Kompositzemente

Kompositzemente, or composite resin cements, are a class of dental luting cements used to cement indirect restorations such as crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, and sometimes posts, as well as to perform certain buildups. They consist of a resin matrix with inorganic filler particles and a silane coupling agent that bonds filler to resin. Many formulations include photoinitiators and solvents, and they are designed to interact with bonding systems to enhance adhesion to tooth structure and restorative surfaces.

These cements are available in several curing modes: light-cured, dual-cured, and self-adhesive. Light-cured cements rely on exterior light to initiate polymerization, while dual-cure cements combine light and chemical curing to ensure complete setting in areas with limited light transmission. Self-adhesive cements simplify handling by bonding to tooth structure without a separate adhesive, although bond strength can vary with substrate and technique.

Properties and handling considerations include good esthetics and radiopacity, strong bonding to enamel, dentin, and many ceramic or metal surfaces, and resistance to dissolution. However, polymerization shrinkage can occur, potentially leading to marginal gaps and postoperative sensitivity if isolation and technique are not optimal. These cements are more technique-sensitive and often more expensive than traditional cements, and their performance depends on proper bonding procedures and curing conditions.

Indications center on luting all-ceramic and resin- or metal-ceramic restorations, lithium disilicate and zirconia crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays, and sometimes post cementation. Limitations include the need for adequate isolation, selection of an appropriate curing method, and consideration of substrate sensitivity or compatibility with the chosen restoration material.