--- title: TIPS FOR CHOOSING LUTING AGENTS FOR ALL-CERAMIC CROWNS description: The main purpose of any cement is to create a durable bond between the crown and the prep, by filling in the micro-gap between the crown and the tooth. Read more... image: https://blog.ddslab.com/hubfs/Images/Blog_Images/Blog_Hero_Images/Blog_TIPS%20FOR%20CHOOSING%20LUTING%20AGENTS%20FOR%20ALL-CERAMIC%20CROWNS.jpg --- [![DDS Lab | Full-Service Dental Laboratory](https://blog.ddslab.com/hubfs/01%20DDS%20Lab%20Identity/DDS%20Logos/DDS%20Lab%20Logo%202021.png)](https://www.ddslab.com/) - [Home](https://www.ddslab.com/) - [Products](https://www.ddslab.com/dental-lab-products/) - [Digital Services](https://www.ddslab.com/digital-services/) - [Education](https://www.ddslab.com/dental-education/) - [Send a case](https://www.ddslab.com/send-a-case/) - [Blog](https://blog.ddslab.com/) - [About](https://www.ddslab.com/about-dds-dental-lab/) - [Contact](https://www.ddslab.com/contact-dds-dental-lab/) Dental Technology # TIPS FOR CHOOSING LUTING AGENTS FOR ALL-CERAMIC CROWNS The main purpose of any cement is to create a durable bond between the crown and the prep, by filling in the micro-gap between the crown and the tooth. Read more... [MaryLeigh Dempsey](https://blog.ddslab.com/author/maryleigh-dempsey) Oct 25, 2017 --- The success of [all-ceramic crowns](https://blog.ddslab.com/tooth-preparation-for-all-ceramic-crowns)depend highly upon the luting agent chosen to retain the restoration. The main purpose of any cement is to create a durable bond between the crown and the prep, by filling in the micro-gap between the crown and the tooth. Luting agents are also responsible for ensuring good marginal integrity. A successful luting agent must be biocompatible, have low solubility, low radiopacity and maintain good aesthetics. It is important to remember that cement cannot compensate if the tooth has not been correctly prepared. The proper retention forms and resistance of the preparation are still important factors for success. Clinicians must consider the selected ceramic restoration to decide which luting agent will yield the best results. The restorations may be etchable or non-etchable, depending on the core material. Etchable restorations include silica-based ceramics, leucite-reinforced feldspathic ceramic such as IPS Empress and lithium disilicate glass ceramics, and[IPS e.max](https://www.ddslab.com/crowns-and-bridges/all-ceramics/ips-e-max/). Non-etchable ceramics include non-silica-based material, including zirconium oxide and aluminum oxide. Both etchable and non-etchable types must be primed to create a resin-loving, hydrophobic substrate surface and ensure a strong bond between the substrate and the luting cement. The luting agent and techniques for each of these restorations will differ.   ## **Leucite-Reinforced Feldspathic and Lithium Disilicate Ceramics** Leucite-reinforced feldspathic ceramics must be bonded. Lithium disilicate crowns can be cemented using conventional cementation materials and techniques. They can also be chemically bonded.   ## **Bonding Conventional All-Ceramic Crowns** When bonding, the surface of the restoration is etched with 5% hydrofluoric acid for 20 seconds before being thoroughly rinsed. A primer is applied for one minute, enabling the resin-based cement to bond to the [all-ceramic crown](https://www.ddslab.com/crowns-and-bridges/all-ceramics/). Sometimes it is necessary to precondition the tooth, but this is dependant on the luting agent used, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.   ## **Cementing Conventional All-Ceramic Crowns** The surface should be etched using 4% to 10% hydrofluoric acid between one and three minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Once etched, ceramic residues may form on the fitting surface, which can compromise the bond strength. To remove any residues, the crown should be placed in an ultrasonic bath of distilled water for four minutes and must be carefully evaluated to ensure the surface is free from residues. After silane application, an adhesive resin is applied to the fitting surface of the crown. Clinicians can choose from dual-cured or light-cured resin cement. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. With light-cured cement, working time is longer, facilitating the removal of excess cement, which helps to reduce finishing time. Dual-cured cement tends to be used for thicker[ceramic crowns](https://www.ddslab.com/crowns-and-bridges/all-ceramics/)and times where there is insufficient light penetration for a maximum cure. It is worth bearing in mind that dual-cured cement offers less working time and possible colour instability due to amine degradation.   ## **Luting Cements for Non-Etchable All-Ceramic Crowns** Appropriate luting agents for aluminium oxide crowns with a high aluminium oxide content include hybrid glass ionomer cement and resin cement. Sandblasting alters the fit surface more effectively than conventional acid etching, helping to increase bond strength. Appropriate luting agents for high-strength ceramics such as zirconium oxide include resin-modified glass ionomer cement, conventional resin cement, zinc-phosphate cement, and self-etching adhesive cement has also been developed. The success rate of high-strength ceramic restorations isn’t reliant on the resin bond to the crown, but to successfully support an all-ceramic crown, adhesive [cementation procedures](https://blog.ddslab.com/crown-cementation-tips-for-reducing-excess-cement) are generally necessary.   Please be reminded that our experienced technical team is here to assist you should you wish to discuss a case in more detail.  **[Click here to schedule a consultation with our technical team »](https://go.ddslab.com/schedule-a-consultation-with-an-expert)** **[![Preparation and Cementation Table for All-Ceramic Restorations](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1775100/632d917d-b8f3-466c-86c4-ad128ed5640d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1775100/632d917d-b8f3-466c-86c4-ad128ed5640d)** References [https://www.dentalaegis.com/id/2013/02/selecting-luting-agents](https://www.dentalaegis.com/id/2013/02/selecting-luting-agents)[https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-75/issue-5/379.pdf](https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-75/issue-5/379.pdf)[http://www.dentaleconomics.com/articles/print/volume-105/issue-9/science-tech/self-adhesive-cements-simplified.html](http://www.dentaleconomics.com/articles/print/volume-105/issue-9/science-tech/self-adhesive-cements-simplified.html)[https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/a-review-of-luting-agents-cornelis-h-pameijer-dmd-dsc-phd/](https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/a-review-of-luting-agents-cornelis-h-pameijer-dmd-dsc-phd/) [Dental Technology](https://blog.ddslab.com/topic/dental-technology) [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.ddslab.com/topic/tips-tricks-in-dentistry) ## Similar posts Dental Technology ### [TIPS FOR ALL-CERAMIC CROWN CEMENTATION](https://blog.ddslab.com/all-ceramic-crown-cementation) Choosing the correct cement for all-ceramic crowns can be tricky because of the wide variety of available materials. Read more in this article. MaryLeigh Dempsey Nov 13, 2017 Tips & Tricks ### [Tooth preparation for All-Ceramic Crowns](https://blog.ddslab.com/tooth-preparation-for-all-ceramic-crowns) There are only minor differences in preparation between the various all-ceramic crown materials. Proper design is critical for ensuring the... Carl J. Drago, DDS, MS Jan 18, 2023 Dental Technology ### [Full cast crown and bridge, PFMs and all-ceramic restorations](https://blog.ddslab.com/full-cast-crowns-bridges-pfms-and-all-ceramic-restorations) Choosing the correct materials for your patients can be a challenge. Use this post to help you select between full cast crowns and bridges, PFMs, and... Bill Warner Mar 21, 2017 ### **Stay up-to-date with the latest in dental news by signing up for our newsletter!** By subscribing, you'll receive regular updates on advancements in dental technology, tips for restoring a healthy smile, and news about our laboratory. 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