A variety of methods are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method of cementing comprising: introducing a pipe string into a well bore such that an annular space is defined between the pipe string and a wall of the well bore, wherein an annular structure is coupled to the pipe string, and wherein the annular structure comprises an expandable material; and introducing a cement composition into the annular space, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, water, and a component capable of responding to a crack formed in the cement composition after setting to inhibit flow of fluid through the crack. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises choosing the cement composition based at least partially on an analysis of well incidents.