Dentine Bonding Agent
An adhesive system applied to etched or conditioned tooth structure to facilitate micromechanical and chemical bonding between the tooth and a resin-based restorative material.
Full Definition
A dentine bonding agent (DBA) is a multi-component adhesive system comprising a primer and an adhesive resin designed to create a hybrid layer at the dentine surface by infiltrating demineralised collagen fibrils. The term encompasses several generations of adhesive systems, ranging from three-step etch-and-rinse systems to contemporary one-step self-etch adhesives. In British English publications, 'dentine' is the preferred spelling, whereas 'dentin' is standard in American English—editors must standardise to house style. 'Bonding agent' is sometimes used colloquially, but the full form 'dentine bonding agent' or 'dental adhesive' is preferred in formal documents.
Usage
Usage note: Standardise spelling to 'dentine' (British) or 'dentin' (American) per house style. Do not confuse the 'primer' and 'adhesive' sub-components with the overall bonding agent system.
In Context
- "A two-step self-etch dentine bonding agent was applied before placement of the composite restoration." — Clinical methodology section
- "The manuscript inconsistently used 'dentin bonding agent' and 'dentine bonding agent'; this was standardised to the British spelling per journal style." — Editorial correction note