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How to Choose the Right Permanent Cement for Your Fixed Restorations
Dental cement help to keep the restoration in position for an extended time and help prevent microleakage between the cement material and the tooth. The resistance to solubility, the minimum film thickness, and the amount of friction between the tooth and restoration must be met for it to be considered an adhesive. Adhesives must exert friction on some level, but understanding what makes a dental cement better than others requires understanding its characteristics and how it adheres to the tooth’s surface.
Adhesive cement can adhere and contour to the irregularities of the tooth’s surface, while conventional cement focus on mechanical retention, giving the basic minimum requirements for restoration adhesion. Because the dental cement must act as a barrier to prevent bacteria and fluid build-up, most dental cement will have either an acid-base or a chemical-based reaction, allowing the adhesive to be used as a base for restorations, sealants, and prostheses. To help you choose the most suitable type of dental cement, know that no matter the brand, dental adhesives can be classified according to these specifications:
Zinc Phosphate Cement As the most used dental cement, it’s an acid-based solution with high strength and low solubility, composed of powder and other liquid that requires regulation of the temperatures of the mixing tiles and immediate application once mixed completely. As time passes, the viscosity of the cement will increase, and thus, it has a high acidity level.
Advantages:
Easy to manipulate
Economic in price
Easily remove excess material
Disadvantages:
Not aesthetically pleasing
Susceptible to microfiltration
Zinc Polycarboxylate Cement Also called polycarboxylate, it has a stronger force strength for traction and compression. Because its liquid component is polyacrylic acid, it has a low pulp sensitivity due to the large molecules formed during its acid-base reaction. Its mixture’s highly flexible, and its chemical makeup reacts to the calcium ions on the surface of the enamel and dentine to adhere greater to the tooth.
Advantages:
Shorter work time
Chemically adheres to the dental structure
Greater solubility
Disadvantages:
Does not bond with noble metals
PH of the mixture increases rapidly
More difficult to remove excess
Glass Ionomer Cement Originally used for anterior teeth, glass ionomer cement is considered a conventional cement containing various materials ranging from fluorides and itaconic acid to tartaric acid and alumina. As an acid-base reaction, water, unlike polycarboxylate cement, is required in the setting process. It releases fluorine, which produces greater resistance to bacteria and compression and is translucent in color.
Advantages:
Aesthetically pleasing
Chemical stability
Viscous consistency
Disadvantages:
High acidic pH
requires absolute isolation
Resin Cement Unlike the four types of cement mentioned above, resin cement works as a chemical-based solution, using monomeric acids and filling composed of glass, quartz, silica, and fluoride to neutralize its acidity and, as a result, form a resin that can be used for fillings and restorations. The resin can be mixed manually or automatically and can be made with various shades for translucency.
See Great Dental Website Designs Advantages:
Does not cause pupal damage
High aesthetics
Good lubricating effects
Disadvantages:
Decreases resistance when absorbing water
Susceptible to microfiltration
Can form air bubbles
Table 1: Comparison of Prices and Ratings for Dental Cements on Amazon*
Cement Name Dentaltix Price (€) Net32 Price ($) Dentatix Ratings Net32 Ratings KERR Temp Bond Without Eugenol Zinc Oxide Cement 19.99 29.00 5 stars out of 15 reviews 5 stars out of 25 reviews Dentsply POLY-F Plus Zinc Polycarboxlate Cement 62.90 77.14 5 stars out of 1 review N/A Vitrebond Plus Glass Ionomer Cement 170.48 187.50 4 stars out of 2 reviews 5 stars out of 14 reviews 3M Relyx UNICEM 2 – Automix Resin Cement 87.09 101.50 5 stars out of 19 reviews 5 stars out of 36 reviews 3M Ketac-Cem Glass Ionomer Luting Cement Intro Kit 59.87 94.93 5 stars out of 13 reviews 4 stars out of 28 reviews
Table 2: Comparison of Features for Dental Cements
Cement Name Manufacturer Suitable for use on Retentive Properties Polymerization Inhibition Eugenol-free Dispensing format KERR Temp Bond Without Eugenol Zinc Oxide Cement Kerr Crown and bridge High No Yes Base, Throttle and Mixing Block Dentsply POLY-F Plus Zinc Polycarboxlate Cement Dentsply Crowns, bridges, etc. N/A N/A N/A Powder, water dispenser, measuring tool, mixing block Vitrebond Plus Glass Ionomer Cement Vitrebond Anterior and posterior restorations N/A Reduces polymerization shrinkage N/A Click-to-dispense format 3M Relyx UNICEM 2 – Automix Resin Cement 3M Inlays, crowns, bridges, onlays N/A No N/A Dispensing syringe and multiple tips 3M Ketac-Cem Glass Ionomer Luting Cement Intro Kit 3M Post and screw cementation, cavity lining, orthodontic band installment Optimal fitting No N/A Granulated formula
Note: N/A stands for Not Applicable, as the information is unavailable for the specific feature.
