Types of Dental Cements & Their Uses

When it comes to restorative dentistry, dental cement is one of those materials we use almost every day — yet many clinicians still feel unsure about which cement to choose and when.

Should you use Glass Ionomer or Resin Cement?

Is Zinc Phosphate outdated?

When is RMGIC the better choice?

If you've ever paused before cementation wondering whether you’re making the best choice — this guide is for you.

Let’s simplify dental cements in a practical, real-world way.

What Is Dental Cement?  

Dental cement is a material used to:

• Lute (cement) crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays
• Act as a base or liner
• Temporarily seal restorations
• Bond indirect restorations
• Provide pulp protection

Each cement has different properties — strength, adhesion, fluoride release, moisture tolerance — and choosing the right one can significantly impact the long-term success of your restoration.

Main Types of Dental Cements (Explained Simply)  

1.  Zinc Phosphate Cement  

The Classic Cement  

One of the oldest dental cements still in use.

Why dentists used it:  

• Good compressive strength
• Thin film thickness
• Long clinical track record

Limitations:  

• No chemical bonding to tooth structure
• Post-operative sensitivity possible
• No fluoride release

Best used for:  

• Metal crowns
• PFM restorations
• Situations where mechanical retention is strong

👉 Today, it’s less common in modern adhesive dentistry but still reliable in certain conventional cases.

2.Zinc Polycarboxylate Cement  

This was developed to improve upon zinc phosphate.

Advantages:  

• Chemically bonds to tooth structure
• Less irritating to pulp
• Biocompatible

Limitations:  

• Lower strength compared to modern cements
• Short working time

Best used for:  

• Luting metal restorations
• Pediatric cases
• Bases under restorations

It’s not as popular today, but still useful in specific scenarios.

3.Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)  

A very commonly used cement — especially in India.

Why it’s popular:  

• Chemical bond to enamel and dentin
• Fluoride release
• Easy handling
• Cost-effective

Limitations:  

• Lower fracture toughness compared to resin cement
• Sensitive to moisture during setting

Best used for:  

• Cementing metal crowns
• Luting zirconia (with proper case selection)
• Pediatric restorations
• Base/liner under restorations

For general practice, GIC remains a dependable everyday cement.

4. Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement (RMGIC)  

Think of this as GIC + resin components.

Advantages:  

• Improved strength over conventional GIC
• Fluoride release
• Better moisture tolerance
• Command set option (light cure feature)

Best used for:  

• Metal and PFM crowns
• Some zirconia cases
• Situations requiring added strength

RMGIC is often a go-to cement for many practitioners because it balances convenience and performance.

5.Resin Cement  

This is where modern adhesive dentistry shines.

Resin cements are strong, aesthetic, and versatile.

Types of Resin Cements:  

• Total-etch resin cement
• Self-etch resin cement
• Self-adhesive resin cement

Why dentists prefer resin cement:  

• High bond strength
• Ideal for all-ceramic restorations
• Excellent aesthetics
• Low solubility

Best used for:  

• Veneers
• Lithium disilicate crowns
• Ceramic inlays/onlays
• Fiber posts
• Zirconia (with appropriate primers)

Resin cement is often mandatory for high-aesthetic cases.

6.Temporary Cements  

Used when restorations are provisional.

Types:  

• Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE)
• Non-eugenol temporary cement

Important tip:  

Avoid eugenol-based temporary cement before resin cementation — it can interfere with bonding.

Best used for:  

• Temporary crowns
• Trial restorations
• Short-term provisionalization

How to Choose the Right Cement (Practical Guide)  

Ask yourself these 5 questions:

1. What is the restoration material?
2. Is retention form strong enough?
3. Do I need fluoride release?
4. Is aesthetics critical?
5. Is moisture control achievable?

Example:  

• Lithium disilicate veneer → Resin cement
• Well-retained metal crown → GIC or RMGIC
• Pediatric stainless steel crown → GIC

Case selection matters more than brand selection.

Common Cementation Mistakes to Avoid  

• Ignoring manufacturer instructions
• Inadequate isolation during resin cementation
• Using eugenol cement before adhesive procedures
• Improper mixing ratios
• Not checking film thickness

Small mistakes in cementation can lead to debonding, sensitivity, or restoration failure.

Are More Expensive Cements Always Better?  

Not necessarily.

Each cement has its indication. A high-end resin cement used incorrectly will fail faster than a properly selected GIC.

Success depends on:

• Correct case selection
• Proper isolation
• Following protocol
• Understanding material science basics



Final Thoughts  

Dental cement may seem like a small step in the restorative process — but it plays a huge role in long-term success.

There is no “one cement for everything.”

A confident clinician understands:

• The properties
• The indications
• The limitations

When you choose cement thoughtfully, you reduce failures, improve outcomes, and build patient trust.