This paper presents the state of the art of self-etch adhesive systems. Four topics are shown in this review and included: the historic of this category of bonding agents, bonding mechanism, characteristics/properties and the formation of acid-base resistant zone at enamel/dentin-adhesive interfaces. Also, advantages regarding etch-and-rinse systems and classifications of self-etch adhesive systems according to the number of steps and acidity are addressed. Finally, issues like the potential durability and clinical importance are discussed. Self-etch adhesive systems are promising materials because they are easy to use, bond chemically to tooth structure and maintain the dentin hydroxyapatite, which is important for the durability of the bonding.

The bulk-fill composites investigated exhibited higher LT, independent of different filler content and characteristics. Although an increase in composite thickness reduced LT, the BFS of bulk-fill composites at deeper layers was not compromised.

Establishing the efficacy of different artificial aging methods and differences between color change using CIELAB and CIEDE2000 formulas are important to standardize color stability evaluations and facilitate the comparison of outcomes from different studies in the literature.

In the short term, MTBS values were material and dental-substrate dependent. After aging, a decrease in bonding effectiveness was observed in all materials, with nanoleakage at the adhesive/dentin interface. The bonding of the UAs was equal or inferior to that of the conventional restorative systems when applied to either substrate and after either storage period.

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