Marginal adaptation in dentin of a self-adhesive universal resin cement compared with well-tried systems

Objectives. This study compares the marginal adaptation of a new self-adhesive universal resin cement with only one application step, to the marginal adaptation of established cements and their corresponding adhesive systems. Methods. All-ceramic crowns were inserted on human molars using a new self-adhesive universal resin cement without and with one pre-treatment step, a resin cement with a smear-layer removing and a compomer cement with a smear-layer dissolving adhesive system. After simulation of five years oral stress, the marginal adaptation was evaluated by dye penetration and scanning electronic microscope analysis using the replica technique. Results. Scanning electron microscopy: all investigated luting agents showed comparable amounts of ‘perfect margin’ ranging between 88–98% (median). Dye penetration: the self-adhesive system had significantly lower dye penetration (18–25%, median). Significance. The results indicate that a self-adhesive universal resin cement without pre-treatment can provide a marginal adaptation at dentin which is comparable to established luting agents.