What is considered the best material for cementing a crown?

The best material for cementing a crown is resin cement. This type of cement offers superior adhesion and bonding strength to both tooth structure and restorative materials, making it particularly suitable for all-ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Resin cement provides a strong and durable bond, enhances retention of the crowns, and minimizes microleakage at the margins, all of which are critical for the longevity and success of the restoration.

In comparison to other materials, resin cement can also be used to bond directly to the ceramic surfaces of crowns, which is crucial when dealing with modern dental materials. Furthermore, resin cements have the advantage of being less sensitive to moisture during application than some other cement types.

Polycarbonate luting cement, while it has its applications, does not provide the same level of strength and durability as resin cement and is generally used for temporary crowns or in less demanding situations. Ceramic cement is less frequently used and can be more expensive while not significantly outperforming resin in clinical scenarios. Glass ionomer cement is known for its fluoride-releasing properties and ease of use, but it typically does not offer the same bonding strength required for the long-term fixation of crowns compared to resin cement.