| Summary: | A fluoride-releasing adhesive system is expected to promote mineralization of demineralized dentin/enamel around a composite restoration, thereby contributing to the longevity of the restoration. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observations revealed the formation of an “acid–base resistant zone” (ABRZ) beneath the hybrid layer when dentin was treated with a self-etch adhesive system. A thicker ABRZ was formed from the upper slope to the end of the outer lesion, indicating greater resistance against an acid-base challenge, when a fluoride-releasing self-etch adhesive system was used. The slope formation of a fluoride-releasing adhesive is believed to be due to fluoride-release from the adhesive. Quantitative assessment of the acid resistance was performed at the interface using the region of interest (ROI) mode of a digital image analysis software package. The area of the ABRZ is influenced by the concentration of fluoride release from the adhesive resin. The threshold of fluoride concentration in the adhesive may exist to influence the morphology of the ABRZ. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis of the dentin treated with different concentrations of NaF-mouth rinses suggested that different fluoride concentrations result in the formation of different chemical compounds, such as fluorapatite and CaF2-like structures, on the dentin surface. This may explain the differences in μTBS values and morphological appearance of the ABRZ. NaF is effective in enhancing the enamel/dentin bond durability and also helps create a high quality of ARBZ to improve the clinical success of restorations.
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