Relationship between bond strength tests and other in vitro phenomena

Objectives: The objective of this manuscript is to outline the relationship between bond strength tests of adhesive materials and other in vitro phenomena by reviewing the literature generated over the thirty years. Methods: Information was gathered from nearly 30 published articles appearing in dental literature. Studies were predominantly identified through a search of the PubMED database with a few additional studies published in Japanese domestic journals. Results: Studies were included that provided evidence for the relationship between results of evaluations of the bond strengths and other in vitro phenomena such as micro-leakage, nanoleakage, structural of bonding interface and mechanical properties of bonding interface. An attempt was made to select articles that spanned the timeframe from approximately 1980 to today to try to ensure that the classic literature as well as the latest information was included. Conclusions: Previous studies have indicated bond strength did not correlate with the results of micro-leakage tests nor gap formation at the cavity margin. The nanoleakage test and morphological and chemical characteristics of the bonding interface had potential to predict the dentin bond durability. Significance: Bond strength test results and other in vitro phenomena was not evenly correlated. According to the development of the materials, the most appropriate bond test and analysis of the in vitro phenomena should be also developed.