DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjds.2026.v13i05.002

Pages: 91-96

Background: Durability at the resin–dentin interface remains a persistent problem in adhesive dentistry. Conventional bonding systems continue to fail through hydrolytic degradation, nanoleakage, and mechanical fatigue, processes that in combination shorten restoration lifespan in ways that no single formulation has yet resolved. Nanoparticle modification of adhesive systems has attracted attention as a materials-level strategy for addressing these failures. Objective: To compare the effects of silica-, zirconia-, and silver nanoparticle-modified dental adhesives on shear bond strength and resin–dentin interfacial adaptation. Materials and Methods: Eighty extracted human premolars were allocated across four groups (n=20): a conventional adhesive control, and systems modified with silica, zirconia, or silver nanoparticles respectively. Standardized dentin surfaces were bonded with composite cylinders, thermocycled through 5,000 cycles, and tested on a universal testing machine for shear bond strength. Interfacial morphology, specifically hybrid layer continuity and resin tag formation, was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in five specimens per group. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc correction was applied (α = 0.05). Results: Zirconia modification produced the highest mean shear bond strength (31.42 ± 2.86 MPa). Silver- and silica-modified adhesives followed at 28.67 ± 2.41 MPa and 26.94 ± 2.57 MPa respectively. The control recorded 20.15 ± 2.12 MPa. All intergroup differences reached statistical significance (p<0.001). SEM confirmed greater hybrid layer continuity and deeper resin tag penetration across all modified groups, most markedly in the zirconia and silver conditions. Conclusion: Nanoparticle incorporation improved both bond strength and interfacial quality relative to the conventional control. Zirconia modification showed the strongest overall performance profile, suggesting potential clinical utility in restorative applications, though in vi