"This cement is a slam dunk!"

Many dentists have changed their cementation protocol for full and partial crowns and bridges. As the trend to full ceramics is obvious, and with a significant number of metal-based restorations still being placed, there is a need to create a tight seal between the restoration and the tooth that not only holds the restoration in place, but is insoluble in the mouth, poses little risk of sensitivity, and is as technique-friendly as traditional cement.

In 2002, I was excited to see the introduction of RelyX™ Unicem Self-Adhesive Resin Cement from 3M ESPE for that express purpose. Today, with more than 50 million applications, it’s difficult to imagine there would be a need for improvement. But now, enter RelyX™ Unicem 2 Automix Self-Adhesive Resin Cement from 3M ESPE-which changes everything.

How has this product increased your clinical confidence?
Formerly, the bond strengths for this class of materials were lower than those typically achieved with total-etch techniques. This class also was relatively viscous, presenting some seating challenges, as well as awkward delivery via trituration. RelyX Unicem 2 Automix cement has a lower viscosity, which flows easily, and it is now dispensed via a self-mixing tip through a dual barrel syringe. While retention for restorations has never been a real problem if the directions were followed, I personally have had issues with wear at exposed margins for inlays and onlays, as well as bond strengths to enamel. RelyX Unicem 2 Automix Cement’s better wettability (achieved via a patented chemistry, along with smaller particle size) now allows for higher enamel bond strengths, along with better margin gap behavior in wear-critical areas.

What applications is this best suited for?
With virtually zero post-op sensitivity and an already successful 8-year track record for the previous generation, this is a very attractive and effective option for any chairside CAD/CAM dentist, those using zirconia or metal, and those who place implant restorations.

One feature that is a definite plus is the mini-endo tip that resembles a small canula, which lets the clinician inject the cement directly into the canal/post space. Personally, I use this tip routinely for all applications, as it also reduces the risk of air entrapment. Clean up, as usual, is a snap in the gel state. RelyX Unicem 2 Automix cement is a slam dunk!