Objectives : To evaluate the bond strength of conventional and self-adhesive resin cements to a yttrium-oxide-stabilized polycrystalline tetragonal zirconia ceramic (YTZP) considering 3 factors ( cement in 4 levels [Panavia F2.0, Variolink II, Relyx U100, Maxcem]; surface treatment in 2 levels [cleaning with alcohol, silicatization + silanization = SS]; storage condition in 2 levels (test in 24 h, aging]) (factorial 4 × 2 × 2 = 16 groups).

Materials and Methods : 192 specimens of YTZP ceramic (In-Ceram YZ) were manufactured and allocated in 16 groups ( n = 12), according to study factors. Cements were applied in a bipartite cylindrical matrix (Ø = 3 mm) after surface treatments. Half of specimens were submitted to shear test after 24 h, while the other half was tested after aging (TC) (90 days in H ₂ O 37 °C and thermocycling [12,000 cycles, 5–55 °C]). Bond strength data ( n = 12) were submitted to ANOVA 3-factors and Tukey’s test.

Results : Independent of the cement type, when surface was cleaned with alcohol (control groups) (0–5.9 MPa), bond strength was significantly lower, compared to respective groups submitted to SS (7.6–35.6 MPa). Besides, in control groups, specimens suffered spontaneous failure (0 MPa) during TC (30–100%) SS enhanced significantly the bond strength for all cements. However, Maxcem cement showed significant reduction after TC, even after silicatization condition.

Conclusions : Physico-chemical activation of YTZP seems to be essential to create high and stable adhesion of both conventional and self-etch adhesives when restorations lack mechanical retention. Yet the results may vary depending on the cement type.