An insight into the nanoleakage enigma: Causative factors, minimizing nanoleakage and stabilization of hybrid layer

Despite significant advances in the field of adhesive dentistry, leakage at the bonded interface continues to affect the restoration integrity. At present research has now shifted focus from the traditional "microleakage"studies to the more recent "nanoleakage"studies. However comprehensive data on the subject is still limited. This presentation aims to compile an in-depth review of the various aspects of nanoleakage expression, mechanism, clinical implications and methods to minimize its occurrence. Nanoleakage phenomenon represents leakage through 100-200 nm sized spaces in the hybrid layer. This nanoleakage pathway has been reported to deteriorate the bond durability, resulting in undesirable clinical sequelae, ultimately affecting restoration longevity. An in-depth understanding of the concepts of nanoleakage pertaining to causative factors, biomechanism, clinical relevance, role in bond degradation could guide clinicians in adopting newer modalities to minimize nanoleakage and enhance restoration performance clinically.