What is the best luting agent for a leucite-reinforced ceramic crown?

Correct answer: B. Self-adhesive resin cement

• A. A self-etch adhesive alone is not a luting agent — it requires a resin cement to provide the luting function.
• B. Self-adhesive resin cement (e.g., RelyX Unicem, G-Cem) is the best luting agent for leucite-reinforced ceramic (IPS Empress, e.max) crowns. The procedure: etch the internal surface with 5% HF acid → apply silane coupling agent → apply self-adhesive resin cement. The resin bond strengthens the ceramic by locking into the microscopically roughened HF-etched surface, preventing microcracks.
• C. Glass ionomer is not the best choice for leucite-reinforced ceramics — it does not provide the adhesive bond needed for strength. Glass ionomer is better for non-adhesive restorations.
• D. RMGI provides some adhesion but is not the optimal cement for leucite-reinforced ceramics, which bond best with resin-based cements after HF etching and silane coupling.