A review of adhesives and cements used in all-ceramic restorations and tooth-colored fiber posts

The clinical success of indirect restorations is influenced by several factors، including selection of a suitable cement. The introduction of adhesive resin systems has led to increased use of bonded all-ceramic restorations. The aim of this study was to review adhesives، particularly adhesive resins and their clinical characteristics، considerations and requirements in an attempt to assist dentists in selecting appropriate adhesive cements in special clinical situations. This review paper used a scientific search for library resources، books and websites of Pubmed and ISI Web of Science in connection with articles published up to 2012 on classification and types of dental cements، their clinical applications، the mechanism of curing resin cements، bonding mechanisms and biocompatibility، adhesion principles، current issues in the field of fiber posts in root canal cementation and surface preparation of dental ceramics. In addition، a variety of surface preparation methods available for fiber posts and different dental ceramics were discussed. New materials are constantly marketed by manufacturers، making it difficult to select appropriate cements and to teach cement application. Selection of an appropriate cement is very important because the dentist will be able to apply a suitable surface treatment on the cemented surface. When optimal compressive strength، minimal film thickness and low solubility in water are desirable، conventional cement materials are desirable; however، these cements require ideal tooth surface preparation. Conventional cements are used for porcelains that are not etchable. On the other hand، due to the superior physical properties of resin cements and higher aesthetics compared to conventional cements، they are good choices for cementation of metal-free restorations.