Today, in dental clinics, each patient can choose any material for himself. There are many types of dental cement, which are distinguished by aesthetics, strength and durability. The establishment of a crown will help maintain and restore the attractiveness of a diseased tooth. Any dentist knows that prosthetics will be successful only if high-quality dental cement is used for reliable fixation.
The properties
High-quality dental cement should have certain properties. The first is to be biocompatible. Only in this case will it be firmly attached to the real tooth. As a result, the likelihood that the seal will fall out and develop intermediate caries will be minimized.
The material must have an optimum solidification period. There should be enough time for the doctor to slowly set a quality seal. It is also necessary to consider that it will be difficult for the patient to sit with his mouth open for a long time while waiting for the material to solidify.
Dental cementitious compound should:
- be hypoallergenic;
- have a homogeneous structure. In this case, the mixture will be able to adhere tightly to the rest of the tooth. As a result, there will be no empty cavity where bacteria causing caries can multiply;
- be extremely durable. A strong mixture is able to withstand a large load when chewing and grinding solid food.
The material in its structure and color should resemble the enamel given by nature as best as possible, and also not give in to coloring. Over time, the seal should not lose its original color, despite the effects of different dyes.
Varieties
In dentistry, various types of adhesives are used, for example, there are those that are used for removable dental bridges. This cement works for about 24 hours. During this time, the composition does not freeze, remains elastic. Buy this dental cement at a pharmacy. Often, compounds are used to fasten a broken bridge.
The advantage of this type of sticky masses is also that they freshen the breath, and also have an antibacterial property. Only the dentist should prescribe the tool necessary for the installation and fixation of dentures.
Bite and fastening time depend on the composition and type of cement. So, the cement composition, which is designed to fix implant prostheses, is valid only for a day, and for crowns - for several weeks.
You can buy material of various consistencies:
- liquid;
- semi-liquid;
- thick.
Thick and viscous cement is always taken more than semi-liquid or liquid.
Materials
There are 5 main types of dental cement, which differ in the materials used in the manufacture of the mixture, these are:
- polymeric;
- phosphate;
- silicate phosphate;
- glass ionomer;
- polycarboxylate.
Pros and cons of polymer look
The positive qualities of polymer compositions include:
- excellent durability;
- the presence of a homogeneous structure;
- maximum viscosity.
Due to the last two properties, no gaps are formed between the enamel, cement and soft tissues of the tooth.
The disadvantages of polymers are the frequent allergies and the clearly visible difference between natural enamel and filling material.
Pros and Cons of the Phosphate Form
Phosphate permanent dental cement has a number of undeniable advantages. It contains zinc powder and phosphoric acid. In its strength, it is excellent for filling teeth that are under great load when chewing. The composition is easily kneaded and solidifies quickly.
There are also disadvantages, and they are as follows:
- Increased acidity. If the composition gets on the pulp, nerve endings can become inflamed.
- Lack of antibacterial action.
- In the future, there is a possibility of clouding of the material, which will lead to a change in the color of the seal.
Pros and cons of polycarboxylate type
The main component is specially treated zinc oxide, without residual products, quickly reacting with polyacrylic acid. The positive properties of polycarboxylate compounds are the rare occurrence of allergies, good adhesion to enamel and dentin. The solidification period is 7-8 minutes, which is optimal.
The downside is insufficient strength, because it is temporary dental cement. It is used only for intermittent fillings and fixation of prostheses. To dilute these formulations, distilled water is required.
Pros and Cons of Silicate Phosphate
These cements contain aluminosilicate glass in powder, which is diluted with phosphoric acid. Silicate-phosphate mixtures have their advantages. One of them is universality. They can be used for any purpose. This material has an increased strength. As well as natural enamel, silicate-phosphate mixtures are partially transparent.
The disadvantage is very quick hardening. Within 5 minutes, the doctor must put a seal, which often affects its quality. The material is available only in powder-liquid form.
Pros and cons of glass ionomer type
The liquid part of the material is represented by polyacrylic acid. Glass ionomer dental cement is distinguished by antibacterial qualities. It minimizes the risk of tooth decay. Benefits include:
- the best combination of strength and elasticity;
- the presence of excellent aesthetic qualities;
- lack of an allergic reaction;
- high biocompatibility;
- resistance to dyes.
However, the material hardens for a very long time. Although it takes 6 minutes to solidify, it reacts to irritants within 24 hours. In addition, glass ionomers are poorly polished.
Release form
Dental cement contains powder and liquid, which, when mixed, form a paste-like mass. In the process of solidification, it begins to harden and becomes like a stone. The components enter into a chemical reaction, as a result of this hardening occurs.
Dental cement is available in the form of:
- Separate liquid and powder. This form is used most often. The filling material is prepared manually by the doctor right before use. In this case, you can adjust the density of the composition, however, if the dentist does not have the proper experience, the mixture can turn out to be very thick or liquid.
- Powder It uses distilled water.
- Ready mixes in vacuum syringes. They are prepared as standard, in them the liquid and dry parts are optimally selected.
- Separate dosage capsules with liquid and powder.
Recommendations of specialists
Before installing the crown on the damaged tooth, it is grinded, and after that, dental cement specially designed for this purpose is applied. Thanks to this material, the crown attaches very firmly, does not move when chewing. After solidification, this material becomes very durable. A prosthesis fixed with this mass can stand for more than 10 years, while a person does not experience any unpleasant taste and smell emanating from him.
Even with the purchase of the strongest glue, there is no guarantee that it can withstand heavy loads. It often happens that the crown disappears and you have to go to the dentist. If it is impossible to visit a doctor, you can try to solve the problem yourself at home.
Home use
Dental cement used at home can be purchased at the pharmacy. In its composition, it differs from that used by dentists. However, with its help, you can fix the crown for a while before going to the doctor. It must be borne in mind that for a long time it is impossible to walk with a prosthesis fixed in this way.
Before gluing the precipitated crown, it is cleaned of old cement with a special solvent liquid and a brush. These drugs are sold in pill form. A clean prosthesis is washed in water and dried. If the crown is wet, the grip will not be strong.
Then the adhesive is applied to the crown, which is put in place. How to make tooth cement at home is indicated in the instructions for the material that is purchased at the pharmacy. When buying any cement, you need to make sure that it is compatible with the crown or denture.
An important point is the accurate and even installation of the crown. Then for a few minutes you need to tightly grit your teeth. During this time, the prosthesis adheres firmly to the tooth and falls into place. If suddenly, when pressed, excess dental cement comes out, they need to be removed. This material is not toxic. After this, it is forbidden to drink and eat food for at least half an hour.
If the teeth are properly maintained, this kind of correction will last from 14 to 21 days. The teeth must be cleaned carefully, and the food should be chewed on the other side, then the crown will not fly off prematurely. It is worth noting that dental cement is not sold in all pharmacies. There are options, both cheap and expensive. It is highly recommended to consult a doctor before acquiring a particular look.