Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions to enhance the bond between light-cure bonding agents and self-cured or dual-cured resin-based composites used in biomedical applications, especially dental procedures to restore teeth. The invention is a bond enhancer in the form of a solution that can be applied after application to dental substrates of a light-cure adhesive and prior to use of a self-cure or dual-cure composite to improve the compatibility between the adhesive and composite as evidenced by increased bond strength. The solution contains at least one polymerization accelerator, at least one polymerizable monomer or prepolymer, and optional polymerization inhibitors in an organic solvent or mixture of solvents.

Abstract: In general, the invention comprises a composite paste (“try-in paste”) made with the same or similar components in similar proportions as a veneer cement except part or all of the initiation system is removed or reduced to cause it to have an extended working time under the type of ambient light conditions expected during the trial placement of the veneer. Preferably, the imitator is decreased by not eliminated from the try-in paste. The invention can be presented in the form of a kit containing one or more shades of veneer cement with corresponding shades of try-in paste.