Single Bond Dental Adhesive System is a light-activated, "one-component" dentin bonding agent recommended by the manufacturer for direct applications. Specifically, 3M indicates that Single Bond can be used for direct composite applications, porcelain veneers, root surface desensitization, and porcelain repair. For other types of bonding such as amalgam bonding and inlay/onlay cementation, 3M recommends using the broader, multi-purpose bonding product it manufactures, Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus Adhesive. The Single Bond kit contains two 3-mL syringes of 35 percent phosphoric acid etchant, one 6-mL bottle of Single Bond Adhesive, application accessories (e.g., brush tips, syringe tips, disposable mixing wells), and technique cards. According to 3M, the adhesive contains ethanol, water, hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), polyalkenoic acid copolymer, bisphenol glycidylmethacrylate (Bis-GMA) and a photoinitiator.
To use the product for routine direct composite bonding, the etchant is applied for 15 seconds to enamel and dentin. The etchant is then removed by thorough rinsing and the tooth structure is blotted to remove excess water. The tooth surface should be "moist" immediately before the adhesive is applied. The adhesive is applied to enamel and dentin in 2 consecutive coats using a fully saturated brush. The adhesive is then lightly dried for 2 to 5 seconds and light cured for 10 seconds.
Evaluators reported that Single Bond was easy to use and relatively quick to apply. The Single Bond adhesive does simplify the application process because it is both primer and adhesive resin in one bottle, with no mixing of components required. 3M has provided complete instructions printed in a larger-size font than normal, which makes them easier to read. To further simplify using the product, 3M includes summary instruction cards with graphics that briefly describe and show how the product is used. In DIS laboratory tests, the bond strength of Single Bond was greater than that of three other "one-component" bonding products. 3M has introduced two features that distinguish Single Bond from other "one-component" bonding products: the bottle has an attached, hinged cap to keep it from being dropped or lost and the bottle is made of orange, semi-transparent plastic so the amount of liquid remaining can be visually checked. Users noted that the hinged bottle cap worked well in keeping the cap with the bottle, but they didn't think it was a very important feature. Expiration date and lot number are stamped on the box, and recommended storage conditions are also listed on the box.
Although it is advertised as a "one-bottle" bonding agent, its use requires pre-application etching of enamel and dentin with a 35 percent phosphoric acid etchant. Yet this etchant does simultaneously condition enamel and dentin, which simplifies the etching process. Evaluators felt that it was a good idea to make the bottle of adhesive slightly transparent so users can see how much of the liquid is left, but they found the plastic bottle was too thick to easily see the remaining level. Because the tooth must remain “moist” for bonding, it can be difficult to assess the quality of the enamel etch. Some practitioners may find it difficult to develop a consistent procedure if they are unsure of the degree of "moistness" enamel or dentin should have at the time of bonding. As with most “one-bottle” adhesives, the system is not equipped with all components required to perform some of the procedures described in the instructions. An inadequate number of syringe tips is provided for the etchant syringe. The box is large which complicates storage.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
