How to Decide Between Cement-Retained and Screw-Retained Dental Implants

How to Decide Between Cement-Retained and Screw-Retained Dental Implants

📊 Malaysia Dental Implant Statistics

  • According to the National Oral Health Survey (NOHSA), 25% of Malaysian adults wear removable dentures.
  • A study showed that 76.2% of Malaysians are aware of dental implants. (Source)
  • Titanium is used in over 90% of implants worldwide and remains the gold standard in Malaysia. (Source)
Understanding these facts will assist you in selecting the best dental implant option for your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Screw-retained implants are simple to care for. Dentists can take off the crown to clean or fix it without harm.
  • Cement-retained implants look more like real teeth. They don’t show screw holes, so they work well for front teeth.
  • Think about what matters most when picking an implant. If looks are important, pick cement-retained implants. If easy care is important, pick screw-retained implants.

Screw-Retained Dental Implants

Advantages of Screw-Retained Dental Implants

Screw-retained implants offer many benefits to patients. One of the main advantages is ease of maintenance. Dentists can remove the crown without damaging it, which is helpful for cleaning or when the crown becomes loose.

They also provide long-term durability. According to a clinical study, screw-retained implants have a survival rate of 94.6% and a success rate of 89.7% over approximately 13 years.

Another major advantage is the reduced risk of gum inflammation. Unlike cement-retained implants, these do not use dental cement, which may otherwise irritate the gums. This makes screw-retained implants safer for patients with gum sensitivity.

They also offer placement flexibility. Dentists can angle them in tight spaces, making them suitable for more complex clinical cases.

Disadvantages of Screw-Retained Dental Implants

  • Technical Complications: Despite being reliable, screw-retained implants can still encounter issues such as loose screws or fractured components. A study found they have a complication rate of 22.7%, compared to 36.8% for cemented implants.
  • Higher Long-Term Failure Rates: Research suggests that failure rates for screw-retained implants can reach up to 50% after five years, whereas cemented implants show a lower rate of 23.72%. (Source)
  • Less Natural Aesthetics: The screw access hole can compromise the appearance of the crown, especially for front teeth. Although this hole can be filled with resin, achieving a perfect color match remains a challenge.
  • Requires Precise Placement: The implant angle must be exact. Incorrect angulation may impact both aesthetics and function, making the procedure more technically demanding.

Cement-Retained Dental Implants

Benefits of Cement-Retained Dental Implants

Cement-retained dental implants offer a number of aesthetic and practical benefits. One key advantage is their natural appearance. Without visible screw holes, these implants blend in seamlessly with surrounding teeth — particularly important for front tooth restorations. A study reports high satisfaction rates in aesthetics among patients receiving cement-retained implants.

They also provide a strong, secure fit. The crown remains firmly in place during chewing or biting. In one clinical study, 87.5% of patients expressed high satisfaction, and their surrounding gums remained healthy over time.

These implants are flexible in challenging placements. When implant angles are suboptimal, cement-retained crowns offer better adaptability. Long-term data supports their durability, with survival rates reaching 96.4%, making them comparable to screw-retained implants. (Source)

Drawbacks of Cement-Retained Dental Implants

  • Risk of Residual Cement: If excess cement isn’t removed properly, it may lead to peri-implant diseases or gum infections. Studies indicate a higher technical complication rate of 68.4% for cement-retained implants. (Source)
  • Difficult Repairs: Since the crown is permanently bonded, repairs often require breaking and replacing the crown. This adds cost and time to treatment.
  • Technique-Sensitive: Proper cement application and alignment require high skill. Misapplication can lead to implant failure or gum irritation, highlighting the importance of an experienced dental team.
  • Not Ideal for All Patients: Patients with a history of gum disease or medical conditions affecting healing may experience more complications. In such cases, screw-retained implants might offer safer long-term outcomes.

