Does Immediate Dentine Sealing Improve Bonding Effectiveness of Glass Ceramic Restorations Compared to Delayed Dentine Sealing?

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine whether immediate dentine sealing (IDS) or delayed dentine sealing (DDS) would lead to a more effective bond between dentine and indirect glass ceramic restorations. Bonding effectiveness was determined by assessing bond strength or force to fracture from the selected studies. This report followed the PRISMA Statement. A total of 10 articles were subsequently identified for inclusion. In vitro studies evaluating bond strength or force to fracture of etchable glass ceramic restorations, following a bonding protocol that incorporates IDS and DDS were eligible to be selected. Analysis has shown IDS creates a more effective bond between dentine and glass ceramic restorations compared with DDS in 9 out of 10 of the studies assessed. Bond effectiveness was judged using three outcomes; microtensile bond strength (μTBS), shear bond strength (SBS) and force to fracture. IDS was shown to increase μTBS and force to fracture, in all seven studies that assessed these outcomes. IDS was also shown to positively affect the SBS in 3 of the 4 studies that assessed SBS. Further clinical trials are now required to understand the significance of IDS in a clinical environment.