Physico-Chemical Properties and Performance of Functional Monomers Used in Contemporary Dental Adhesive Technology

This comprehensive literature-based review critically examines the physico-chemical properties of functional monomers present in contemporary dental adhesive formulations or dental materials relying on self-adhesive technology. A qualitative synthesis of evidence was conducted through searches in PubMed, Scopus, and LILACS over a 20-year period (2005–2025), without language restrictions. Data on the chemical structure, composition, adhesive performance, pKa, etching efficacy, polymerization, mechanical properties, toxicity, and hydrolytic stability/degradation were analyzed from peer-reviewed studies and manufacturer technical information. Several relevant acidic functional monomers are covered, but key players include 10-MDP, GPDM, and 4-META. Notably, 10-MDP emerged as the most prevalent monomer in commercial adhesives, appearing in nearly 50% of the current adhesives in the market. Its superior adhesive performance and longevity stem from its unique chemical characteristics, whereas other commercial acidic monomers, including GPDM and 4-META, are still present in many adhesive formulations despite their structural limitations and comparatively lower bonding efficacy. Understanding the chemical composition of dental adhesives is essential for achieving improved clinical outcomes and driving material development. This knowledge allows clinicians to select adhesive materials based on performance requirements and informs future innovations to address challenges such as degradation pathways, biocompatibility, and their overall long-term bonding efficacy.