Comparing Cement-Retained and Screw-Retained Dental Implants

Aesthetic Considerations

Cement-retained implants look more natural than screw-retained ones. They don’t have a visible screw hole, so they match your teeth better. This is especially important for front teeth, where looks matter most. Studies show cement-retained implants with special parts look better after six months (p = 0.022). Screw-retained implants can still look good if the screw hole is covered with tooth-colored materials.
Study Implant Type Looks After 6 Months Looks After 12 Months Big Difference?
Chokaree et al. Special Healing Abutment Better (p = 0.022) N/A Yes
Perez et al. Regular Healing Abutment N/A No big difference No

Maintenance and Accessibility

Screw-retained implants are easier to fix or clean. Dentists can remove the crown without breaking it. This makes them great for long-term care. Cement-retained implants are harder to fix. Dentists often need to cut off the crown, which takes time and costs more.
Implant Type Easy to Fix or Clean?
Screw-retained Yes, crown comes off easily
Cement-retained No, crown may need cutting

Long-Term Functionality

Both implant types work well for a long time. Studies show they have high success rates and few problems, about 3–5%. Over five years, bone changes around the implants were small. Cement-retained implants showed a change of -0.23 mm, while screw-retained implants had -0.15 mm. Both are reliable choices for lasting use. (Source: PMC Journal - Long-Term Implant Performance)

Implant Type Success Rate Problem Rate
Screw-retained Very High 3–5%
Cement-retained Very High 3–5%
Your choice depends on what matters most to you. If easy repairs are important, pick screw-retained implants. If you care more about looks, cement-retained implants might be better.
Each implant type has its own benefits. Screw-retained implants are easier to fix. Only 5.4% had issues with access holes in five years. Cement-retained implants look more natural. They hide the titanium better for a nicer appearance. Healthy implants usually have pocket depths under 5 mm. Talk to your dentist about what matters most to you. This will help you pick the right implant.
Study Method What It Helps With
Choice experiment Shows what people prefer in dental care.
Payment analysis Finds out how much people value implant features.
Mixed model Looks at different treatment choices patients make.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Cement-retained implants offer a more natural look with no visible screw holes. Screw-retained implants are easier to remove and maintain. Choose based on appearance vs. maintenance needs.
Yes. Dentists can easily remove the crown for cleaning or repairs without damaging it. This makes them ideal for long-term maintenance.
💡 Tip: Want low-maintenance care? Screw-retained implants are a practical choice.
Yes. Since they don’t show any screw access holes, they blend in seamlessly with natural teeth—especially in the front where looks matter most.
🦷 Note: Always consult your dentist to check if your gums are suitable for cement-retained implants.
Both types are highly durable with long-term success rates over 90%. However, screw-retained implants may offer easier repair if issues arise, while cemented ones require more effort if removal is needed.
They can be if extra cement isn’t fully cleaned. Residual cement might lead to inflammation or infection. That’s why proper placement by an experienced dentist is essential.

How to Decide Between Cement-Retained and Screw-Retained Dental Implants

Choosing the right type of dental implant depends on what matters most to you — aesthetics, maintenance, or long-term performance.
✅ Screw-retained implants are often the better choice because they are easier to maintain. Your dentist can easily remove the crown for cleaning or repairs without damaging the implant. This makes them ideal for long-term care and peace of mind.
✅ Cement-retained implants, however, may be recommended in certain situations — especially when aesthetics are the top priority, like for front teeth, or when angulation issues make screw placement more difficult.
At BeautyBrace Dental, we help you decide based on your individual case, smile goals, and oral health condition.

Why Choose BeautyBrace Dental for Your Dental Implants?

  • ✅ Affordable, Transparent Pricing in Johor
  • ✅ Advanced 3D Imaging for Precision Implant Placement
  • ✅ Minimally Invasive, Pain-Free Procedures
  • ✅ International-Standard Sterilization & Equipment
  • ✅ Free Implant Consultation + Full Treatment Plan

We understand that dental implants are a significant step. That’s why we make it simple — delivering world-class care at local prices, without compromising on quality or results.

💬 Ready to regain your confidence with a natural-looking, long-lasting smile?
Let our expert team guide you through every step — from personalized planning to recovery.
👉 Book your consultation at BeautyBrace Dental today and discover the implant option that’s right for you — cement or screw-retained, we’ve got you covered.

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