Dental adhesive , also known as dental cement or dental glue, is a dental material used to bond various dental restorative materials to natural teeth or to fix dental prostheses in place. It helps bond the crown securely to the prepared tooth structure or implant abutment. Dental adhesive for crowns is a crucial component in the process of attaching dental crowns to natural teeth or dental implants. Dental crowns are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth, improve their appearance, and enhance their functionality. Dental adhesive is used in various dental procedures to bond dental materials, such as crowns, bridges, veneers, and orthodontic brackets, to natural teeth, dental implants, or other dental structures. The purpose of dental adhesive is to provide bonding, strength, durability, and aesthetic results that ensure the stability and longevity of dental restorations. Dental adhesive composition is needed for several important reasons in various dental procedures:

 Bonding Dental Restorations: Dental adhesive is used to bond various dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, onlays, and orthodontic brackets, to natural teeth or dental implants. This bonding ensures that the restoration remains securely in place, allowing it to function properly and withstand the forces of chewing and biting.

 Improving Aesthetics: Dental adhesive is essential for enhancing the aesthetics of dental restorations. It helps attach materials like porcelain veneers or composite resin to the front surfaces of teeth, covering imperfections and improving the appearance of discolored, stained, misshapen, or damaged teeth.

 Strengthening Teeth: In some cases, dental adhesive is used to bond dental materials that reinforce and strengthen weakened or structurally compromised teeth. For instance, composite resin can be used to restore teeth affected by cavities or minor damage.

 Orthodontic Treatment: Dental adhesive plays a crucial role in orthodontic treatments by bonding brackets and bands to teeth. This allows for the application of controlled forces to move teeth into their desired positions during orthodontic therapy.

 Filling Cavities: In restorative dentistry, dental adhesive is used to bond tooth-colored filling materials (composite resin) to the prepared cavity in a tooth. This not only seals the cavity to prevent further decay but also restores the tooth’s shape and function.

 Preventing microleakage: Dental adhesive forms a seal between restorative materials and tooth structures, preventing microleakage. Microleakage refers to the tiny gaps or spaces between a dental restoration and the tooth surface, which, if not sealed properly, can allow bacteria and fluids to infiltrate, leading to further decay or failure of the restoration.

 Minimizing Post-Operative Sensitivity: Some dental adhesives are formulated to reduce post-operative sensitivity by sealing the exposed dentinal tubules in cases where the tooth’s dentin is exposed.

 How does dental adhesive work?

 The key to the success of dental adhesive is the formation of a chemical bond between the resin monomers in the adhesive and the tooth structure and restoration material. This bond creates a secure and stable connection that allows the restoration to function effectively and remain in place for an extended period. Here are the steps  working of dental adhesive :

 Tooth Preparation: Before applying dental adhesive, the tooth or dental structure must be prepared. This preparation typically involves cleaning the tooth surface, removing any decayed or damaged tissue, and shaping it to accommodate the restoration.

 Etching: In some adhesive systems, the dentist may etch the tooth surface using acid-based etching. Etching creates a microscopically rough surface on the tooth, which improves the adhesive’s ability to bond. After a brief etching period, the tooth is thoroughly rinsed to remove the etchant.

 Application of Primer or Bonding Agent: A primer or bonding agent is applied to the prepared tooth or dental structure. This bonding agent contains resin monomers and other components that play a crucial role in the bonding process.

 Adhesive Layer: The dental adhesive itself, which contains resin monomers, is applied over the bonding agent. The adhesive layer adheres to the bonding agent on one side and the restoration material on the other side.

 Placement of the Restoration: The dental restoration, such as a crown, veneer, or filling material, is placed onto the adhesive-coated tooth surface. It is positioned accurately to achieve proper alignment and occlusion.

 Curing or Setting: Depending on the type of adhesive used, the curing process occurs either through a light-curing method or a chemical setting process.

• Light-Curing Adhesives: In many cases, especially for resin-based adhesives, a special curing light is used to activate photo initiators within the adhesive. The light triggers polymerization, causing the resin monomers to harden and form a solid bond. This process usually takes only a few seconds.
• Chemical-Curing Adhesives: Some adhesives are self-cured and do not require a curing light. They rely on a chemical initiator to initiate polymerization. The adhesive sets over a specified period of time, typically a few minutes.

 Finishing and Polishing: After the adhesive has cured, any excess adhesive or restoration material is trimmed, and the restoration is shaped and polished to achieve the desired esthetics and function.