Objective: Easy handling of materials may be considered helpful to achieve good clinical results. This evaluation assesses the handling properties of a novel encapsulated, self adhesive, dual cure resin-based luting material (RelyX Unicem, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) in clinical use in UK dental practices. Method: Twelve dental practitioners from a UK-wide practice-based research group, the PREP (Product Research and Evaluation by Practitioners) Panel were chosen at random and sent a questionnaire to evaluate the presentation, handling and ease of use of the material; most answers being given on a visual analogue scale. Evaluators were also asked a) reasons for choice of luting materials and b) to compare the new material to the luting materials normally used. Results: The new material was used to place 134 restorations and scored 4.8 for dispensing convenience (where 1 =inconvenient and 5 = convenient). The evaluators' scored the ease of use of their previously used a) conventional luting cement at 4.2, and b) resin luting system at 3.7. RelyX Unicem was awarded a score of 4.3 for ease of use (5 = easy to use and 1 = difficult to use). 92% (n=11) of evaluators agreed the absence of an etching and bonding stage was a clinical advantage. The handling was described as better than the resin luting material previously used by 75%(n=9) of evaluators and all stated they would purchase the material if available at average cost. Conclusion: A new self-adhesive universal resin cement received ratings for ease of use that were superior to both the resin-based luting and ‘conventional' luting materials normally used by the evaluators.

The support of 3M ESPE (Seefeld, Germany) is acknowledged.

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