Statement of Problem: Composite reins have recently become popular for posterior teeth restorations. Gap formation and subsequent microleakage are of the complications resulting from such restorations. One of the techniques to overcome polymerization shrinkage of composite resins is sandwich technique (application of glass ionomer as a base beneath the composite resin). Since polymerization patterns in two types of composite resins (light cure and self cure) differ from each other, various effects on the bond strength between glass ionomer and dentin are expected.
Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of self- cure and light- cure composite resins in sandwich technique on the bond strength of light cure glass ionomer and dentin.
Materials and Methods: 40 extracted human premolars were selected and divided into four groups:Group 1: Light cure glass ionomer of 1mm thickness was placed on dentin.Group 2: 1mm thickness of light cure glass ionomer plus a mass of self cure composite resin of 2mm thickness were placed.Group 3: 1mm thickness of light cure glass ionomer plus light cure composite resin as two separate 1mm layer were placed.Group 4: 1mm thickness of light cure glass ionomer with 37% phosphoric acid etching followed by two separate layers of light cure composite resin of 1 mm thickness were placed.SEM was used to determine gap size ai Gl- dentin and Gi- composite interlaces. The findings were analyzed by ANOVA and t-student tests.

Results: Groups 1 and 2 showed no gap at Gl-dentm interface and also cracks were not observed in all these specimens. In group 3, there was gap between light cure GI and light cure composite resin and cracks were seen in GI, too. Group 4 showed gap at both interfaces and more cracks were seen in GI. Groups I and 2 showed the least gap formation and group 4 showed the most. Statistically significant difference was found between groups 3, 4 and group 1 (control), 2.
Conclusion: Base on this study, the application of self-cure composite resin on light cure GI showed no gap and crack formation on Gl-dentin and Gl-composite interfaces and GI itself. However, light cure composite resins and glass ionomer etching aggregated crack and gap formation.