Getting a dental implant is a big decision — and choosing the right crown is just as important. One of the most reliable and practical options out there is the screw retained crown. In this article, I’ll walk you through what it is, how it compares to other options, and why it might be the best solution for your long-term dental health.
We’ll also show how BioDent helps dentists and patients get beautiful, custom implant restorations that actually last.
What Is a Screw-Retained Crown?
So, what exactly is a screw retained crown?
It’s a type of dental crown that attaches to a dental implant using a small screw through a special connector piece called an abutment. The basic structure looks like this: implant → abutment → crown. What’s great about this setup is that the crown can be removed or replaced later on, unlike traditional cemented crowns that are “glued” in place. That’s a huge plus when it comes to maintenance or repairs.
This type of crown is often chosen for its retrievability, which means your dentist can easily unscrew and access the implant if anything goes wrong or if future adjustments are needed. According to Harvard School of Dental Medicine, this retrievability is especially valuable in complex or long-term implant cases.
Screw retained crowns are commonly used in full-arch restorations (like the All-on-4 technique), single-tooth implants in the back of the mouth, and even anterior teeth when esthetics are properly handled. They’re often preferred when precision and long-term success are key — especially in cases where cement residue from traditional crowns can be a risk factor for implant complications, as noted by the American Academy of Periodontology.
Screw-Retained vs Cement-Retained Crowns
Let’s talk about the big question: screw retained crown or cement-retained — which one’s better?
Here’s a breakdown of the advantages of screw retained crowns:
- Easy to maintain and remove — no need to cut through the crown if something needs fixing.
- No leftover cement — with cemented crowns, it’s easy to miss excess cement under the gum line, which can lead to peri-implantitis. The Journal of Clinical Periodontology has shown this to be a real issue.
- Better control over crown position — since the crown is digitally designed and screwed in, the angulation can be fine-tuned.
Now, are there any downsides? Sure — mainly esthetic concerns, since the screw hole needs to be covered. But that’s something modern materials and smart planning can usually fix. Also, screw access can be tricky in angled implants, but with angled screw channel solutions and custom abutments, even that’s manageable.
So while cemented crowns might work fine in some cases, the screw retained crown is usually the smarter, safer bet — especially for long-term reliability.
Advantages of Screw-Retained Crowns by BioDent
At BioDent, we don’t just make crowns — we craft screw retained crowns designed for predictable outcomes and long-term durability.
We work with all major implant systems, like Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Megagen, and Osstem, so dentists have the flexibility to treat almost any case. With our CAD/CAM-based workflow, we produce fully custom abutments and crowns. This approach ensures a passive fit, which is crucial for preventing mechanical stress on the implant — a factor shown to reduce complications in research from the National Institutes of Health.
Aesthetic materials like E-max and zirconia help us deliver lifelike restorations that blend perfectly with your natural teeth. And if you’re worried about visibility, don’t be — we know how to cover the screw access channel so it looks totally natural.
Materials for Screw-Retained Crowns
When it comes to choosing the right material for a screw retained crown, it really depends on the clinical case and patient needs. Most commonly, dentists and labs use monolithic zirconia or E-max ceramics — both of which offer excellent strength and lifelike esthetics. Zirconia is a top pick for back teeth because it’s incredibly durable, while E-max is more translucent, making it ideal for front teeth where appearance matters most. In some rare cases, PFM (porcelain fused to metal) may be used, especially when additional support is needed. For temporary restorations, many labs go with hybrid materials that are cost-effective and easy to adjust. According to the American Dental Association, both zirconia and lithium disilicate (E-max) are considered safe and effective for long-term restorations.
BioDent Workflow for Screw-Retained Restorations
At BioDent, the process of making a custom screw retained crown is streamlined, digital, and super accurate. It all starts when we receive your intraoral scan or traditional impression (don’t forget the scan body if you’re going digital!). Then, our technicians use advanced CAD/CAM software to design the crown and the custom abutment for a perfect passive fit. Once approved, the components are milled or printed using high-quality materials. The final crown is carefully checked and then shipped to your practice — ready to screw in with minimal adjustments. This workflow ensures precision and reduces chair time, which is why it’s becoming the gold standard in implant dentistry. As confirmed by Dentistry Today, digital workflows significantly improve treatment efficiency and predictability.
Clinical Cases and Results
Over the years, screw retained crown restorations have delivered impressive clinical results. Whether it’s a single implant or a full-arch bridge, this solution consistently proves its reliability. At BioDent, we’ve completed hundreds of cases — from simple posterior crowns to complex esthetic zones — and we’ve seen outstanding outcomes in terms of stability, function, and patient satisfaction. Many of our partner dentists have shared their success stories and photos of real-life cases, confirming how well these crowns integrate both biologically and aesthetically. According to data published in the International Journal of Implant Dentistry, screw-retained solutions show lower complication rates and easier maintenance compared to cement-retained options.
How to Order a Screw-Retained Crown from BioDent
Ordering a screw retained crown from BioDent is quick and simple. You can send us a digital scan (with STL files) or a physical impression — just make sure to include the implant system and scan body information. We recommend ordering the abutment and crown together, so we can ensure perfect fit and angulation. Once we have the info, we’ll start designing and get back to you with a fast quote and timeline. Most cases are ready to ship within a few business days. Our lab specializes in precise, esthetic implant restorations, and we’re happy to help with any technical questions along the way. As the American College of Prosthodontists points out, coordination between the lab and dentist is key for a successful implant outcome — and that’s exactly what we focus on.
