Which adhesive is commonly used with composite materials?

The commonly used adhesive with composite materials is the universal adhesive. This type of adhesive is designed to bond with a variety of substrates, including enamel and dentin, making it versatile for many dental applications, including the placement of composite resins. Universal adhesives provide adequate bonding strength and are compatible with self-etching and total-etch techniques, allowing for flexibility during procedures.

Universal adhesives often come in a single-bottle system, which simplifies the clinical process, streamlining the application and ensuring consistent results. They may also have properties that enhance the hydrophilicity or adjust the pH of the bonding environment, further contributing to their effectiveness in securing composite materials to tooth structure.

Self-etch adhesives, while effective, are typically used in specific scenarios and may not provide the broadest compatibility compared to universal types. Dual-cure adhesives are mainly designed for use with materials that require light curing and chemical curing, which doesn't encompass the entire range of composites. Cement adhesives are more suitable for crown and bridge applications rather than direct restorations like composites.