Dental cements in prosthodontics: A review and comparative analysis of modern materials

Dental cements play a crucial role in contemporary dentistry, as they are used in various clinical procedures, including the fixation of fixed prosthetic restorations, fabrication of temporary and permanent restorations, as well as in preventive and restorative therapy. The development of new materials has led to significant improvements in their physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties, enabling broader and safer clinical application. Today, different types of dental cements are in use, such as zinc phosphate, polycarboxylate, glass ionomer, resin-modified, and resin cements, which differ in their indications and clinical performance. The aim of this review article is to present the contemporary classification of dental cements, their basic properties, mechanisms of adhesion to dental and prosthetic tissues, as well as their advantages and limitations in clinical practice. Special emphasis is placed on the criteria for selecting an appropriate cement depending on the clinical situation, which may contribute to the longevity of restorations and improvement of therapeutic outcomes.