Cementing all-ceramic restorations: recommendations for success.

BACKGROUND: Several all-ceramic restorative systems of various compositions, properties and indications are available to the dental practitioner. Because of the large number of systems, the dental team faces questions and decisions when choosing the appropriate system and the appropriate means of cementation. OVERVIEW: The authors present a brief overview of the cementation options for various types of all-ceramic restorations. In this article, they discuss the cementation of current all-ceramic restorations and make clinical recommendations tailored to each type of ceramic. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The clinician must have a good understanding of the ceramic type to determine whether a restoration should be cemented adhesively or nonadhesively. Other variables, such as isolation and preparation design, also influence the cementation choice. Various ceramic types demand different surface treatments before cementation. Choosing and applying the appropriate surface treatment and cementation procedure will contribute to long-lasting restorations. The literature is lacking in clinical trial results that validate current in vitro data regarding cementation of all-ceramic restorations.