What is the term for the strength that causes unlike materials to adhere to each other?

The term for the strength that causes unlike materials to adhere to each other is adhesion. This refers to the molecular attraction between different substances, which allows them to stick together. In dental contexts, adhesion is especially important when bonding materials such as dental adhesives to tooth structures or when composite resins are bonded to enamel and dentin. This property ensures that restorative materials stay in place and function effectively within the oral cavity.

Flow refers to the ability of a material to move and deform under pressure, which is significant in terms of how dental materials are manipulated but does not describe the adherence between differing materials. Retention describes the ability of a material to stay in a dental structure over time, but it is more about mechanical interlocking or resistance to removal rather than the specific forces involved in adhesion between dissimilar materials. Curing typically relates to the hardening process of materials, particularly resins and composites when light or chemicals are applied, rather than the initial sticking process.