State of the art of self-etch adhesives

This paper reflects on the state of the art of self-etch adhesives anno 2010. After presenting the general characteristics of self-etch adhesives, the major shortcomings of the most simple-to-use one-step (self-etch) adhesives are addressed. Special attention is devoted to the AD-concept and the benefit of chemical interfacial interaction with regard to bond durability. Finally, issues like the potential interference of surface smear and the more challenging bond to enamel for 'mild' self-etch adhesives are discussed. (C) 2010 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.