Evaluation of the bonding and clinical performance of a self-adhesive restorative material

Aim: To evaluate the bonding and clinical performance of a self-adhesive hybrid composite (Surefil One, SF; Dentsply Sirona) through complementary laboratory and clinical investigations. Materials and methods: The laboratory phase employed non-carious extracted molars to assess microtensile bond strength (μTBS) to dentin, comparing SF with a conventional adhesive composite restoration (CTR, iBond universal+Venus Pearl; Kulzer). Specimens were tested immediately and after 12 months of artificial aging. The clinical phase consisted of a randomized controlled clinical trial, enrolling 17 patients with non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) on canines and/or upper premolars. Each patient received both treatments on contralateral teeth (split-mouth design). Restorations were evaluated at baseline, after 7 days and 6 months using photos, digital scans and modified USPHS criteria. Data were statistically analyzed (p<0.05). Results: Laboratory findings demonstrated that CTR exhibited significantly higher μTBS compared to SF (p<0.05). Artificial aging significantly reduced μTBS across all groups (p<0.05). Clinically, despite no postoperative sensitivity in either approach, CTR demonstrated superior color match, marginal adaptation, and reduced marginal discoloration at 6-month follow-up (p<0.05). Conclusions: Although self-adhesive restorative materials may provide simplified handling and rapid application, conventional adhesive composite restorations remain superior for bond strength, clinical performance, and aesthetic outcomes in NCCL restorations.