UP3D Bonding Guide for Lithium Disilicate, IPS e.max, Sinter-Free Lithium Disilicate, and ZeroFire Ceramics.
- Stuart Anderton
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
To ensure strong adhesion and a long-lasting restoration, it is essential to follow the correct preparation and bonding procedures for glass-ceramic restorations. This includes strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions for each material used—etchant, silane, adhesive, and resin cement.
Do not improvise. Do not rely on memory. Do not apply techniques meant for other materials.
Do not rely on memory, advice from others, or techniques intended for other materials. The steps below apply to generic lithium disilicate, IPS e.max, sinter-free lithium disilicate, and ZeroFire ceramics, and must be paired with the instructions for the specific brands and products you are using.
Step 1: Clean the Restoration After Milling
Milled restorations are contaminated with milling oil and fine ceramic particles that will prevent proper bonding if not removed.
Spray the internal (fitting) surface of the crown with a detergent (e.g. Ivoclean, dish soap, or lab-safe ceramic cleaner).
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Rinse again with 100% isopropyl alcohol to remove residual oils.
Dry completely using clean, oil-free air.
Step 2: Etch the Internal Surface of the Crown
Etching creates micro-mechanical retention by roughening the glass-ceramic surface.
Apply hydrofluoric acid (HF) to the internal surface of the restoration.
Check your etchant product label carefully.
Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 30 seconds.
Dry completely with oil-free air.
Always follow the exact instructions that came with the etch product. Do not guess the time or concentration. Over-etching weakens ceramic and compromises long-term strength.
Step 3: Apply Silane Coupling Agent
Silane chemically bonds the etched ceramic to resin cement.
Apply silane (e.g. Monobond Plus) to the etched internal surface of the crown.
Leave it on the surface for the time specified by the manufacturer.
Gently air dry.
Only use the instructions provided with your silane product. The correct timing and drying method are critical to the chemical reaction.
Step 4: Prepare the Tooth Surface
The bonding agent is applied only to the tooth, never inside the crown.
Etch the prepared tooth using your chosen bonding protocol:
Total-etch: Apply phosphoric acid (15 seconds on enamel, 10 seconds on dentine), rinse and dry gently.
Self-etch: Apply primer directly as per your adhesive system.
Avoid overdrying the dentine; keep it moist but not wet.
Apply bonding agent to the tooth only.
Do not cure the adhesive unless your system specifically requires it.
Always refer to the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions. Different systems have different protocols and curing steps. Do not assume.
Step 5: Cement the Restoration
Apply a compatible resin cement to the internal surface of the crown.
Seat the crown using firm, passive pressure.
Tack cure for 1–2 seconds per surface to stabilise for cleanup.
Remove all excess cement while gelled.
Final cure each surface for at least 20 seconds, or follow your resin cement instructions exactly.
Resin cements are system-specific. Only use those compatible with the material you're using, and follow their instructions precisely.
Proper bonding of glass-ceramic restorations like IPS e.max, sinter-free lithium disilicate, and ZeroFire ceramics is critical to the success and longevity of the restoration. Every step — from cleaning and etching, to silane application, tooth bonding, and final cementation — must be done exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions for each material used. Shortcuts, forgotten steps, or incorrect assumptions can lead to serious clinical failures.
If these procedures are not followed correctly, the consequences can include:
Loss of adhesion and de-bonding, sometimes within weeks
Fracture of the crown, particularly in load-bearing areas
Patient dissatisfaction, frustration, and loss of confidence
Additional chair time, unpaid remakes, and material waste
Reputational risk and increased long-term costs to the practice
These failures almost always arise not from the material, but from small deviations in the bonding protocol.
Want to Learn More?
Book an in-clinic visit with your local Osseo Group Account Rep to:
Discuss material selection and bonding techniques
See a live demonstration of the Soreal CAD/CAM software
Get help identifying the right cementation system for your workflow
Click HERE to book an in-clinic demo.
