Mildly acidic SE adhesives (pH > 2.0) do not effectively etch cut or uncut enamel, and should be used with the self-etch technique.

SEM comparing the etching patterns on uncut enamel by three one (single)-step self-etching adhesives: (A) 32% phosphoric acid (15 seconds) as control. (B) Adper Prompt L-Pop (15 seconds). (C) AQ Bond (20 seconds). (D) iBond (30 seconds).

SEM comparing the etching patterns on cut enamel by three one (single)-step self-etching adhesives: (A) 32% phosphoric acid (15 seconds) as control. (B) Adper Prompt L-Pop (15 seconds). (C) AQ Bond (20 seconds). (D) iBond (30 seconds).