What are Screwless Implants and How Much Do They Cost?
Screwless implant solutions have emerged as an alternative to screw‑retained and cement‑retained restorations, aiming to simplify maintenance and reduce complications related to tiny screws or excess cement. This article explains how these systems work, what sets them apart from conventional options, and what typical global costs look like in 2025 for single teeth and full‑arch treatments.
Screwless implant systems aim to change how replacement teeth attach to implants by relying on precision friction fits rather than tiny screws or cement. Instead of threading in a screw or bonding a crown, the restoration is held by a conical or locking taper connection engineered to seat firmly. Understanding where these options fit among established approaches helps patients discuss realistic choices, long‑term care, and budget with their dentist or oral surgeon.
What are screwless dental implants?
Screwless dental implants generally use either a locking taper (also called a Morse taper) or a conometric (friction‑fit) interface to secure the restoration. In a locking taper design, the abutment wedges into the implant with a very small taper angle, creating a tight mechanical seal without an abutment screw. In conometric systems, a matching cone‑in‑cone geometry holds the crown or bridge onto a pre‑fixed abutment through friction rather than cement. These approaches are designed to avoid issues like loose abutment screws or trapped cement while still allowing clinical retrieval with specific tools when needed.
How do modern dental implants compare?
Modern dental implants include a range of connections: internal hex, conical (Morse) connections with screws, and screwless or cementless variants. Screw‑retained restorations facilitate predictable retrieval and avoid subgingival cement, while cement‑retained crowns can have favorable esthetics but require meticulous cement control. Screwless systems aim to combine clean soft‑tissue management with simplified hardware. In practice, the right choice depends on bone quality, implant position, esthetic demands, clinician preference, and available components. Evidence and outcomes vary by brand and technique, so selection is typically individualized after a comprehensive evaluation and imaging.
Dental implant costs 2025: what to expect
The overall price for a single‑tooth implant restoration commonly includes the implant fixture, an abutment or friction‑fit component, and a custom crown. Typical 2025 ranges, converted to rough USD equivalents, are about $3,000–$6,000 per tooth in many high‑income regions, with lower averages in some countries and higher outliers in complex cases. Full‑arch solutions (four to six implants supporting a fixed bridge) often range widely, commonly from the mid‑teens to tens of thousands per arch. These figures exclude add‑ons like bone grafting, sinus lifts, sedation, and provisional restorations.
Within any approach—screw‑retained, cement‑retained, or screwless—several factors shape price: diagnostic work‑up and 3D imaging; implant brand and components; lab materials (zirconia, porcelain‑fused‑to‑metal, or PMMA provisionals); surgical complexity; and local market rates. Warranties, follow‑up, hygiene visits, and maintenance also influence the lifetime cost. Patients considering local services in their area may see significant variation between clinics due to overheads, training, and lab relationships.
Real‑world market options that feature screwless retention include locking‑taper implants and conometric crown systems. The estimates below reflect patient‑level totals for typical cases and are provided as broad ranges that vary by country, clinic, and case complexity.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Bicon SHORT implant with locking‑taper abutment + single crown | Bicon Dental Implants | USD $3,000–$6,000 per tooth (region‑dependent) |
| Acuris conometric crown on Ankylos/Astra Tech implant (single tooth) | Dentsply Sirona | USD $3,000–$6,500 per tooth (varies by clinic and materials) |
| LOCATOR F‑Tx full‑arch screwless fixed prosthesis (per arch) | Zest Dental Solutions | USD $15,000–$30,000 per arch including surgery and prosthetics, varies widely |
| Bone Level implant with screw‑retained crown (baseline comparison) | Straumann | USD $3,500–$7,000 per tooth (region and complexity dependent) |
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.
Care and maintenance considerations
Regardless of the connection type, long‑term success hinges on hygiene and regular professional reviews. Patients should expect periodic assessments, radiographs as indicated, and professional cleaning around the implants. Screwless systems are designed to minimize small access holes or excess cement, which can support soft‑tissue health when used appropriately; however, maintenance still includes careful home care, water flossers or interdental brushes where advised, and monitoring for wear of friction‑fit components. If a restoration ever needs to be removed, clinicians use system‑specific tools and protocols to protect the abutment and surrounding tissues.
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.
In summary, screwless implant solutions use precision friction fits—either locking taper or conometric retention—to hold restorations without relying on small screws or cement. They sit alongside other modern dental implants as viable options selected case by case. Costs in 2025 vary by region, materials, and complexity, with single‑tooth treatments often in the low‑to‑mid thousands of USD and full‑arch cases considerably higher. A thorough consultation and transparent itemized plan remain essential for setting expectations and long‑term care.
