Influence of operator experience on non-carious cervical lesion restorations: Clinical evaluation with different adhesive systems

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of operator experience on adhesive technique and to assess the clinical performances of two different adhesive systems. Methods: 90 cervical lesions in 42 subjects, with a mean age of 52.4 years (range between 32-63) were selected. Lesions were divided into two groups according to operator experience (n= 42 restorations performed by a skilled operator, n= 48 restorations performed by five unexperienced operators) and further divided into two subgroups according to the adhesive system used: three-step etch-and-rinse (Optibond FL) or one step self-etch (G-Bond). Adhesives were applied according to manufacturers' instructions. Subjects underwent follow-up at 12, 24, and 36 months and restoration retention, enamel and dentin marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, caries occurrence, post-operative sensitivity, and preservation of tooth vitality were evaluated according to USPSH criteria. ANOVA test was performed to evaluate the influence of the adhesive system, the operator experience, and aging on restorations. Results: Operator experience (expert vs. inexperienced), aging time (12,24, or 36 months), and the adhesive system (self-etch vs. etch-and-rinse) all affected the results statistically, as did the interaction between the adhesive system and operator experience.