Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of different application methods of remineralizing agents (MI Paste Plus Recaldent and Clinpro 5000) on dentinal tubule occlusion, surface composition, and the bond strength of a universal adhesive system to eroded dentin. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty bovine teeth were sectioned to expose dentin and subjected to a 15-day erosive challenge. Specimens were divided into five groups (n = 25) based on the remineralization strategy: passive or active application of MI Paste Plus Recaldent, passive or active application of Clinpro 5000, and a control group (no treatment). Scotchbond Universal adhesive system was applied using the self-etch strategy. Dentinal tubule occlusion and precipitate formation were assessed using scanning electron microscopy, while EDX analysis determined elemental composition. Microtensile bond strength was measured, and failure modes were classified.
Results: Active application of MI Paste Plus Recaldent improved dentinal tubule occlusion and bond strength compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Passive application of Clinpro 5000 showed the highest tubule occlusion; however, its active application promoted fluoride deposition but decreased bond strength (p < 0.05). No differences were observed among groups regarding surface residue precipitation (p > 0.05). Mixed failure was predominant in all groups. EDX analysis detected fluoride and reduced Ca/P ration only in the active application of Clinpro 5000. Conclusion: The effects of remineralizing agents on dentin tubule occlusion and bond strength depend on both the material and the application method. MI Paste Plus was more effective with active application, while Clinpro 5000 showed better results with passive application.