STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Several in vitro studies have been published showing the incapability of the chemical cure of dual-cured resin composite luting agents to compensate for absence of visible light activation. PURPOSE: This study evaluated and compared pairs of Empress ceramic inlays luted with 2 chemical-cured luting agents: a resin-modified glass ionomer cement and a resin composite within individual patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-nine ceramic inlays were placed in class II cavities in 29 patients. In each patient half of the inlays were luted with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement and the other half with a chemical-cured resin composite cement. The inlays were evaluated clinically, according to modified USPHS criteria, at baseline, after 6 months, and 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: No failed inlays were observed during the 2-year follow-up. A slight ditching of the cement margins was observed in both luting groups. No significant difference was seen between the 2 luting techniques. CONCLUSION: IPS Empress inlays luted with both chemical-cured luting agents functioned satisfactorily in the short-term follow-up. Longer observation periods are necessary to evaluate the long-term clinical behavior of both luting techniques.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Several in vitro studies have been published showing the incapability of the chemical cure of dual-cured resin composite luting agents to compensate for absence of visible light activation. PURPOSE: This study evaluated and compared pairs of Empress ceramic inlays luted with 2 chemical-cured luting agents: a resin-modified glass ionomer cement and a resin composite within individual patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-nine ceramic inlays were placed in class II cavities in 29 patients. In each patient half of the inlays were luted with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement and the other half with a chemical-cured resin composite cement. The inlays were evaluated clinically, according to modified USPHS criteria, at baseline, after 6 months, and 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: No failed inlays were observed during the 2-year follow-up. A slight ditching of the cement margins was observed in both luting groups. No significant difference was seen between the 2 luting techniques. CONCLUSION: IPS Empress inlays luted with both chemical-cured luting agents functioned satisfactorily in the short-term follow-up. Longer observation periods are necessary to evaluate the long-term clinical behavior of both luting techniques.