Chronological history and current advancements of dental adhesive systems development: a narrative review

This literature review describes the history, and discusses important aspects regarding bonding mechanisms, clinical performance, and current status of different types of dental adhesives. The development of dental bonding has remarkably changed concepts and procedures related to Restorative Dentistry. Buonocore’s report on enamel acid-etching, followed by the description of the hybrid layer by Nakabayashi and his co-workers, and the use of the total-etch protocol were some of the scientific breakthroughs responsible for changing paradigms in dental practice. Also, the synthesis of functional monomers that can chemically bond to dental hard tissues has helped increase clinicians trust on Adhesive Dentistry. According to the mechanism of action and mode of use, past and present (available in the market) dental adhesives can be divided in generations. Currently, user-friendly, simplified products and restorative techniques have become popular among clinicians, who require products that do not just bond to the tooth, but also present antibacterial, remineralizing and/or enzymatic-inhibitory effects that can increase the longevity of adhesive procedures. Therefore, due to the great range of available bonding agents, clinicians must understand how these products work, and how their composition and mode of use influence the clinical outcomes of adhesive procedures, in order to decide what is the best adhesive system for each clinical application.