Background and Aim: Stainless steel crown (SSC) is the most durable and reliable restoration for primary teeth with extensive caries but its metalic appearance has always been a matter of concern. With advances in restorative materials and metal bonding processes, composite veneer has enhanced esthetics of these crowns in clinic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of SSC to composite resin using different surface treatments and adhesives.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 90 stainless steel crowns were selected. They were mounted in molds and divided into 3 groups of 30 each (S, E and F). In group S (sandblast), buccal surfaces were sandblasted for 5 seconds. In group E (etch) acidic gel was applied for 5 minutes and in group F (fissure bur) surface roughness was created by fissure diamond bur. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups (SB, AB, P) based on different adhesives: Single Bond, All Bond2 and Panavia F. Composite was then bonded to specimens. Cases were incubated in 100% humidity at 37°C for 24 hours. Shear bond strength was measured by Zwick machine with crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test with p<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: There was no statistical interaction between surface treatment and adhesive type (P>0.05) so the two variables were studied separately. No significant difference was observed in mean shear bond strength of composite among the three kinds of adhesives (P>0.05). Similar results were obtained regarding surface treatments (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, treating the SSC surface with bur and using single bond adhesive and composite can be used successfully to obtain esthetic results in pediatric restorative treatments.