A thermoplastic-based polymer adhesive for use in dentistry includes a thermoplastic polymer and an additional polymer or additive including at least one moiety, monomer, or prepolymer capable of changing at least one property of the thermoplastic-based polymer adhesive when exposed to an activation energy. The activation energy may be heat energy and/or sonic or ultrasonic energy. Bonding a dental component to a tooth includes placing the thermoplastic-based polymer adhesive between the dental component and the surface of the tooth and compressing the dental component against the adhesive, and, while compressing, applying an activation energy to cause crosslinking of the additional polymer or additive with the thermoplastic polymer.
