Best Dental Cement Type in 2021

The dental industry has evolved technologically and grown significantly, offering many solutions to retain your smile. In light of these new advancements, choosing the right type of dental material is a tedious task. For instance, a primary element used in dentistry is Dental Cements. This luting agent used by dentists acts in multiple ways for dental restoration. It helps secure dental restoration such as crown, inlay, onlay, or fixed bridge and mends the teeth.

According to a review published in the American Journal of Materials Science and Engineering (AJMSE), it is apparent that dental cement is one of the indispensable components in dentistry. With the evolution of the dental industry, there is a range of dental cement available in the market today, each serving its own purpose. It is essential to be informed and consider these criteria, such as quality and function, before purchasing dental cement for your requirement.

Some ideal requirements of a good Dental Cement are:

• Non-irritating to the dental pulp
• Cariostatic
• Antimicrobiologic
• Seals margins
• Insoluble in mouth fluids
• Adheres to tooth structure—adhesive
• Radiopaque
• High strength
• Minimal film thickness
• Esthetic acceptability, if needed
• Easy to use
• Optimal working and setting time
• Moderate cost

Advancements in dentistry have also brought in different types of dental cement tailored for patients’ bespoke needs. Some of the common types of dental cement that a dentist may use are:

• resulting in a resin-modified glass ionomer cement. This type of cement helps in restoring tooth color.
• Polycarboxylate:  It has low intraoral solubility and no considerable fluoride release but a relatively less tensile strength. Polycarboxylate cement is either used as an intermediate or a final cementing film. It is used in orthodontics and as an insulating base. 
• Zinc Phosphate: This type of cement has been used for a long time and is regarded as the standard cement for crown and bridge cementing. It has high compressive strength, is thermally insulating, and is not soluble in oral fluids. It can be used as a final or permanent cement.
• Glass Ionomer: It comprises numerous components such as silicate glass powder and a polyacrylic acid liquid solution. This type of dental cement is unique as it forms a chemical bond with enamel and dentin. It also contains fluoride ions, which further help to protect the tooth structure.

However, the most commonly used type of dental cement in present-day laboratories and clinics is resin-based cement for all-ceramic crowns. An all-ceramic restoration involves a crown made of dental ceramic and is a natural-looking method for restoring the health and appeal of a damaged or decayed tooth. It is a biocompatible, cosmetically appealing, and long-lasting solution. 

In recent years, the dentistry sector has seen significant transformations, medically and technologically. The use of ceramic cement in the indirect restoration of teeth is the most prominent pattern in effecting change. A dentist can decide which suitable luting agent or dental cement would best match the needs and requirements, even in the most challenging circumstances, with these newer elements and advancements.