A systematic review and meta-analysis on using preheated resin composites as luting agents for indirect restorations.

Abstract

This systematic review investigated the hypothesis that preheated resin composites (RCs) used as luting agents improve the mechanical properties, physicochemical performance, and color of indirect ceramic restorations. Literature search was performed in three databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and in the grey literature (OpenGrey, ProQuest, and Catalog of Theses & Dissertations from CAPES). Eligibility criteria included only studies comparing at least one preheated RC used as a luting agent with resin cements. Data regarding the mechanical properties, physicochemical characteristics, and color were analyzed qualitatively, and the microtensile bond strength and film thickness were also evaluated by meta-analysis. The search strategy identified 3894 papers, and 28 were full-text screened. Seven studies were included in the review, and 5 were included in the meta-analysis. No significant difference was found for microtensile bond strength (P = 0.14). Preheated RCs showed significantly higher film thickness than resin cements (P = 0.001). Overall, the use of preheated RCs as luting agents offers similar to poorer performance than using resin cements for bonding indirect restorations. Despite the claim that preheated RC could be used as a luting agent, further studies should investigate the effect of clinically unacceptable film thickness.