Method: A total of 104 Class V restorations in 22 patients were bonded following either the self-etch approach (AdheSE non-etch, n=52) or a similar application, including prior selective acid-etching of the enamel margins (AdheSE etch, n=52) and were restored with the resin composite Point 4 (Kerr Corp; Orange, CA, USA). The restorations were evaluated at baseline and after 1, 2, 3 and 5 years, according to the modified USPHS criteria and postoperative sensitivity. Data were analyzed using McNemar’s test (p <0.05).
Result: The recall rate at 5 years was 84.6 %. The retention rate for AdheSE non-etch was 86.36%, whereas 88.89% retention rate was recorded for AdheSE etch after 5 years. No significant differences were detected between the retention rates, marginal adaptation at the dentin side, secondary caries, and postoperative sensitivity between AdheSE etch and AdheSE non-etch groups (p>0.05). A significantly higher percentage of restorations in the AdheSE non-etch group showed clinically acceptable marginal discoloration (p=0.0001) and clinically acceptable marginal defects at the enamel side than in the AdheSE etch group (p=0.001).
Conclusion: After five years, the two-step self-etch adhesive exhibited successful clinical performance with or without selective enamel etching in non-carious cervical sclerotic lesions.