Clinical evaluation strategies for dental bonding and cementation

Clinicians evaluating dental restorative materials are encouraged to prioritize clinical application and procedural consistency over traditional generation-based classifications. For dental bonding agents, selecting between etch-and-rinse, self-etch, and universal adhesive systems should be based on specific restorative requirements and the clinical situation, such as the need for enamel retention versus dentin preservation.

Similarly, the selection of dental luting cements should be dictated by the specific demands of indirect restorations. Key factors include the preparation geometry, the level of mechanical retention available, and the compatibility of the cement with the restorative material. For instance, glass ceramics typically require adhesive bonding protocols, while zirconia requires specific surface preparation protocols. Effective cementation relies on matching the material properties to the preparation design and the restorative substrate to ensure long-term retention and marginal adaptation.