Abstract Statement of problem With a number of zirconia ceramic materials currently available for clinical use, an overview of the scientific literature on the adhesion methods and their potential influence is indicated. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to classify and analyze the existing methods and materials proposed to improve adhesion to zirconia surfaces. Material and methods The current literature of in vitro studies examining the bond strength on zirconia ceramics, including clinical studies from 1998 until 2014, was analyzed. A search of the English language literature was undertaken using MEDLINE and PubMed, and a hand search was made for any relevant research paper from the library of a dental school. Papers evaluating only alumina restoration bond or ceramic-zirconia bond were excluded. Results A total of 134 publications were identified for analysis. Different adhesive techniques with different testing methods were reviewed. Results were difficult to compare in that the parameters varied in each research protocol. Conclusions Airborne-particle abrasion and tribochemical silica coating are reference pretreatment methods. Adhesive monomers are necessary for chemical bonding. Surface contamination and aging have negative effects on adhesion to zirconia. Many factors influence each combination of zirconia material, such as surface treatment, adhesive medium, and aging conditions. Laboratory studies should be confirmed by clinical trials.