Dental cements
**Comparison of Various Dental Cements Used in Dentistry** Dental cements are essential materials used in various dental procedures, including restorations, orthodontics, and prosthodontics. They are versatile, providing specific properties and benefits suitable for different clinical situations. In this lecture, we will compare various dental cements based on their composition, setting reaction time, and strength. **I. Composition:** 1. **Zinc Phosphate Cement:** This cement consists of a powder component containing zinc oxide and a liquid component containing phosphoric acid. It is one of the oldest dental cements and is known for its excellent strength and marginal integrity. However, it can cause post-operative sensitivity due to its high exothermic setting reaction. 2. **Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC):** GIC is a versatile cement containing a glass powder (glass ionomer) and a liquid (polyacrylic acid or its modified form). It has good adhesion to tooth structure and releases fluorid