Dental cements are used in prosthodontics for temporary and permanent placement of prosthetic restorations. The ideal characteristics of cement should include specific physical, chemical, adhesive and biological properties, such as shape invariability, antisepticity, appropriate structure and layer thickness, resistance to oral environmental factors and biocompatibility. Using innovative technologies and materials in the production process leads to improved quality of cements, which significantly facilitates prosthetic care in dentistry. Cements are classified into two main groups: water-based (zinc phosphate, zinc polycarboxylate and glass ionomer) and resin-based materials. Modern solutions include bioactive cements that support tissue regeneration, as well as nanosilver-modified cements with antimicrobial effect, reducing the risk of dental caries. However, the selection of appropriate dental cement is not straightforward due to the growing number of available materials. It depends on the parameters of the cement, the type of prosthetic restoration and the condition of the periodontal tissues of the patient. The aim of this article is to discuss the types and properties of cements used for the placement of permanent prosthetic restorations. The presented issues may help dentists select the appropriate cement for a specific clinical case, which will shorten the rehabilitation period and increase the comfort and satisfaction of the patient.