Self adhesive resin cements in fixed prosthdontics

Bonding to enamel has been successful since Buonocore introduced the acid-etch technique in 1955. Bonding to dentin has been less predictable because of the wet tubular ultra-structure and organic composition of the dentin substrate. The introduction of the total-etch technique and recent developments in the chemistry of dentin adhesives have made resin-based composite restorative materials and cements almost resistant to microleakage, with bond strengths that approach those of enamel bonding. Resin based adhesive luting materials are widely used for the fixation of inlays, onlays, crowns, posts, and veneers. Resin cements are based on the use of an etch and rinse along with the use of a low viscosity resin composite. This multi-step application technique is complex and rather technique sensitive, and consequently may compromise bonding effectiveness. Recently, new resin-based cements have been marketed that combine the use of adhesive and cement in one single application, thus eliminating the need for pre-treatment of both tooth and restoration.