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Dental cement is used to connect a fixed prosthesis, such as a crown or bridge, to the underlying tooth structure. It can also be used as a pulp-protecting agent, cavity-lining material or temporary filling. Most dental cements come as a powder which is mixed with water to form a viscous liquid. Modern cements, such as glass ionomer cement, also come in capsule form which is mixed in a special machine. Dental cements can be classified as either permanent or temporary. Permanent cement is used to permanently attach a prosthesis. Temporary dental cement is used between appointments mainly for evaluation purposes.
Resin cement offers the best compressive strength of all dental cements. It comes in light cure (requires a curing light to set), chemical cure and dual cure (can be light cured but can also chemically cure). Some resin cements are self-adhesive, meaning they can be applied directly to the tooth. Other resin cements have no chemical bond and require additives.
Resin cements are largely composed of a resin matrix and filler or fine inorganic particles (20-80%). It is available as a two-paste system, powder and liquid or in capsules.