Polycarboxylate Cement
A. Properties and Use
– Polycarboxylate cement is formed when zinc oxide powder is mixed with an aqueous
solution of polyacrylic acid.
– Polycarboxylate cement was the first adhesive material developed for use in dentistry.
– Polycarboxylate cement bonds to tooth structure, and this results in very little leakage.
– It is not as acidic as zinc phosphate cement, is very biocompatible, and is used as a luting
cement and an intermediate base.
– Unfortunately, polycarboxylate cement is not very strong and has a moderate solubility.
– Glass ionomer cements have the same adhesive properties along with better strength,
solubility resistance, and fluoride release.
– Glass ionomer and zinc phosphate cements have a much greater market share than
polycarboxylate cement.
B. Mixing
– Polycarboxylate cement is mixed in the same manner as glass ionomer cements.
– The powder and liquid are dispensed and mixed on a paper pad with a cement spatula.
– The mixing time is similar to that of glass ionomer cements because adhesion depends on
unreacted carboxylic acid groups.
– The mixed material must be placed inside the crown and the crown seated while the cement is still glossy.
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