Q: Can I use PQ1 bonding resin with all curing lights?
A: PQ1 bonding resin cures with all lights, however, we do not recommend use with argon lasers.
Q: What kind of filler is found in PQ1 bonding resin?
A: The fillers are silica dioxide and FluorUtite.
Q: What is the film thickness of PQ1 bonding resin?
A: PQ1 bonding resin can be thinned to 2µm.
Q: What type of monomer does PQ1 bonding resin contain?
A: PQ1 bonding resin is BisGMA based but also contains other methacrylate-based hydrophilic monomers.
Q: How does a highly-filled bonding resin create a higher bond strength?
A: Fillers in bonding agents facilitate stronger bonds because their presence reduces polymerization shrinkage, has a lower coefficient of expansion, and reduction in water absorption of the bonding resin. When resins cure, they shrink and the fillers provide a basic structure to counteract that shrinkage. When two different materials such as a resin and a tooth are exposed to temperature changes, they expand and contract at different rates. The fillers placed in resins typically have a coefficient of expansion that is similar to that of a tooth; therefore, the tooth and the resin expand and contract more closely to the same amount, placing less force on the tooth resin interface. Unfilled resins absorb water which cause them to distort through a process called hydrolysis. The addition of fillers reduces the amount or degree of water absorption. This places less detrimental force on the tooth bonding resin interface. The addition of fillers reduces the loss of bonding resin at the margin, and increases the strength of resins. All of these improved physical properties make the use of a filled bonding resin preferable over an unfilled bonding resin.
Q: Are there any instances where the etch step may be skipped with PQ1 bonding resin?
A: The only instances where the etch step can be skipped is on deciduous teeth, deep subgingival class V, or deep subgingival class II preparations. In these cases, etching may initiate bleeding. Acid etch is not just important for roughening the bonding surface; it is also important for cleaning this surface. If the doctor skips the etch step, they should apply some Consepsis prior to placing the restoration. For the best bonds, however, the doctors should still etch.
