Physical properties of resinous cements: an in vitro study

The flow rate capacity, hydrolytic degradation and radiopacity of three resin-based cements were tested and compared with zinc phosphate cement, when used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. There are no significant differences among the cements with regard to the flow rate. The zinc phosphate cement showed superior hydrolytic degradation compared with the other cements tested. The cements presented different radiopacities and the zinc phosphate cement was the most radiopaque. The results suggest that the development of resin-based materials associated with adhesive procedures can increase the effectiveness of indirect restorations.