Abstract

Universal adhesives have been widely adopted in restorative dentistry due to their versatility and simplified clinical procedures. Unlike conventional adhesive systems, they can be applied using different etching strategies, including etch-and-rinse, self-etch, and selective enamel etch techniques. While this flexibility offers significant clinical advantages, it also requires clinicians to make appropriate decisions based on specific clinical situations. The purpose of this article is to provide practical guidelines for the effective use of universal adhesives in daily clinical practice. Within the limitations of simplified clinical protocols, universal adhesives should not be re garded merely as convenient materials but as technique-sensitive systems that require proper understanding and application. Careful selection of bonding strategies and meticulous adherence to clinical procedures are essential for achieving predictable and durable outcomes. (J Korean Dent Assoc 2026; 64(6): 198-203)