History of Dental Composites and Bonding Agents

The evolution of dental bonding began with Oskar Hagger’s adhesive in the 1940s, but the breakthrough came in 1955 when Buonocore introduced acid-etching, revolutionising enamel adhesion. Early dentin bonding efforts in the 1950s and 1960s struggled due to dentin’s complex structure, but Bowen’s Bis-GMA synthesis laid the groundwork for modern composites. The discovery of the hybrid layer by Nakabayashi in 1982 and Kuraray’s MDP monomer in 1984 improved dentin adhesion. Fourth-generation adhesives in the 1990s, like Optibond FL, offered strong, durable bonds, while later generations focused on simplification with self-etch and universal systems. Recent advancements incorporate fluoride, antibacterial agents, and remineralising compounds to enhance longevity. While adhesive technology has progressed significantly, research continues to optimise strength, durability, and multifunctionality in dental bonding.