What are Screwless Dental Implants?

Screwless dental implants—also called cement-retained implants—are designed with aesthetics in mind. Instead of using a screw to hold the crown in place, your dentist bonds it using a strong dental adhesive, just like they would with a traditional crown.

The result? A seamless look that doesn’t show any screw access holes. That’s why they’re often recommended for front teeth, where appearance matters most.

While screw-retained implants rely on a screw visible through the crown, cement-retained implants keep everything under the surface—providing a natural, uninterrupted smile.

How screwless dental implants work

The process for getting a screwless dental implant involves a few precise steps. Your Aspen Dental care team will guide you through each one:

Step 1: Implant placement

The journey begins with placing a titanium implant post in your jawbone. This post acts like a new tooth root and integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration.

Step 2: Abutment placement

Once healing is complete, a custom connector piece—called an abutment—is attached to the post. This piece is made specifically for cement-retained crowns.

Step 3: Impressions and crown design

We take detailed impressions and match the shade and shape of your crown to the rest of your smile. Aspen Dental offers advanced color matching and crown customization for a natural result.

Step 4: Crown cementation and adjustments

The final crown is bonded to the abutment using dental cement. Your dentist will fine-tune the fit and bite to make sure everything feels right.

Maintenance notes

Cement-retained crowns require the same daily care as other implants. If they ever need repair, they can be more complex to remove—but with proper care, most patients never run into this issue.

Benefits of screwless implants

Screwless implants offer several appealing advantages:

Seamless, natural appearance

Because there's no visible screw access, these implants blend right in with the rest of your smile—especially in highly visible areas like the front teeth.

Comfortable, natural fit

Once healed, screwless implants feel like part of your mouth. Patients often forget they even have one.

Strong and durable

Dental cement creates a solid bond that holds up well to everyday chewing and biting forces.

Great for tricky cases

If implant angulation makes it difficult to use a screw, a cemented crown is often the better option.

Drawbacks and risks to consider

While they’re a great fit for many patients, cement-retained implants do come with a few things to keep in mind:

Harder to access later

If a repair or adjustment is needed, your dentist may have to remove the entire crown to reach the implant—which can mean replacing it.

Cement residue risks

If excess cement isn’t cleaned properly during placement, it can irritate your gums or contribute to implant complications. Choosing an experienced team, like Aspen Dental, helps lower this risk.

Maintenance preferences

Some dentists prefer screw-retained options for easier long-term maintenance. If that’s a concern for you, bring it up during your consultation—we’ll walk you through every option.

Who makes a good candidate?

Screwless dental implants may be a strong choice if:

• You have enough bone to support the implant

• You want a seamless, natural look (especially in the front)

• Your implant angle makes screw access tricky

Other things to consider:

• Healthy gums and good oral hygiene help ensure long-term success

• You may need a bone graft if you’ve lost bone in the area

• Any gum disease should be treated before starting

• If you grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend a night guard

Important note about bone health

Even if you’ve lost some bone, don’t rule out implants. Aspen Dental offers bone grafting to rebuild the support you need. Your dentist will assess your bone structure and recommend any prep work before moving forward with implant treatment.

Making treatment affordable

We want dental implants to be accessible and manageable for every patient:

• Dental insurance may help cover some of the cost

• 99% of applicants are approved through our third-party financing partners when they apply

• Aspen Dental Savings Plan and payment plans help make treatment more affordable over time

• You’ll always get clear pricing with no surprises

Ready to learn more? Schedule an appointment to get a custom treatment plan and cost estimate.

Procedure timeline and recovery

Knowing what to expect can help you plan your treatment journey:

Phase 1: Consultation and planning (1 visit)

Your Aspen Dental team will examine your mouth, take imaging and map out your care plan. If you need a bone graft, that happens first.

Phase 2: Extractions and implant placement (1 visit)

If a tooth needs to come out, that’s done first—often during the same appointment as your implant placement. You’ll get a temporary restoration to protect your smile while you heal.

Phase 3: Healing and osseointegration

This phase takes time. Your jawbone and implant fuse together naturally to form a strong foundation.

Phase 4: Final crown placement (2–3 visits)

Once healing is complete, we’ll place and bond your final crown. Cement-retained crowns sometimes go in sooner than screw-retained ones since there’s no screw access hole to consider.

Recovery tips:

• Take any prescribed medications as directed

• Brush gently around the implant

• Avoid hard or sticky foods until your dentist gives the green light

• Keep all follow-up appointments for a smooth recovery

Faster treatment timelines

Because everything happens under one roof, Aspen Dental can often complete your treatment faster than other offices—getting you back to smiling sooner.

Alternatives to screwless implants

Not sure if screwless implants are right for you? You’ve got options:

Screw-retained implants

These use a visible screw for easy removal and maintenance. Best for back teeth or cases where future access may be needed.

Implant-supported dentures

These provide full-arch tooth replacement with the stability of implants. They snap in and out, giving you a semi-permanent option that feels secure.

Traditional dentures

Removable and budget-friendly, dentures don’t offer the same stability as implants—but they can still restore function and appearance.

During your consultation, we’ll walk you through all your options to find what works best for your smile and lifestyle.

Long-term care and maintenance

Keeping your implants healthy helps them last for decades:

Daily habits:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

• Floss around the implant crown

• Use antimicrobial rinse if your dentist recommends it

• Never use your teeth (or implants) as tools

Regular checkups:

• Come in every 6 months for exams and cleanings

• We’ll check the health of the implant and surrounding tissues

• Catching small issues early helps avoid bigger problems later

Watch for:

• Pain or swelling around the implant

• A loose or shifting crown

• Changes in bite or chewing comfort

Long-term outlook

With consistent care, screwless implants can last over 25 years. Aspen Dental’s team is here to support your smile every step of the way.

Screwless dental implants FAQs

What’s the difference between screwless and traditional implants?

Screwless implants use cement to secure the crown, leaving no screw hole. Traditional implants use a screw that can be removed through the crown's top.

Are screwless implants more expensive?

Not usually. Dental implant costs depend more on your specific case and needs than the attachment method. You’ll get a clear, personalized quote at your consultation.

How long do they last?

With proper care and maintenance, 25 years or more.

Can they be removed if there’s an issue?

Yes, but it’s more involved. Your dentist may need to remove and replace the entire crown.

Are there any risks?

If excess cement isn’t cleaned during placement, it can irritate your gums. Working with an experienced team like Aspen Dental helps minimize this risk.

Ready to explore screwless dental implants?

You deserve dental care that fits your life. Our care teams are here to explain every option, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in your decision. Whether you’re ready to schedule or just starting to explore, we’re here to help.

Why choose Aspen Dental for your implant treatment

• 1,100+ locations nationwide

• State-of-the-art technology and in-house labs

• Transparent pricing and flexible financing options

• One team under one roof—start to finish

Don’t let missing teeth keep you from living confidently. Schedule today and take the first step toward a complete, beautiful smile.

Take the next step for your smile

Contact your local Aspen Dental office to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward a smile that looks and feels like you.