A systematic review and meta-analysis on using preheated resin composites as luting agents for indirect restorations.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review investigated the hypothesis that preheated resin composites (RCs) used as luting agents improve the mechanical properties, physicochemical performance, and color of indirect ceramic restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search was performed in three databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and in the grey literature (OpenGrey, ProQuest, and Catalog of Theses & Dissertations from CAPES). Eligibility criteria included only studies comparing at least one preheated RC used as a luting agent with resin cements. RESULTS: Data regarding the mechanical properties, physicochemical characteristics, and color were analyzed qualitatively, and the microtensile bond strength and film thickness were also evaluated by meta-analysis. The search strategy identified 3894 papers, and 28 were full-text screened. Seven studies were included in the review, and 5 were included in the meta-analysis. No significant difference was found for microtensile bond strength (P = 0.14). Preheated RCs showed significantly higher film thickness than resin cements (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, the use of preheated RCs as luting agents offers similar to poorer performance than using resin cements for bonding indirect restorations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite the claim that preheated RC could be used as a luting agent, further studies should investigate the effect of clinically unacceptable film thickness.