Restorative Dentistry

Basic Properties of Self- and Total-Etch Adhesives

Selective etch technique enables esthetic restorations

While total-etch adhesive systems have a track record of more than 12 years,^1,2 self-etch adhesives have won favor with many dentists due to their simple technique and reduced risk of post-operative sensitivity. Some data show that self-etch systems produce just half as much post-operative sensitivity as total-etch products, although data suggest that the sensitivity seen with total-etch adhesives, which involve multiple steps, depends on clinical technique^3,4,5,6 Thus, while total-etch systems have accumulated more years of data, self-etch adhesives offer a compelling, patient-friendly advantage.