Blog / Hear from your peers on 3M™ RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement and 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive

Brain Floss Blog


February 16, 2026

Hear from your peers on 3M™ RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement and 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive

Everyday dentistry made easier. Explore insights from fellow dentists!


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Evidence-Based Solutions for Reliable Dental Restorations

Advancements in restorative dentistry continue to drive efficiency and increase clinical predictability. 3M™ RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement and 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive are two materials developed to address key clinical challenges, including protocol simplification, reduced inventory, reliable adhesion, and ease of cleanup. This review summarizes technical properties, clinical evidence, and user experiences relevant to their integration in daily dental practice.

Comprehensive Indication Coverage and Workflow Simplification

RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement is formulated as a dual-cure resin cement suitable for both adhesive and self-adhesive modes of use. This versatility supports indirect procedures including crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, posts, and veneers composed of materials such as zirconia, lithium disilicate, and PFM. Using a single cement for multiple indications allows practice-wide protocol standardization and may simplify material management. Dr. Akit Patel has noted that, “we no longer need to stock multiple resin cements or learn different steps for different materials,” underscoring the utility for inventory consolidation.

Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive is a single-bottle, light-cure adhesive compatible with total-etch, selective-etch, and self-etch techniques. Its application encompasses direct composite, core build-ups, and the adhesive mode for indirect restorations, making it suitable for use as the universal adhesive in both restorative and prosthodontic procedures.

3M™ RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement and 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive





Bond Strength and Adhesive Performance

Strong and durable adhesion to both tooth substrate and restorative material is central to restoration longevity. Scotchbond™ Universal Plus contains MDP monomer and silane, supporting chemical bonding to a range of substrates — including dentin, enamel, zirconia, glass-ceramics, and metal. Independent laboratory testing and manufacturer data consistently report high bond strength values to both enamel and dentin, with average microtensile bond strength to dentin in the range of 35–40 MPa under standard ISO conditions.

The radiopacity of Scotchbond™ Universal Plus enhances radiographic identification, reducing misinterpretation of restoration margins and recurrent caries. The adhesive’s consistency facilitates uniform application. Dr. Claire Burgess highlights the absence of postoperative sensitivity in her clinical use, a finding corroborated by several publications reporting minimal sensitivity rates in composite placement when following manufacturer protocols.

For indirect restorations or preparations with reduced retention, the combination of RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement (in adhesive mode) with Scotchbond™ Universal Plus provides high bond strength without the need for a separate primer. This closed system supports predictable outcomes with lithium disilicate, zirconia, and high-strength ceramic restorations.

Handling Properties and Cement Cleanup

Clinical feedback and in vitro studies consistently note improved handling properties with RelyX™ Universal. The material provides adequate working time and a tack-cure phase designed for controlled excess removal. Dr. Chris O’Connor observes that, “cleanup is easier and more predictable compared to previous cements,” which can reduce chairside time and improve efficiency, especially in deep margin or subgingival situations.

3M™ RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement


Technical Summary and Clinical Recommendations

RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement

  • Dual-cure chemistry enables both adhesive and self-adhesive protocols.
  • High mechanical properties: flexural strength > 150 MPa. Compressive strength > 300 MPa.
  • Suitable for a broad spectrum of indirect restorative indications.
  • Simplifies procedure by reducing cement options required in clinic.

Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive

  • Versatile bonding to all dental substrates (enamel, dentin, ceramics, zirconia, composite, metals).
  • High bond strength and radiopacity for clinical confidence.
  • Demonstrates low incidence of postoperative sensitivity.
  • Compatible with total-etch, selective-etch, and self-etch protocols in one bottle.

Clinical Integration

For clinicians seeking to streamline restorative workflows, these two materials can replace multiple adhesives and cements without compromising bond strength or clinical outcomes. Published data and practitioner experience indicate that dental professionals can expect reliable performance across direct and indirect restorative indications. When used according to manufacturer instructions, RelyX™ Universal and Scotchbond™ Universal Plus support simplified protocols, consistent adhesion, and efficient excess material removal.

Ongoing research and post-market surveillance continue to validate their clinical performance and safety profiles. These products represent a data-backed solution for delivering long-term, predictable results across a range of restorative cases.

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