1. KERR Temp Bond Without Eugenol Zinc Oxide Cement Product Description KERR Temp Bond Without Eugenol Zinc Oxide Cement is a temporary cement formulated for crown and bridge applications. Designed without eugenol, it provides excellent retention while being compatible with both vital and non-vital teeth.
Product Overview This non-eugenol zinc oxide cement does not interfere with the polymerization of resin-based materials, making it an ideal choice when bonding temporary restorations before permanent cementation. It is suitable for patients sensitive to eugenol and comes with all necessary components for easy handling and application.
Key Features
Zinc oxide cement without eugenol
High retentive strength for crown and bridge procedures
Will not inhibit polymerization of resin-based materials
Suitable for vital and pulp-free teeth
Ideal for patients with eugenol sensitivity
Includes base tube, throttle tube, and mixing block
Common Applications
Temporary cementation of crowns and bridges
Use with resin-based final restorations
Cases requiring eugenol-free formulations
Technical Specifications Product Name: KERR Temp Bond Without Eugenol Zinc Oxide CementProduct Type: Temporary Cement (Zinc Oxide, Eugenol-Free)Indications: Temporary crown and bridge placementFormulation: Zinc oxide, no eugenolIncluded Components: Base tube, throttle tube, mixing blockManufacturer: Kerr
Pricing
Dentaltix: €19.99Net32: $29.00 Customer Ratings Dentaltix: (5/5, based on 15 reviews)Net32: (5/5, based on 25 reviews)
Customer Feedback Excellent temporary hold without affecting final cement
2. Dentsply POLY-F Plus Zinc Polycarboxylate Cement Product Description Dentsply POLY-F Plus Zinc Polycarboxylate Cement is a versatile, biocompatible material suitable for a variety of restorative procedures, including pulp protection and dentin pre-treatment. Its gentle yet effective formulation provides strong adhesion and pulp-friendly performance.
Product Overview With a working time of 5 to 7 minutes, POLY-F Plus offers a reliable cementation process for crowns, bridges, root canal treatments, temporary fillings, and cavity coatings. The kit includes everything needed for easy mixing and accurate application, including 50 g of powder, a water dispenser bottle, a mixing block, and a measuring tool.
Key Features
Zinc polycarboxylate formulation for strong adhesion
Ideal for dentin pre-treatment and pulp protection
Consistency setting time: 5–7 minutes
Versatile use in restorative procedures
Supplied with powder, water dispenser, mixing block, and measuring tool
Common Applications
Cementation of crowns and bridges
Temporary fillings and cavity coatings
Root canal treatments
Pulp protection and dentin conditioning
Technical Specifications Product Name: Dentsply POLY-F Plus Zinc Polycarboxylate CementProduct Type: Zinc Polycarboxylate CementSetting Time: 5–7 minutesKit Includes: 50 g powder, water dispenser, mixing block, measuring toolManufacturer: Dentsply
Pricing
Dentaltix: €62.90Net32: $77.14 Customer Ratings Dentaltix: (5/5, based on 1 review)
Customer Feedback Dependable cement for a wide range of uses
3. Vitrebond Plus Glass Ionomer Cement Product Description Vitrebond Plus Glass Ionomer Cement is a light-cured, resin-modified glass ionomer liner/base designed to simplify placement and enhance patient comfort. Its click-to-dispense system eliminates measuring errors and streamlines application.
Product Overview Ideal for use under direct restorations in all classes, Vitrebond Plus helps reduce post-operative hypersensitivity and polymerization shrinkage. The kit includes two clicker dispensers, a large mixing block, and a user guide for straightforward implementation into clinical workflows.
