Recent Advances in Luting Cements

The oldest material available is the zinc phosphate cement, which has been used in dentistry for more than 100 years. Following the introduction of adhesive resin systems to the market, there is now a wide range of dental materials available that can serve as luting agents. As such, they each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and can each be employed in different scenarios. The choice of luting agent is also dependent on clinical factors, which includes the patient's occlusion, design of tooth preparation, if adequate moisture control is achievable, type of core material, type of supporting tooth structure, tooth location etc. Luting agents possess varied complex chemistries that affect their physical properties, longevity, and suitability in clinical situations. It appears a single adhesive will not suffice in modern day practice. To date, no adhesive can completely compensate for the shortcomings of preparation retention and resistance forms or ill-fitting, low strength restorations. Practitioners must be aware of the virtues and shortcomings of each cement type and select them appropriately.