OBJECTIVES: To characterize the chemical interactions and analyze the interface of adhesive systems containing 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) and N-methacryloyl glycine (methacrylamide) functional monomers with the dentin in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) compared with artificial defects (ADs). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty human teeth with natural NCCLs on the buccal surface were used. Class V cavities, similar to NCCLs, were created on the lingual surface to serve as controls. Teeth were randomly allocated to two groups according to the functional monomer in the adhesive (N=10): G1, 10-MDP; and G2, methacrylamide. NCCLs and ADs were characterized by their mineral composition (MC) and degree of demineralization (DD) using micro-Raman spectroscopy, adhesive/dentin chemical interactions (CIs) were assessed with infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy, and interface morphology was evaluated with scanning electron and light microscopy. MC, CI, and DD data were submitted to Shapiro-Wilk and Student t-tests ( p<0.05). RESULTS: Compared with ADs, dentin in NCCLs was hypermineralized ( p<0.05). In G1, CI, and DD in the first 2 µm, and adhesive projections in NCCLs and ADs interfaces were similar. Additionally, a thin layer of dentin collagen was observed in ADs, while it was hardly present in NCCLs. In G2, although CI could not be identified, changes in the mineral components were observed. The DD in the ADs and NCCLs were statistically similar, while SEM showed a lack of adhesion at NCCLs interface. DD and collagen exposure in the ADs and NCCLs were more pronounced than in G1. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the G1 adhesive could be applied directly on the superficial sclerotic layer in NCCLs. In contrast, previous cavity preparation should be conducted to improve the micromechanical interaction of G2 with the dentin.