Review of Kerr Maxcem Elite™ Self-Etch, Self-Adhesive Resin Cement

It's a great time to practice esthetic and cosmetic restorative dentistry. Unlike ever before, today’s clinicians and technicians have a variety of indirect restorative materials from which to choose to quickly, easily and predictably restore a patient’s smile.

Traditionally, porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations have been placed when strength and durability in the posterior region were required, and/or in the anterior region when complete isolation from moisture could not be achieved, thereby eliminating all-ceramic restorative possibilities. Esthetically, all-ceramic restorations have been this author’s ideal choice, but problems of sensitivity have developed because of errors that can occur during the multiple steps required for bonding, especially when placing several units of restorations at one seating.

FIGURE 1		FIGURE 2		FIGURE 3		FIGURE 4
Retracted before view of patient		Retracted view of preparations		Placement of Maxcem Elite into Lava crown		Retracted post-operative view of cemented restorations

Maxcem Elite is a single component, self-etch resin cement system that eliminates multiple steps when bonding indirect restorations. Clinicians have everything they need for etching, priming and bonding in one syringe. Maxcem Elite bonds tenaciously to all dental substrates while maintaining excellent mechanical and esthetic properties. The cement is conveniently dispensed directly into the restoration or cavity preparation using a dual auto mix syringe. Optional curved tips are also available for inlay/onlays and post placement applications. No more 90-second wait before tack curing, no hand mixing and no refrigeration required. Using the amine free chemistry similar to its cousin NX3, Maxcem Elite has superior color stability enabling its use under esthetic restorations anywhere in the mouth. So whether you decide to use this cement for zirconia, all ceramic, indirect composite, or even porcelain to metal restorations, the process is as easy as 123!

According to the manufacturer, some features and benefits include the following:

• High bond strength and compatibility to common dental substrates
• Ability to tack-cure immediately
• Ease of use
• Applicable for common indirect restorations
• Patented Redox System
• High bond strength without adhesive needed
• Saves time at patient chair side
• No need to refrigerate
• Easy clean-up
• No hand mixing required
• Anterior, posterior / ceramics, PFMs and CAD/CAM materials
• Color stability, esthetic, works with all substrates from opaque to translucent

Depending on the substrates, bond strengths have been recorded between 22-36 MPa. When combined with OptiBond All-In-One, Kerr’s research team found dentin and enamel bond strength of Maxcem Elite to be 35MPa and 30MPa, respectively. When combined with OptiBond Solo Plus, Kerr’s research team found dentin and enamel bond strength of Maxcem Elite to be 35MPa and 33MPa, respectively.

The following chart illustrates these different levels:

As dentists, we are always looking for something that is quick and simple to use yet very effective. Maxcem Elite is indeed an enhanced and better version of the traditional Maxcem cement; one of the first to introduce the self etch resin cements to the dental profession. Now with increased bond strengths and the ability to spot tack, Maxcem Elite will prove to be a new enhanced leader in the field.