What Is a Screw Retained Implant Crown? A Modern Solution for Stronger, Simpler Smiles
A Modern Solution for Stronger, Simpler Smiles
When it comes to dental implants, how your new tooth is attached matters just as much as the implant itself.
One of the most advanced and preferred techniques today is the screw retained implant crown—a secure, retrievable, and cement-free solution for replacing missing teeth.
At Smart Arches, we use screw-retained crowns as a standard option in many of our implant cases because they’re durable, efficient, and easier to manage long-term. But are they right for you?
What Is a Screw Retained Implant Crown?
A screw retained implant crown is a type of dental crown that is attached to your implant using a small, hidden screw—rather than dental cement.
Here’s how it works:
- A titanium post is surgically inserted into your jawbone.
- An abutment (connector) is placed on top of the implant.
- The crown is then secured to the abutment using a screw, with the access hole carefully sealed for aesthetics.
The result? A secure, stable tooth restoration that can be accessed or replaced without damaging surrounding structures. This option is especially beneficial for patients who may need periodic adjustments or long-term monitoring of their implant. It also eliminates concerns about adhesive failure or trapped cement, which can lead to infection if undetected.
Benefits of Screw Retained Implant Crowns
Easier to Maintain
The crown can be removed without breaking it, making hygiene, repairs, and implant access much easier over time.
No Risk of Cement Residue
Since no adhesive is used inside your mouth, there’s no chance of leftover cement causing gum inflammation or implant failure.
Ideal for Tight Spaces
Requires less restorative space than cemented crowns—perfect for back teeth and areas with limited room.
Stronger and More Secure
Paired with high-quality materials like BruxZir® zirconia, these crowns are milled with extreme precision for long-term durability.
When Is a Screw Retained Crown the Right Choice?
Screw-retained crowns are especially useful in the following situations:
- Implants placed in ideal positions, where the access hole comes out through the biting surface
- Back molars and premolars, where strength and retrievability are key
- Patients with gum concerns, where avoiding cement is safer for long-term health
Because screw access allows future retrieval, this option is also great for younger patients or those with evolving dental needs. And thanks to advancements in design and material, aesthetic compromises are rare. With proper angulation and color matching, even front-tooth restorations can look seamless.
Hybrid Option: The Screwmentable Crown
Want the benefits of both systems?
The screwmentable crown is a hybrid solution that allows for extraoral cementation of the crown onto a custom abutment—outside the mouth—while still offering screw access for future retrieval.
This method allows for:
- Better control over crown fit and angulation
- A clean, precise bond with no excess cement in the mouth
- A retrievable crown if needed down the line
Ask your provider whether this option is appropriate based on your implant’s location and your bite alignment.
Why Smart Arches Chooses Screw Retained Crowns Often
At Smart Arches, we prioritize long-term comfort, performance, and patient satisfaction. That’s why screw-retained crowns are frequently used in our:
- Single tooth implants
- Full arch All-on-X restorations
- Back molar replacements
- Implants in limited interarch space
We pair screw-retained restorations with advanced 3D imaging, in-house labs, and top-tier implant materials to ensure each crown fits precisely and delivers maximum strength and beauty.
Learn More About Implant Restorations at Smart Arches
Curious about which restoration method is best for your case? Dive deeper into these helpful Smart Arches resources:
Single Tooth Implants – See how we restore strength and aesthetics, one tooth at a time.
All-on-X Full Mouth Implants – Discover how screw-retained arches can transform your smile.
Whether you’re restoring one tooth or an entire smile, the right crown connection makes all the difference. We’ll help you choose the one that works best for your smile—and your lifestyle.
Sources
“When to Choose Screw-Retained Over Cement-Retained Crowns.” New West Dental Lab, December 6, 2022.
