U-Cem Premium or Care Cem Temp: self-adhesive or temporary?

Short answer: these cements do not compete; they complement each other. U-Cem Premium is a self-adhesive universal resin cement for the permanent cementation of inlays, crowns, bridges and posts. Care Cem Temp is a dual-cure, eugenol-free resin cement for temporary restorations that is easy to remove and does not interfere with subsequent adhesive cementation.

A typical workflow: the temporary crown is seated with Care Cem Temp and the definitive restoration with U-Cem Premium. Below, we explain how they differ, how to choose the pack format and what to watch for in the clinic.

U-Cem Premium: for permanent cementation

The manufacturer, Vericom, describes U-Cem Premium as a self-adhesive universal resin cement. It is intended for the permanent cementation of ceramic, metal or composite inlays and onlays, crowns, bridges and posts.

• Sustained fluoride ion release: a property stated by the manufacturer.
• Homogeneous consistency: the cement spreads evenly under the restoration.
• Easy excess removal and simple handling.
• Bonding to a variety of materials: in its catalog, Vericom presents shear bond strength tests with ceramics, metal, zirconia and lithium disilicate, and its own microleakage test reports no marginal leakage.
• Manufactured in compliance with ISO 13485.
• Shades: Clear, Universal and Opaque; the latter helps mask a darker substrate, e.g. a metal post or a discolored abutment.

Care Cem Temp: for temporary cementation

Care Cem Temp is a dual-cure (light and chemical), eugenol-free temporary resin cement for seating temporary crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays on natural teeth or implant abutments.

• Eugenol-free: eugenol could weaken the bond of a resin cement used later, so a eugenol-free temporary cement is the safer choice before adhesive cementation.
• Dual cure: cures reliably even under opaque restorations.
• Easy removal: the temporary restoration can be removed with little effort and without damage.
• Volume: 5 ml (mixed material) per syringe.

The temporary phase often lasts from a few days to several weeks, while the gingiva heals, the lab fabricates the definitive restoration or a new vertical dimension of occlusion is being tested. The temporary cement therefore has to be strong enough to keep the restoration in place during eating, but not so strong that removing it requires sectioning or risks damaging the prepared tooth. Care Cem Temp is designed for exactly this balance.

Side-by-side comparison

AT or DP: which pack to choose?

Both cements are available in two delivery forms, labeled AT and DP.

AT: automix syringe

Base and catalyst are mixed in the mixing tip, and with an intraoral tip the cement can be applied directly into the restoration or canal. The ratio is always exact, there are no air bubbles from hand mixing, and the procedure is cleaner. This is the most convenient choice if you cement frequently and want as few steps as possible. For even extrusion, the V-Dispensing Gun (SYRINGE Type) for automix syringes is useful.

DP: Double Dispenser syringe

The paste is dispensed without a gun or tips. The U-Cem Premium DP pack includes a mixing pad and spatula, and the cement is mixed by hand. The Care Cem Temp DP syringe has an integrated handle and a storage tray. The DP format is more economical because no material is left in a mixing tip, so it suits cementing single restorations when you want to control the exact amount.

Workflow: from temporary to permanent restoration

1. Core build-up. If needed, the core is built up with Dual Core material, with a fiberglass post such as Sanapost where required. For the adhesive technique, use DenFil Etchant 37% with BC Plus (total-etch technique) or the self-etch U-Bond; for precise application, Bonding Brush applicators.
2. Temporary restoration. Seat it with Care Cem Temp. Because it contains no eugenol, subsequent adhesive cementation will not be compromised.
3. Removing the temporary restoration. Remove all temporary cement residue from the prepared tooth: a clean surface is a prerequisite for a good bond.
4. Try-in of the permanent restoration. Check fit, contacts and occlusion; prepare the intaglio surface according to the restoration material manufacturer's instructions.
5. Cementation with U-Cem Premium. Select the shade (opaque to mask a dark substrate), apply the cement and seat the restoration.
6. Excess removal: at the time and in the manner specified in the manufacturer's instructions; take particular care with interproximal areas and subgingival margins.

Practical tips

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific restoration material: ceramics, zirconia or metal may require different intaglio surface preparation.
• Ensure a dry field: resin cements are sensitive to moisture and contamination with blood or saliva.
• Change the automix tip for each patient and close the syringe with its original cap.
• If the temporary restoration will be worn for a longer period, plan in advance how you will remove it and clean off the cement residue.
• Store materials under the conditions specified by the manufacturer and monitor expiry dates.

Common cementation mistakes

• Temporary cement residue. Residue left on the prepared tooth is one of the most common causes of a weak bond. Clean the surface thoroughly before permanent cementation.
• Eugenol-containing temporary cement before adhesive work. If you plan to cement the permanent restoration with a resin cement, choose a eugenol-free cement for the temporary phase, such as Care Cem Temp.
• Contaminated field. Saliva or blood during cementation weakens the bond and increases the risk of marginal leakage, so pay sufficient attention to isolation.
• Wrong shade. The color of translucent ceramic restorations is also affected by the cement. To mask a dark substrate, choose the opaque shade; for translucent restorations on a light substrate, choose clear or universal.
• Removing excess too late. Fully cured cement is difficult to remove interproximally and subgingivally, so follow the excess removal time specified by the manufacturer.

Checklist

• Permanent restoration → U-Cem Premium; temporary → Care Cem Temp.
• Frequent cementation, speed and cleanliness → AT; economy and single restorations → DP.
• Dark substrate or metal post → opaque U-Cem Premium shade.
• For AT syringes → V-Dispensing Gun (SYRINGE Type).
• For core build-up and adhesion → Dual Core and adhesives from the adhesives and etching collection.

All cements are available in the cement collection, and other products from the manufacturer on the Vericom page; prices incl. VAT are shown on each product page. Need advice on pack format or shade? Contact us and we will help you choose.