Product Evaluation

3M

3M RelyX Universal Resin Cement

A unique syringe delivery system reduces waste, ensures precise placement, and self-seals after use, making this cement an ideal solution for direct and indirect bonding indications

Waste not, want not” is an adage that’s sometimes hard to live up to when working with resin cements. Whether its wasting time using multiple-step cementation systems, juggling an overloaded inventory of materials, or oozing excess cement when dispensing the material, one thing is clear—reliable bonding can be a wasteful endeavor.

Dr. Aliisha Choucair knows all about “material waste and having to purchase so many different materials for each specific restoration type” and would like that to change. Agreeing that cement is often wasted, Dr. Peter Dantini, Jr. said that being able to “cement any type of crown or restoration without needing extra materials” would be a welcome relief.

3M has come to the rescue with its 3M RelyX Universal Resin Cement, which provides outstanding self-adhesion for virtually all indirect and direct bonding procedures without needing additional adhesives or primers, and with an innovative delivery system that reduces cement waste. “I love that the mixing tip is small and compact so there’s less material waste,” shared Dr. Choucair, who said the “simplicity, quality, and ingenuity” of the cement results in an improved workflow. Like Dr. Choucair, Dr. Dantini “loved the syringe dispenser and how it minimized waste to dispense exactly the amount I needed.” He also praised the ability to “bond/cement a restoration with one product” for virtually all restorative materials.

For this DPS evaluation, Dr. Choucair, Dr. Dantini, and their peers received a trial kit of 3M RelyX Universal Resin Cement, micro mixing tips, and elongation tips. Additionally, 3M Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive and Etchant were included as optional materials.

Reduced Waste

The thin, flexible, elongated 3M RelyX Micro Mixing Tip enables precise placement with minimal cement waste. Plastic waste is also reduced thanks to the 3.4- gram automix syringe, which self-seals after use for hygienic storage. Describing the self-sealing feature as “awesome,” Dr. Andrew Chen likes “the specially designed tips that reduce waste and prevent the contamination or outflow of cement.” Dr. Dantini praised the “self-sealing syringe, efficient mixing tip, minimal material loss, and the ability to dispense what I needed to place a restoration.” Similar feedback was provided by Dr. Bruce Barr, who said, “The small tips generate little waste,” and Dr. Anthony Carroccia noted, “This might be the smallest mixing tip ever.”

Versatility

3M RelyX Universal delivers exceptional bond strength as a standalone self-adhesive cement for virtually all direct and indirect bonding indications with or without light curing and with no need for an additional adhesive. Bond strengths to all substrates are further enhanced when 3M RelyX Universal is used with 3M Scotchbond Universal Plus.

Hoping for “a reliable and predictable system to use for indirect ceramic restorations, especially zirconia,” Dr. Allan Mohr was thrilled with 3M RelyX Universal and said, “To date, all restorations are still in place. If you perform numerous indirect restorations and want to keep fewer products in your inventories, this product can be your go-to cement/bonding system.” Agreeing that 3M RelyX Universal is “very versatile for various adhesive techniques, including not using an adhesive,” Dr. Carroccia said, “It works for cementing all sorts of dental materials, composite posts, zirconium, ceramics.” Appreciating that it “can be used in different protocols for different procedures,” Dr. Andrew Mogelof suggested a single-page instructional guide so that no pages need to be turned during use.

“[RelyX Universal Resin Cement] makes the cementation process easy.”
—Andrew Chen, DMD Frisco, TX

Efficiency: Improved Workflow

Previously using “a dual system for all my zirconia crowns where I wanted the maximum bond strength,” Dr. Mohr says the “simple [RelyX] system without multiple steps” has simplified his chairside experience. Describing 3M RelyX Universal as “easy to use and efficient with faster crown delivery,” Dr. Andrew Achord said, “The excellent curing time allows proper seating without having to wait.” He also praised the easy cleanup of excess cement. For Dr. Yahya Mansour, it “made bonding crowns with great margins easier and more predictable,” and Dr. Andrew Mogelof said the “precise placement saves time and gives control over the product.” Dr. Dantini noted, “Cementing multiple units was an easier experience,” and Dr. Chen said, “It makes the cementation process easy.”

Overall Satisfaction

Every dentist who evaluated this product agreed that 3M RelyX Universal is worthy of recommending to colleagues, with Dr. Mogelof sharing, “3M has been a consistent leader in dental products, and RelyX Universal is a superb product.” When asked about improvements, Dr. Mohr commented, “I don’t know how 3M could make it better,” and Dr. Choucair concluded, “I love this product. I’m a huge fan.”

Takeaways

• Provides outstanding self-adhesion for direct and indirect bonding procedures

• Eliminates the need for additional adhesives or primers

• Elongated Micro Mixing Tip reduces cement waste and ensures precise placement

• Automix syringe selfseals after use for hygienic storage

• Versatility, efficiency, and ease of use improve workflow