What Are Screwless Dental Implants?

Thinking about getting dental implants but feeling overwhelmed by all the options out there? You’re not alone. When you start researching tooth replacement options, you’ll come across all sorts of terms – screw-retained implants, screwless implants, cement-retained crowns – and it can all sound way more complicated than it needs to be.

One thing that catches people’s attention is the idea of screwless dental implants. The name makes them sound sleek and simple, maybe even easier or cheaper. But are they actually a good idea? And how do they compare to traditional screw-retained implants (the ones most dentists recommend)?

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into your jawbone, acting like a brand-new tooth root. Once it’s healed, a custom-made crown is fitted on top to give you a natural-looking, fully functional tooth.

They’re strong, permanent, and don’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support, which makes them one of the best investments you can make for your smile.

What are screwless dental implants?

Screwless dental implants are also known as cement-retained dental implants, so instead of attaching the crown to the implant with a tiny screw (like screw-retained implants), the crown is cemented directly onto the implant post or an abutment.

Once the cement sets, the crown is firmly in place and looks completely seamless, there are no visible screw holes at all. It sounds pretty good, right? Well, let’s dig a little deeper and get a better idea of whether they are a better option.

How do screwless dental implants work?

Here’s a simple step-by-step on how screwless implants work

• Placement of the implant – Just like a regular implant, a titanium post is placed in your jawbone to act as the root of your new tooth.
• Healing period – Over a few months, your jawbone fuses with the implant (a process called osseointegration).
• Cemented crown – Once healed, the new crown is permanently attached onto the implant with dental cement instead of a screw.

The end result looks and feels like a natural tooth, and for many, the main selling point of cement-retained implants is aesthetics – there’s no tiny screw access hole on the crown, so some people like the ultra-clean look.

Are screwless dental implants cheaper?

Well, not really. While some might assume they’re cheaper because they sound simpler, screwless dental implants cost roughly the same as screw-retained implants, the main difference is in technique, not materials.

If you’re looking to save money, choosing screwless implants won’t really change your treatment cost, but it might affect your long-term results (and costs) down the line.

The drawbacks of screwless implants

Although screwless implants may sound like the better option on the surface, there are some drawbacks to consider if you’re thinking about this treatment. 

• Harder to maintain – If there’s ever a problem with the crown (like damage or infection around the implant), it’s much harder to remove because it’s cemented in place, whereas with a traditional implant, the crown can simply be removed. 
• Higher risk of issues with the cement – Sometimes, excess cement can get trapped under the gumline, which may lead to inflammation or peri-implantitis (infection around the implant).
• Harder to repair –  If the crown chips or loosens, repairing or replacing it is more complicated and time-consuming compared to simply unscrewing it and replacing it with a new one. 
• Not always as precise – Cemented crowns don’t always allow for the same fine-tuned adjustments as screw-retained ones.

Why screw-retained implants are the gold standard

Most dentists (including us!) recommend screw-retained dental implants over screwless ones for several reasons:

• Easy access for any repair work – If anything goes wrong, we can unscrew the crown, fix the issue, and pop it back on. No fuss, and is usually pretty straight forward. 
• Safer for your gums – With traditional implants, there is no risk of cement getting trapped and causing infection.
• Better long-term care – Cleaning and maintenance is much simpler with traditional implants.
• Just as good-looking – A tiny screw hole is barely noticeable and can be filled with tooth-coloured composite, so aesthetics aren’t really compromised at all. 

While screwless implants sound like the sleeker option, screw-retained ones win when it comes to reliability, safety, and long-term results.

Making the right choice for your smile

Choosing the right type of dental implant isn’t something you need to stress about on your own. At Smile Stories, we’ll assess your mouth, take high-tech 3D scans, and explain your best options in a way that makes sense.

If you’re wondering whether screwless dental implants are cheaper, the truth is, they’re not, and their long-term maintenance can sometimes cost more. Screw-retained implants are widely considered the gold standard for a reason, and that’s why we’d recommend them as a first choice if we feel it is most appropriate for you. 

Screwless implants – the bottom line

So, how do screwless dental implants work? They’re cemented into place rather than screwed in, which can look super seamless but makes future repairs and cleaning trickier. And while they’re not any cheaper, they do come with a few extra risks.

For most people, screw-retained implants are the best long-term investment. They’re easier to maintain, safer for your gums, and just as beautiful. If you’re thinking about replacing missing teeth, book a chat with Smile Stories, we’ll walk you through your options, keep things simple, and help you get a smile you’ll feel proud of.