthermore, some editors expressed concern about the pink color of the primer running outside of preparations or affecting the color of finished restorations at the margins.

Time Required for Bonding Procedure
Total time required is longer than with many other bonding systems. Application of a self-etching primer takes minimal time, but a 20-second application of Liquid B, followed by a 10-second air dispersion and a second coat of Liquid B extends the procedure.

Postoperative Sensitivity/Desensitizer Efficacy
Minimal postoperative sensitivity was noted by editors. Use as a desensitizer was sporadic, especially given other systems available with less complicated procedures.

Overall Ease of Use
Very good final results with this bonding system were offset by lengthy application procedures. Room temperature storage is a nice feature, as is minimal odor of the primer and adhesive. There were no problems noted with metal band removal, nor any instances of debonding during the evaluation period. Seventy-five percent of editors rated 3M ESPE Adper Scotchbond SE to be equivalent to their current 6^th-generation bonding agent, and 67% would recommend it to a colleague.