Description

3M ESPE RelyX Unicem Self-Adhesive Universal Resin Cement is a dual-cured resin cement. Originally packaged in capsules (Aplicap and Maxicap), 3M ESPE RelyX Unicem is now available in the Clicker Dispenser. Equal amounts of the base and catalyst are dispensed from the Clicker Dispenser onto a pad and hand-mixed for 20 seconds. The mixed cement is then placed into the restoration. Working time from the start of the mix is two minutes. The cement can be light cured for 20 seconds or will self cure in five minutes from the start of the mix. The cement is indicated for all-ceramic, composite or metal restorations and posts. It is not intended for ceramic laminates. It is available in three shades: TR Translucent, A-2 Universal, and A-3 Opaque. The kit contains 11-g of cement in the Clicker Dispenser. Twenty-six consultants used 3M ESPE RelyX Unicem in the Clicker Dispenser for cementation of 493 clinical cases which included ceramic and metal crowns, inlays/onlays, ceramic and metal fixed partial dentures and posts. This product received a 97% clinical rating.

Editors’ Observations

Manufacturers’ Instructions/Packaging
The cement is packaged in a sealed foil wrap with complete written instructions and an illustrated card for quick reference.

Clicker Dispenser
Equal amounts of the base and catalyst are uniformly dispensed from the convenient and easy-to-use Clicker Dispenser. Some consultants prefer the convenience of the capsules, which eliminates hand-mixing and allows for the delivery of the cement directly into the restoration. Others stated that there is little waste and the material is mixed correctly without the use of a triturator.

Ease of Hand-mixing and Uniformity of Mix
The cement is easy to mix uniformly and requires little effort.

Viscosity
The viscosity of the cement from the Clicker Dispenser is more consistent and exhibits a more uniform flow than was reported by users of 3M ESPE RelyX Unicem in the Aplicap or Maxicap packaging.

Working Time/Setting Time
The cement has an adequate working and setting time. Some editors noted that the translucent shade was particularly susceptible to ambient light, setting quickly.

Ease of Removing Excess
Cleanup of the cement is best done before the cement is completely set or after a five-second light cure.

Shades Available/Esthetics
The number of shades available is adequate for the indicated uses of 3M ESPE RelyX Unicem. The translucent shade snap sets very quickly with a 3-5 second light cure. The A-2 Universal and A-3 Opaque appear to not snap set as quickly as the translucent shade.

Restoration Retention
No retention failures were reported during the evaluation period.

Clinical Tips

• A single click is adequate for single anterior or premolar crowns.
• Do not let the cement completely set before removing excess. A five-second light cure will put the cement in a gel state for easier removal.
• Do not use a lentulo to spin cement into a canal space for post cementation; place the cement on a post before placing in the canal.

Editors’ Note: You can use 3M ESPE RelyX Unicem Self-Adhesive Universal Resin Cement in Aplicap with the Elongation Tip for direct placement of the cement into the canal.