The purpose of this study was to compare the microshear bond strength (µSBS) and bonding interfaces of two-step total-etching and self-etching adhesive systems to three etch types of dentin either the acid etched, laser etched or laser and acid etched.

The occlusal dentinal surfaces of thirty human molars were used. They were divided into six groups: group 1, 37% H₃PO₄ + Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE); group 2, Er:YAG laser (KEY Laser 3, KaVo) + Single Bond 2; group 3, Er:YAG laser + 37% H₃PO₄ + Single Bond 2; group 4, Clearfil SE Primer + Bond (Kuraray); group 5, Er:YAG laser + Clearfil SE Bond; group 6, Er:YAG laser + Clearfil SE Primer + Bond. The samples were subjected to µSBS testing 24 hr after bonding. Also scanning microscopic evaluations were made on the resin-dentin interfaces of six specimens.

The µSBS of group 2 was significantly lower than that of groups 1 and 3 in Single Bond 2 (p < 0.05). There were significant differences among the uSBS of groups 4, 5, and 6 in Clearfil SE Bond (p < 0.05). Very short and slender resin tags were observed in groups 2 and 5. Long and slender resin tags and lateral branches of tags were observed in groups 3 and 6.

Treatment of dentin surface using phosphoric acid or self-etching primer improved the adhesion of Er:YAG lased dentin.