Do I Cement or Bond IPS e.max?
IPS e.max, manufactured by Ivoclar Vivadent, is a leading lithium disilicate glass-ceramic used for esthetic, durable restorations. Known for its excellent translucency, high strength (over 500 MPa), and versatility, it is suitable for veneers, inlays, onlays, crowns, and even three-unit bridges in the anterior region. However, one frequently asked clinical question remains: Should IPS e.max be bonded or cemented? When using restorations from The Art of Aesthetics, which are already pre-etched with hydrofluoric acid, clinicians gain a head start in achieving a reliable bond.
The default recommendation from Ivoclar Vivadent is that IPS e.max should be bonded using adhesive resin cements rather than conventionally cemented, especially in cases where retention and strength are critical. While conventional cementation using self-adhesive or glass ionomer cements is technically possible for full-coverage crowns with adequate preparation, bonding provides distinct advantages that improve both the mechanical and aesthetic performance of the restoration.
According to Ivoclar Vivadent’s clinical guidelines and product literature, bonding improves fracture resistance by up to 50% compared to conventional cementation. This is because bonding creates a strong micromechanical and chemical union between the restoration and the tooth substrate. The resin penetrates the etched ceramic surface and hardens, forming a high-strength hybrid layer. This bonded interface not only reinforces the ceramic structure but also ensures superior marginal adaptation.
The restorations from The Art of Aesthetics come pre-etched with hydrofluoric acid and are ready for silanization. This simplifies the clinical workflow significantly. After verifying the fit, the clinician should apply a silane coupling agent for 60 seconds and air-dry. Then, adhesive resin cement (dual-cure or light-cure, depending on thickness and translucency) should be used to seat the restoration. This bonding technique is critical for thin restorations such as veneers or minimally invasive inlays and onlays.
One of the major reasons to avoid conventional cementation is the risk of debonding or fracture over time. IPS e.max’s strength is enhanced through bonding, but if conventionally cemented without sufficient mechanical retention, failure rates can increase, especially in minimally invasive or non-retentive preparations. The Ivoclar Vivadent website emphasizes this in its bonding protocol, citing long-term clinical studies supporting higher survival rates for bonded IPS e.max.
Additionally, bonding allows for better optical integration. The refractive index of resin cement more closely matches that of enamel and dentin than conventional cements do. This results in seamless margins and color stability, a key advantage in anterior esthetic zones. A dental lab like The Art of Aesthetics understands the importance of this and fabricates restorations with esthetic bonding in mind.
In summary, IPS e.max restorations—especially when pre-etched—should be bonded using adhesive resin systems. Bonding ensures optimal strength, esthetics, and long-term performance. While conventional cementation is an option in select full-coverage crown cases with ideal retention, the superior clinical outcomes of bonding make it the gold standard for IPS e.max. Always consult the latest Ivoclar Vivadent clinical guides and collaborate with a skilled dental laboratory to ensure success in every case.