Retention Force of Glass Ionomer Based Luting Cements with Posterior Primary Zirconium Crowns - A Comparative in Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the retentive force of three glass-ionomer luting cements used with prefabricated primary zirconium crowns (PPZCs) and to assess whether the retentive force was dependent on cementation material or different PPZCs brands. STUDY DESIGN Four mandibular right second molar PPZCs were selected, one each from four manufacturers-NuSmile®ZR, Sprig Crowns, Cheng Crowns and Kinder Krowns. Silicone impressions of the outer surface of crowns were taken; stone dies prepared and reduced to fit the corresponding brand. 24 alginate impressions of each die obtained and filled with core buildup flowable composite. 96 composite tooth-replicas thus achieved were divided into four groups and further categorized into three subgroups of eight samples based on luting cements used - BioCem, FujiCEM®2 and KetacCem. Samples were thermocycled, placed in artificial saliva for one week followed by assessment of retentive force for crown dislodgment and failure mode. RESULTS Data was statistically evaluated using two-way ANOVA, HSD (P <0.05). KetacCem had the lowest retentive force while BioCem showed comparatively higher value to FujiCEM®2. Adhesive failure modes were predominant with cement mainly adhering to crown's internal surface. CONCLUSIONS Resin-based GI cements offered superior retention than conventional GI cements for PPZCs and retentive force was dependent on cement type.