Comparison of a self-adhesive resin cement, a conventional and a bulk-fill resin composite for luting of indirect restorative materials; the effect of thickness and material factors on translucence, monomer conversion and resin-dentin bond strength

Introduction: With developing technology, the search for the most ideal material to be used in the cementation of indirect restorations continues. To determine the effect of thickness and material factors on monomer conversion, translucency, and resin-dentin bond strength in luting indirect restorative materials (IRM) of different thicknesses using a resin cement, a conventional and a bulk-fill resin composite. Materials and methods: Samples of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic material (IPS e.max) and ceramic-resin hybrid material (Lava Ultimate) in 2 and 4 mm thicknesses, were luted using RelyX U200 (a self-adhesive resin cement), X-tra fil (a bulk-fill resin composite) and Z250 (a conventional microhybride resin composite) to the dentin surface and subjected to bond strength test after thermal cycle. In addition, the translucency parameter (TP) of the prepared blocks and the degree of conversion (DC) of the luting materials were investigated. The data was statistically analyzed. Results: The bond strength of X-tra fil and Z250 was statistically higher than RelyX U200 (p0.05). The increase in thickness decreased the TP of IRMs and the DC of resins underlying Lava (p0.05). Conclusion: Conventional and bulk-fill resin composites can be alternative luting materials to resin cements. Thickness increase did not change bond strength, while decreased TP, and DC only for Lava Ultimate.