Dentin Biomodifiers to Stabilize the Bonded Interface

Majority of esthetic restorations are currently done using resin composites. It is important to have a stable adhesion between tooth substrate and adhesive resin in order to have clinically successful composite restorations over long term. Even though adhesive systems have significantly improved, still the bonded interface remains the weakest area of resinous restorations. This has been attributed mainly to degradation of exposed collagen at the base of hybrid layer leading to deterioration of resin-dentin bond. Various dentin biomodifiers are currently under research to reduce the enzymatic breakdown of collagen and improve their mechanical stability. Dentin biomodification involves use of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors and collagen cross linkers on acid conditioned dentin. Although only preliminary research is available, dentin biomodification appears to be a promising approach to stabilize the resin-dentin bond. This paper briefly reviews different dentin biomodifying agents, their mechanism of action and their role in improving the resin-dentin durability.