Prime & Bond NT

This popular one-component bonding product is at once an industry standard and a cutting-edge product.

For more than a decade, Prime & Bond adhesive has provided dental professionals with a trusted and user-friendly product of superior chemistry and proven bond strength. Prime & Bond is the result of 14 years of clinical success as a brand, refined through continued research and testing.

Dentsply Caulk International (Milford, Delaware) first marketed original Prime & Bond in 1994, followed in 1996 by Prime & Bond 2.1, Prime & Bond Dual Cure in 1997, and Prime & Bond NT nanotechnology light-cured dental adhesive in 1998. Prime & Bond NT is a fifth-generation (onecomponent) adhesive that combines primer and adhesive in a single container, simplifying the number of components and treatment steps, but not compromising bond strength and patient comfort.

Versatile Uses
Prime & Bond NT is a light-cured, self-priming dental adhesive indicated for direct composite and compomer restorations; inlays, onlays, and veneers; composite, ceramic, and amalgam repairs; endodontic post cementation, and as a cavity varnish for use with fresh amalgam. With the addition of the company’s Self-Cure Activator, the light-activated adhesive can be converted into a dual-cure adhesive, thus expanding the product’s indications to include indirect restorations. This versatility allows Prime & Bond NT nanotechnology lightcured dental adhesive to be used in virtually all restorative bonding procedures.¹

Superior Bonding Ability
The excellent bonding ability of Prime & Bond NT nanotechnology light-cured dental adhesive is a DPS May 08 Tried & True and Corp 5/20/08 4:35 PM Page 94 result, in part, to the use of exclusive nanofillers, a product of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology deals with the creation and use of materials or devices at the level of molecules and atoms that are 1/1000th the width of a human hair.²According to Dentsply Caulk, its nanofillers are 100 times smaller than the fillers in hybrid composites. The nanofiller particles thoroughly penetrate the dentinal tubules with 1 coat, giving Prime & Bond NT nanotechnology light-cured dental adhesive superior strength and marginal integrity. The particles reinforce the hybrid layer, supporting the collagen fibers and penetrating deep into the dentinal tubules.³
In tests of bond strength conducted by the Dental Evaluation and Consultation Service (DECS) of the US Air Force, Prime & Bond NT nanotechnology light-cured dental adhesive produced a very high bond strength—it was, in fact, the first bonding agent tested by the Service to exhibit a bond strength value greater than the value claimed by its manufacturer.⁴
The strength of the chemical bond of Prime & Bond NT nanotechnology lightcured dental adhesive has been well researched.^5-7 The adhesive's nanofiller technology, combined with the company’s PENTA (dipentaerythritol penta acrylate monophosphate) chemistry formulation, provide a chemical bond to the tooth unlike any other on the market.⁸
Reduced Sensitivity, Increased

Patient Comfort
The highly effective seal achieved by Prime & Bond NT nanotechnology light-cured dental adhesive ensures optimal patient comfort. The product's elastometric resin stretches to compensate as composite shrinks and teeth flex, further improving marginal seal and protecting against secondary decay. Superior tubule penetration prevents tactile and thermally induced pain and postoperative sensitivity.⁹
The product’s use of acetone for the solvent allows the resins and fillers to penetrate deep into the dentinal tubules, augmenting bond strength and reducing microleakage and sensitivity. Acetone carries the resin and nanofillers, pursues moisture in natural tooth structures, and then evaporates completely.

Application Method
Prime & Bond NT nanotechnology light-cured dental adhesive is applied in generous amounts to thoroughly wet all tooth surfaces. This surface should remain fully wet for 20 seconds and may require additional applications of the adhesive. Excess solvent is removed by gentle air drying with a dental syringe for 5 seconds. The surface should have a uniform glossy appearance. The product is then light cured for 10 seconds before restorative is applied.

Packaged To Suit Your Needs
Prime & Bond NT nanotechnology light-cured dental adhesive is available in a 4.5-mL tri-laminated bottle and in pre-dosed, 0.125-mL disposable containers for single patient use. It is also available in an Introductory Kit, Refill Package, Economy Package, and Unit- Dose package. For details, consult the company web site at the end of this article. —Jackie Syrop

References
1. Graham L. Prime & Bond NT universal dental adhesive system: the vital link to versatility in adhesive dentistry. Dental Econom. June 2000.
2. FDA. Nanotechnology: the size of things to come. FDA Consumer. Available at: www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2005/605_nanotechnology.html. Accessed April 1, 2008.
3. Dentsply International. Prime & Bond NT advertising materials (Form 534980). June 23, 2000.
4. US Air Force Dental Evaluation and Consultation Service. Dental Investigation Service # 58. Available at: dis.nhgl.med. navy.mil/DIS58/secb.htm. Accessed April 12, 2008.
5. http://www.caulk.com/assets/clinical/Abstracts/Adhesives/P&BNT_IADR2003/IAD R Abstracts 2003.pdf
6. http://www.caulk.com/assets/clinical/Abstracts/Adhesives/P&BNT_IADR2005/2005 IADRABSTRACTS.pdf
7. Perdigao J, Baratieri LN, Lopes M. Laboratory evaluation and clinical application of a new onebottle adhesive. J Esthet Dent. 1999;11:23-35.
8. Dentsply Caulk. Prime & Bond NT. Available at: www.caulk.com.
9. Crispin B. Research demonstrates consistently pain-free results with the Prime & Bond NT Universal Dental Adhesive System. Contemp Esthet. June 2000.