Types of the cements – how to choose the most applicable?

Dental cements are fundamental in restorative dentistry, acting as adhesives to bond prosthetics, protect tooth structures, and ensure the longevity of restorations. Selecting the appropriate cement is crucial for the success of dental procedures. DSI Dental Solutions offers a comprehensive range of dental cements tailored to meet diverse clinical needs.

Types of Dental Cements and Their Applications

1. Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC – Glass FX from DSI)

• Features: Composed of fluoroaluminosilicate glass and polyacrylic acid, GIC releases fluoride, providing anti-cariogenic benefits. It chemically bonds to enamel and dentin.
• Applications: Ideal for luting crowns, bridges, and orthodontic brackets, as well as serving as a base or liner under restorations.
• Pros: Fluoride release promotes remineralization; biocompatible; easy to use.
• Cons: Lower mechanical strength compared to resin cements; sensitive to moisture during setting.

2. Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement (RMGIC)

• Features: Combines glass ionomer with resin components, enhancing strength and moisture resistance.
• Applications: Suitable for cementing crowns, bridges, inlays, and orthodontic appliances.
• Pros: Fluoride release with increased durability; reduced moisture sensitivity during setting.
• Cons: May expand slightly over time, which can be a consideration for all-ceramic restorations.

3. Resin-Based Cements (RFX from DSI)

• Features: Composed of polymerizable resins with fillers, these cements offer high strength and excellent aesthetics. Available in light-cure, self-cure, and dual-cure formulations.
• Applications: Ideal for cementing ceramic or composite inlays, onlays, crowns, veneers, and implant-supported prosthetics.
• Pros: Strong bond to enamel, dentin, and restorative materials; resistance to wear and fracture.
• Cons: Technique-sensitive; requires meticulous isolation; higher cost compared to other cements.

4. Zinc Phosphate Cement

• Features: One of the oldest dental cements, known for its excellent compressive strength.
• Applications: Used for cementing metal crowns, bridges, and orthodontic bands.
• Pros: Cost-effective; reliable performance.
• Cons: Lacks adhesive properties; can cause postoperative sensitivity due to low pH.

5. Zinc Polycarboxylate Cement (Zoer from DSI)

• Features: Bonds chemically to tooth structure, offering biocompatibility.
• Applications: Suitable for cementing crowns, bridges, and orthodontic bands, as well as serving as a base or liner under restorations.
• Pros: Gentle on pulp; adheres to enamel and dentin.
• Cons: Lower strength compared to modern cements; short working time.

6. Temporary Cements (UniTemp from DSI)

• Features: Designed for short-term use with weaker bonds, allowing easy removal.
• Applications: Used for temporary crowns, bridges, or restorations during implant healing.
• Pros: Easy to apply and remove; minimal impact on tooth structure.
• Cons: Not suitable for long-term applications.

Choosing the Right Dental Cement

When selecting adental cement, consider the following factors:

• Type of Restoration: Metal-based restorations may benefit from zinc phosphate or GIC, while ceramic or composite restorations often require resin-based cements.
• Aesthetic Requirements: Resin-based cements offer superior aesthetics for veneers and all-ceramic crowns.
• Bonding Requirements: For strong adhesive bonds, resin-based or RMGIC are preferred.
• Fluoride Release: GIC and RMGIC are ideal for patients with high caries risk due to their fluoride-releasing properties.
• Moisture Control: Resin-based cements require meticulous isolation, whereas GIC and RMGIC are more forgiving in moist environments.

DSI Dental Solutions' Cement Range

DSI offers adiverse portfolio of dental cements designed to meet various clinical requirements:

• DSI Glass Ionomer Cement: Provides reliable fluoride release and biocompatibility for general use.
• DSI Resin-Based Cement: Delivers high strength and aesthetics for advanced restorations.
• DSI Temporary Cement: Offers easy-to-use solutions for provisional restorations.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate dental cement is vital for the durability, functionality, and aesthetics of restorations. Understanding the properties and applications of each type enables clinicians to make informed decisions that align with procedural requirements and patient needs.

Explore DSI's range of premium dental cements at www.shopdsi.com,or contact our team for expert guidance tailored to your practice.