The purpose of this study is to evaluate bonding efficacy by means of measuring the effect of remained solvent on Degree of conversion(DC) and µTBS and FE-SEM examination.

Two 2-step total etching adhesives and two single-step self etching adhesives were used in this study. First, volume weight loss of 4 dentin adhesives were measured using weighting machine in process of time in normal conditions and calculate degree of evaporation (DE). Reaction/reference intensity ratio were measured using micro-Raman spectroscopy and calculate DC according to DE. Then 2 experimental groups were prepared according to air-drying methods (under, over) and control group was prepared to manufacturer's instruction. Total 12 groups were evaluated by means of micro tensile bond strength and FE-SEM examination.

Degree of evaporation (DE) was increased as time elapsed but different features were observed according to the kind of solvents. Acetone based adhesive showed higher DE than ethanol and butanol based adhesive. Degree of conversion (DC) was increased according to DE except for S³ bond. In µTBS evaluation, bond strength was increased by additional air-drying. Large gaps and droplets were observed in acetone based adhesives by FE-SEM pictures.

Additional air-drying is recommended for single-step self etching adhesive but careful consideration is required for 2-step total etching adhesive because of oxygen inhibition layer. Evaporation method is carefully chose and applied according to the solvent type.