What characteristic does an effective dental liner exhibit?

An effective dental liner is characterized by excellent adhesion to dentin because this property is crucial for ensuring that the liner performs its intended function. Dental liners are designed to protect the pulp of the tooth from thermal extremes, chemical irritation, and bacterial invasion. For a liner to effectively seal the tooth structure and provide pulp protection, it must create a strong bond with the dentin. This bond helps to prevent fluids from penetrating the tooth and can also aid in the restoration's overall stability.

In addition to this key property, adhesion also facilitates the subsequent placement of restorative materials, ensuring that they remain securely in place over time. Therefore, excellent adhesion contributes to the longevity and effectiveness of dental restorations.

While high compressive strength and non-reactivity with other materials are important characteristics to consider in various dental materials, they are not the defining feature of a dental liner. The variety of colors may be relevant for aesthetic purposes but does not affect the functional performance of the liner as it adheres to dentin. Thus, excellent adhesion to dentin is the most critical characteristic for an effective dental liner.