Cement-Retained vs Screw-Retained: Canadian Patient Options
When considering dental implants in Canada, understanding the attachment methods is crucial for making an informed decision. Two primary approaches exist for securing crowns to implants: cement-retained and screw-retained systems. Each method offers distinct advantages and considerations that can significantly impact your treatment outcome, maintenance requirements, and long-term oral health. Canadian dental professionals utilize both techniques depending on patient-specific factors, implant positioning, and aesthetic requirements.
Selecting between cement-retained and screw-retained restorations is one of the most important decisions after an implant fixture is placed. Both aim to create a durable, natural-looking tooth, yet they differ in how the crown or bridge connects to the abutment. In Canada, clinicians use both methods based on anatomy, hygiene access, and maintenance needs. The term screwless is often used for cemented or friction-fit designs that do not show a screw access hole, a detail many patients notice when they smile.
What are screwless dental implants?
Screwless usually refers to restorations that do not rely on a visible screw access channel through the biting surface. The underlying implant still contains an internal screw that holds an abutment, but the final tooth is retained either with dental cement or a friction-fit conometric connection. Cement-retained crowns are the most common screwless approach. Conometric systems use a precise cone-in-cone fit to hold the restoration without cement, offering retrievability with specialized instruments while keeping the occlusal surface intact.
Key benefits of screwless implants in Canada
The main advantages are aesthetics and a smooth biting surface free of a screw access filling. Laboratories also have flexibility in shaping the crown, which can help with contours that support gum health. For many single-tooth cases, chairside delivery can be efficient. However, trade-offs exist. Cement remnants must be meticulously removed to protect the surrounding tissues, and retrieval for repairs can be more involved than simply unscrewing a restoration. Canadian clinicians balance these factors with radiographs, cement selection, and follow-up maintenance.
How screwless dental implants work
For a cement-retained option, the dentist places a custom or stock abutment on the implant, tries in the crown, and uses a carefully chosen cement. Excess cement is removed and the area is checked, often with an X-ray, to ensure the tissues remain healthy. Conometric designs rely on a precise taper between the abutment and coping. When pressed together, the friction holds the crown securely, yet it can be detached later with a dedicated tool. Both methods aim to distribute chewing forces and maintain stability over time.
Screwless vs traditional implant attachments
Screw-retained restorations are secured with a screw through an access channel that is later sealed with a filling material. Their key strengths are retrievability for repairs, predictable maintenance, and reduced risk of subgingival cement. They are often preferred for multi-unit bridges and full-arch cases. Cement-retained or conometric (screwless) options prioritize aesthetics and may be helpful when the implant angle would put a screw access hole in a visible area. The right choice depends on space, tissue depth, angulation, hygiene access, and the likelihood of needing future adjustments.
Why patients choose screwless dental implants
Patients commonly prioritize appearance and a natural feel, especially for front teeth where an access hole could be noticeable. Some also appreciate that conometric approaches avoid cement while still keeping the biting surface uninterrupted. In Canada, both general dentists and specialists offer these solutions, and local services can tailor the plan to the mouth’s anatomy, bite forces, and cleaning habits. A thorough discussion of maintenance, including how a crown could be removed if needed, helps set expectations for long-term care.
Canadian pricing insights and product examples Real-world costs vary by province, clinic, and case complexity. A single-tooth implant with the final crown commonly falls in the range of roughly CAD 3,500 to 6,500 or more, depending on imaging, surgery, abutment type, materials, and any grafting. The retention method may influence component and laboratory fees; as a general reference, differences of about CAD 100 to 300 are common, but larger variations occur with custom parts or advanced workflows. Long-term costs may include periodic screw replacement for screw-retained designs or additional maintenance visits to monitor tissues around cemented crowns.
| Product/Service Name | Provider | Key Features | Cost Estimation (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conometric single crown (Acuris) | Dentsply Sirona | Screwless friction-fit retention, no cement, retrievable with tools | Component and lab fees vary; often within total case range |
| Screw-retained crown with angulated channel | Nobel Biocare | Retrievable, angulated screw channel can improve access and aesthetics | Components often add a few hundred CAD within overall case cost |
| Cement-retained zirconia crown on custom abutment | Straumann | Aesthetic occlusal surface, requires precise cement cleanup | Cost similar to screw-retained; lab and abutment selection affect totals |
| Conus overdenture on multiple implants | Dentsply (Atlantis Conus) | Friction-fit for removable prostheses, no visible screws in teeth | Total case varies widely with number of implants and prosthesis |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
Conclusion Both cement-retained and screw-retained restorations can succeed when they match the anatomy and maintenance needs of the patient. Screwless options, whether cemented or conometric, offer aesthetic advantages and a seamless biting surface, while screw-retained designs excel in predictable retrievability and serviceability. In Canada, the decision is best made with a clinician who evaluates tissue depth, implant angulation, bite forces, and cleaning access, then aligns the method with long-term oral health and practical follow-up care.
