Follow-up of flowable resin composites performed with a universal adhesive system in non-carious cervical lesions: A randomized, controlled 24-month clinical trial

Purpose: This randomized, controlled study evaluated the 2-year clinical performance of two flowable resin composites performed with a universal adhesive in two etching modes for restoring non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Methods: One hundred NCCLs were restored with two flowable composites (Charisma Opal Flow and G-aenial Universal Flo) and a universal adhesive (Single Bond Universal) with two etching modes (self-etch and etch&rinse) in a random order. The restorations were evaluated for retention, marginal adaptation, anatomic form, marginal discoloration, surface texture and secondary caries (modified USPHS criteria) at baseline, and after 6, 12 and 24 months. Results: The clinical success for retention, surface texture and secondary caries parameters was scored as 100% for each group after 6, 12 and 24 months. The first acceptable changes (Bravo score) in marginal adaptation, anatomical form and marginal discoloration started to show up after 12 months for all test groups, except for etch&rinse+Charisma Opal Flow. Self-etch+Charisma Opal Flow and self-etch+G-aenial Universal Flo showed progressive marginal discoloration that remained in the clinical acceptability level after 2 years. After 24 months, each resin composite restored with either the etch&rinse mode or the self-etch mode of the universal adhesive showed similar clinical performance. Marginal discoloration was higher in the restorations performed with the self-etch system. Selective-etching can be favorable.