Objectives: The purpose of this in vitro investigation was to compare different self-adhesive resin cements regarding their physical and mechanical properties as well as adhesive strength to create a comprehensive performance overview.
Methods: Materials tested were Maxcem™ (Kerr), Biscem® (Bisco), EMBRACE™ WetBond™ (Pulpdent), G-Cem™ (GC Corp.) and universal self-adhesive resin cements RelyX™ Unicem Aplicap and Clicker™ (3M ESPE). Flexural strength [MPa] and water sorption [µg/mm3] were determined according to ISO4049. Linear swelling [%] was measured on ISO-specimens after 1 month of water storage (36°C). For tensile bond strength (TBS) testing bovine teeth were ground, polished (600 grit sandpaper), water-rinsed and air-dried. A wax mould (Æ=6mm) was attached to the tooth and filled with cement. Cements were light- (lc, 20s) or self-cured (sc, 1h@36°C) and a metal screw for pull-off was attached. After 24h storage (36°C@100% rel.hum.) bond strength was determined using a universal testing machine (Zwick Z010, 1mm/min) and statistically analysed (multiple range). pH-development during and after cement setting was monitored.
Results: see table
| Linear expansion | Water sorption | Flexural strength | TBS | |||||
Substrate curing mode |
sc |
lc |
lc |
sc |
lc | Dentin sc | Dentin lc | Enamel sc | Enamel lc |
G-Cem | 0.5±0.1 | 0.5±0.1 | 52±1 | 22±8 | 26±4 | 2.6±0.6 | 3.4±1.1 | 4.6±0.3 | 3.0±0.5 |
Biccem | 1.9±0.1 | 1.8±0.1 | 95±5 | 49±11 | 39±10 | 0 | 0 | 6.8±1.0 | 8.6±1.9 |
Embrace | 2.0±0.2 | 1.8±0.1 | 107±2 | 50±8 | 93±3 | 0 | 0 | 3.3±3.6 | 7.1±2.7 |
Maxcem | 1.1±0.1 | 1.1±0.1 | 65±2 | 60±2 | 70±11 | 1.1±0.5 | 0 | 4.5±1.1 | 3.9±0.6 |
Unicem-AC | 0.5±0.1 | 0.5±0.1 | 36±1 | 64±4 | 77±5 | 2.2±1.7 | 2.6±1.0 | 5.4±2.0 | 7.6±2.4 |
Unicem-Clicker | 0.6±0.1 | 0.6±0.1 | 30±14 | 57±11 | 87±9 | 1.7±0.6 | 3.7±1.6 | 6.8±1.1 | |
Conclusion: While all other tested materials exhibit weaknesses in one or the other material property, RelyX Unicem self-adhesive resin cement shows good or best performance in all parameters tested. A both well-balanced and good performance profile can be predictive for clinical success and reliability.