total-etch is a dental bonding approach where an acidic gel is used to etch both enamel (the hard outer tooth layer) and dentin (the softer layer underneath). It is commonly used before placing tooth-colored fillings (composite resin) and other bonded restorations. The goal is to help an adhesive “stick” reliably by creating a micro-textured surface for bonding. You may also hear it called an *etch-and-rinse* technique.
selective etch is a bonding technique used in restorative dentistry. It means applying an acid etchant to enamel (the hard outer tooth surface) while limiting or avoiding etching on dentin (the softer layer underneath). It is commonly used when placing tooth-colored fillings (composite resin), sealants, and some repair procedures. The goal is to improve enamel bonding while keeping dentin bonding more controlled and less technique-sensitive.
phosphoric acid etch is a dental conditioning step that prepares tooth surfaces for bonding. It is commonly used before placing tooth-colored fillings, sealants, and some repairs. It briefly contacts enamel or dentin, then is rinsed away. Its purpose is to improve how well dental adhesives and restorative materials attach to teeth.
acid etch is a dental surface-conditioning step that uses an acid gel or liquid to microscopically roughen tooth structure. It is most commonly used before bonding materials like composite (tooth-colored) fillings, sealants, veneers, and orthodontic brackets. The goal is to help adhesives “grip” the tooth more reliably. It is a standard part of many modern adhesive dentistry workflows.
enamel etching is a surface-conditioning step used to help dental materials stick to tooth enamel. It usually involves applying a mild acid gel to create microscopic texture on the enamel. This textured surface improves bonding for restorations and preventive treatments. It is commonly used with sealants, composite fillings, bonding procedures, and some indirect restorations.
postoperative sensitivity is tooth sensitivity that starts after a dental procedure. It is commonly discussed after fillings, crowns, deep cleanings, or whitening. It describes a symptom (what a person feels), not a specific material or device. Clinically, it helps dentists assess healing, bite function, and pulp (nerve) response.
microleakage is the microscopic passage of fluids, bacteria, or molecules between a dental restoration and the tooth. It happens at the margin (edge) where a filling, sealant, crown, or bonding material meets enamel or dentin. It is a key concept in restorative dentistry because it relates to how well a material seals the tooth. It is also widely used in dental materials research to compare techniques and products under controlled conditions.
marginal integrity describes how well a dental restoration meets and seals against the edge (margin) of a tooth. In plain terms, it is the “tightness” and continuity of the seam where a filling, crown, or inlay/onlay joins the tooth. Dentists and researchers use marginal integrity to discuss fit, sealing, and long-term performance of restorations. It is commonly evaluated in tooth-colored fillings (composites), crowns, and bonded restorations.
shrinkage stress is the internal pulling force that can develop when some dental resins harden and shrink. It most often relates to tooth-colored fillings (resin composite) and resin cements used for bonding. It matters because the tooth and the restoration are bonded together while the material is trying to contract. Clinicians plan around it to help maintain a tight seal at the tooth–restoration interface.
C-factor is short for “configuration factor,” a way to describe the shape of a dental cavity in terms of bonding surfaces. It is the ratio of bonded surfaces to unbonded (free) surfaces in a tooth preparation. It is most commonly discussed when placing tooth-colored resin composite fillings and other bonded restorations. Clinicians use it to anticipate polymerization shrinkage stress and reduce the risk of gaps at the tooth–restoration interface.