Key Features
Click-to-dispense format for easy, accurate application
Reduces hypersensitivity and polymerization shrinkage
Suitable for all classes of direct restorations
Resin-modified glass ionomer formulation
Minimizes technique sensitivity during placement
Includes user guide for step-by-step instructions
Common Applications
Base or liner under Class I–V direct restorations
Reduction of hypersensitivity in deep cavities
Placement beneath composite or amalgam restorations
Technical Specifications Product Name: Vitrebond Plus Glass Ionomer CementProduct Type: Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer CementDispensing System: Clicker dispenserIncludes: 2 dispensers, large mixing block, user guideManufacturer: 3M
Pricing
Dentaltix: €170.48Net32: $187.50 Customer Ratings Dentaltix: Based on 2 reviewsNet32: Based on 14 reviews
Customer Feedback Efficient dispensing system with minimal waste
See Great Dental Website Designs 4. 3M Relyx UNICEM 2 – Automix Resin Cement Product Description 3M Relyx UNICEM 2 Automix Resin Cement is a self-adhesive, dual-cure resin cement offered in a convenient automix syringe format. It delivers strong, reliable adhesion without the need for separate primers or bonding agents, streamlining cementation procedures.
Product Overview Known for its ease of use and clinical versatility, Relyx UNICEM 2 adheres to a wide range of materials and resists color fading over time. The automix system allows for quick, consistent application with minimal risk of bubbles, making it ideal for fast-paced practices. The kit includes a dispensing syringe and multiple tips for various clinical needs.
Key Features
Automix syringe for easy, precise dispensing
No pre-treatment or bonding agents required
Strong adhesion to all dental surfaces
Low risk of bubble formation
High color stability and esthetics over time
Suitable for a wide range of indirect restorations
Common Applications
Cementation of crowns and bridges
Placement of inlays and onlays
Use in cases requiring fast, reliable resin bonding
Technical Specifications Product Name: 3M Relyx UNICEM 2 – Automix Resin CementProduct Type: Self-Adhesive Resin CementCuring Type: Dual-cureDelivery System: Automix syringeIncludes: Syringe and multiple mixing tipsManufacturer: 3M
Pricing
Dentaltix: $87.09Net32: $101.50 Customer Ratings Dentaltix: Based on 19 reviewsNet32: Based on 36 reviews
Customer Feedback Quick and reliable with excellent esthetics
5. 3M Ketac-Cem Glass Ionomer Luting Cement Intro Kit Product Description 3M Ketac-Cem Glass Ionomer Luting Cement Intro Kit is a versatile, fluoride-releasing luting material designed for precise and reliable cementation. Its granulated formula ensures easy mixing and reduced waste, making it a practical option for restorative and orthodontic procedures.
Product Overview This glass ionomer cement delivers strong adhesion to enamel and dentin, reducing microleakage while offering excellent biocompatibility. With a thin film and high radiopacity, it’s ideal for procedures requiring precision and visibility. It is commonly used for post and screw cementation, cavity lining, and orthodontic band placement.
Key Features
Granulated formula for fast, consistent mixing
Thin film for accurate seating and fit
Fluoride-releasing to support enamel protection
Bonds immediately to enamel and dentin
High radiopacity for easy identification on radiographs
Biocompatible for use in endodontic and orthodontic applications
Common Applications
Cementation of posts and screws
Lining cavities before permanent restorations
Cementing orthodontic bands
General luting procedures in restorative and surgical dentistry
Technical Specifications Product Name: 3M Ketac-Cem Glass Ionomer Luting Cement Intro KitProduct Type: Glass Ionomer Luting CementFormulation: Granulated for easy mixingFilm Thickness: Extremely lowFluoride Release: YesRadiopacity: HighManufacturer: 3M
Pricing
Dentaltix: €59.87Net32: $94.93 Customer Ratings Dentaltix: Based on 13 reviewsNet32: Based on 28 reviews
Customer Feedback Easy to mix and apply — great fit with minimal microleakage
Cement selection for your practice matters because the quality of your products produces the quality of your services. Easy-to-use cement and accessories help form strong, reliable bonds with your patient’s teeth, and cement that reduces sensitivity and has excellent aesthetics will give any indirect or direct restoration procedure the boost it needs to be successful. Our recommendations include Kerr’s Tempbond cement for accommodating those sensitive to eugenol and 3M’s UNICEM 2 for its easy prep time. For glass ionomers, the Ketac-cem provides an optimal fitting for restorations without sacrificing time during procedures.
Related Reading: Top 10 Dental Cements, Liners & Dental Adhesive | Top 10 Endodontic Sealers & Cements
