A review of luting agents

Abstract

Due to the availability of a large number of luting agents (dental cements) proper selection can be a daunting task and is usually based on a practitioner's reliance on experience and preference and less on in depth knowledge of materials that are used for the restoration and luting agent properties. This review aims at presenting an overview of current cements and discusses physical properties, biocompatibility and other properties that make a particular cement the preferred choice depending on the clinical indication. Tables are provided that outline the different properties of the generic classification of cements. It should be noted that no recommendations are made to use a particular commercial cement for a hypothetical clinical situation. The choice is solely the responsibility of the practitioner. The appendix is intended as a guide for the practitioner towards a recommended choice under commonly encountered clinical scenarios. Again, no commercial brands are recommended although the author recognizes that some have better properties than others. Please note that this flowchart strictly presents the author's opinion and is based on research, clinical experience and the literature.

Figure 1

An overview of the chronological development of luting agents starting around 1880 until today. The last 30–40 years have witnessed the development of new cement systems and a large number of cements have become available. It was not until 2009 that a paradigm shift took place and a hybrid acid-base reaction cement was introduced, which offered physical and other properties that not only differed from the polymer-based luting agents but also matched them. +1880—zinc phosphate cement, +1940—silicate cement*, 1972—polycarboxylate cement, +1975—composite resin cements, 1976—glass ionomer cement, 1986—resin cement, +1995—resin-modified glass ionomer cement, +2004—self-etching (adhesive) resin cements, 2009—hybrid-acid-base reaction cement, (*the designation silicate cement is a misnomer as it was a restorative material for Cl III and Cl V restorations).