Cement Types

There are four types of dental cements: glass ionomer (GI) cements, resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cements, resin cements, and self-etching resin cements. While the action "cementing" might sound permanent it is actually important that the dentist is able to remove the restoration if needed during the treatment of the patient. Yet, of course, it still must be strong enough to stay in the patients the mouth. Requirements other than retention that are considered include durability, seal and neatness (during application as well as preparation).Cements will never make up for lack of proper preparation of a dental restoration.

GI cement is primarily used in PFM and metallic restorations. It has thin film thickness, can cause some remineralization to the demineralized tooth structure due to fluoride release and retains moisture.

RMGI cement is very similar to GI cement, the only difference is that RMGI cement is not soluble in other oral fluids. While it has been used successfully on most types of restorations it is most commonly used in PFM, metallic restorations or any situation where moisture-control is problematic.

Resin cement creates a micro-mechanical bond to the natural tooth on one side and the restoration on the other. The preparation for resin cement includes pretreatment of the tooth with 37% phosphoric acid and a dentin bonding agent. All-ceramic restorations are mainly cemented with resin cement.

Self-etching resin cement does not need the pretreatment that resin cement needs. It is one of the most versatile being able to cement zirconia, lithium disilicate, metallic, all-ceramic, and PFM restoration materials.