DENTALCARE PACKAGE

What Is a Screwless Implant?

A screwless implant, often referred to as a cement-retained or friction-fit implant restoration, is a dental implant system where the final crown is not fixed with a visible screw.

Instead of a screw-access hole:

• The crown is bonded or locked onto the implant abutment

• The result is a cleaner appearance and more natural tooth anatomy

From a patient’s perspective, the appeal is obvious:

• No visible screw hole

• Better aesthetics, especially for front teeth

• A tooth that looks and feels closer to natural enamel

But when people search for “screwless implant cost”, what they’re really asking is:

Is this extra refinement worth the extra money?

How Much Does a Screwless Implant Cost?

In most markets, the cost of a single screwless implant typically ranges from:

• USD $2,500 – $4,500 per tooth in countries like the US or Australia

• USD $1,200 – $2,500 per tooth in reputable overseas dental centres

These figures often surprise patients who were initially quoted less for traditional screw-retained implants.

However, it’s important to understand:

A screwless implant is not just a different “attachment method” — it usually reflects a higher-end restorative approach.

Why Screwless Implants Usually Cost More Than Traditional Implants

1. Higher Precision Requirements

Screwless restorations demand:

• Extremely accurate implant placement

• Precise bite alignment

• Advanced lab work

There is less tolerance for error than with screw-retained systems, which increases clinical and laboratory costs.

2. More Advanced Prosthetic Design

The crown and abutment design is often:

• Custom-milled

• Individually shaped for optimal aesthetics

• Matched carefully to gum contours

This level of customisation directly affects the final price.

3. Greater Clinical Experience Required

Not all dentists are comfortable offering screwless solutions.
Clinics that do usually have:

• More restorative experience

• Better digital planning workflows

• Higher-quality labs

You are paying partly for judgement and experience, not just materials.

What’s Included in the Screwless Implant Cost?

A common misconception is that the quoted price is “just for the implant”.

In reality, screwless implant cost may include:

• Digital scans or 3D imaging

• Custom abutment design

• High-aesthetic ceramic crown

• Additional chair time for precision fitting

• Bite analysis and occlusal adjustment

What it may not include:

• Bone grafting (if required)

• Sinus lift procedures

• Long-term maintenance or replacement

This is why two quotes with the same label — “screwless implant” — can differ significantly.

Is a Higher Cost Always Worth It?

The honest answer: not always.

Screwless implants shine in situations where:

• Aesthetics are critical (front teeth)

• Bite forces are moderate

• Long-term cosmetic stability matters

For back molars under heavy chewing force, a traditional screw-retained implant may:

• Perform just as well

• Cost less

• Be easier to service in the future

An ethical clinician will recommend screwless implants only where they add real value, not as a default upsell.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Screwless Implants?

Screwless implants are often ideal for patients who:

• Prioritise natural appearance

• Have good oral hygiene habits

• Have stable bite alignment

• Want premium restorative outcomes

They may not be ideal for:

• Patients with severe grinding (bruxism)

• Cases where future retrievability is critical

• Situations where budget is the primary concern

In other words, screwless implants are a precision solution, not a universal one.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Cost Beyond the Number

When evaluating screwless implant cost, focusing only on the price per tooth misses the bigger picture.

What truly matters is:

• Clinical suitability

• Long-term performance

• Aesthetic expectations

• The experience of the treating team

The best implant choice is rarely the cheapest or the most expensive —
it’s the one that aligns function, aesthetics, and long-term value.

A transparent conversation about cost should always answer one question clearly:

What am I paying more for — and what benefit does it give me over time?