Effect of cross-head speed on the bond strength of dental resin to tooth structure – A review and re-analysis

Objective

To review the published evidence for the role of cross-head speed on the apparent mechanical properties and bond strength of filled resins to tooth structure in order to identify the causes of inconsistency and contradictory results.

Method

The data for all available mechanical test results for studies involving dental resins at more than one strain rate was collected from 22 papers. Statistical reanalysis using linear regression was used to test the hypothesis that cross-head speed was correlated with the outcome, with the implication of causality, in each case.

Results

In many cases the expected trend was found, in others not. However, it was apparent that the quality of data was often less than can be achieved, and that known interferences have not been recognized.

Significance

Experimental work for the effect of cross-head speed on bond strength and other properties for dental resin-based materials has often failed to reach the standard which is required for useful data and thus better comprehension of behaviour. Other relevant conditions, such as temperature and water saturation, are in need of attention in this context.