Learn about screwless dental implants and their pricing options.
Screwless dental implants refer to systems where the crown or abutment is not secured with a visible screw, often using a locking-taper fit or a one-piece design. For patients in the UK comparing options, it helps to understand how these systems work, their advantages and limits, and how clinics estimate total costs, including scans, surgery, and follow-up care.
Screwless dental implant solutions aim to simplify the way a crown or abutment is attached to the implant, reducing the risk of screw-related complications and improving aesthetics. In the UK, these systems are available through selected local services and specialist clinics, though terminology can be confusing. Typically, “screwless” means the abutment-crown connection uses a locking taper or the implant is one-piece ceramic without a separate abutment screw. The implant fixture itself may still be threaded for stability in bone, so it is important to clarify what “screwless” applies to during a consultation in your area.
Features and pricing factors of screwless implants
Screwless dental implants are known for a few consistent features. First, the connection between implant and restoration avoids a visible screw access hole, which can enhance aesthetics for front teeth. Second, locking-taper (also called Morse-taper) connections create a tight seal that can lower the risk of microgaps and reduce the chance of abutment loosening. One-piece ceramic implants remove the abutment interface entirely, which may simplify the restorative pathway. Pricing is influenced by brand, clinician expertise, region (London and the South East typically price higher), and whether additional procedures—such as bone grafting or sinus lifts—are required. Laboratory fees for custom abutments or ceramic crowns also affect the final figure.
How screwless implants function and what this means
Locking-taper systems use a friction-fit connection between the implant and abutment. The components seat with a precise taper, producing a stable “cold weld” that does not rely on a retaining screw. This design can reduce screw-loosening complications and eliminate a screw access channel in the crown. One-piece ceramic implants are a single unit placed into bone; the final crown is usually bonded or cemented, avoiding a separate abutment screw. Clinically, these designs can be advantageous in limited vertical space or where soft-tissue aesthetics are a priority. However, retrievability differs: cemented or bonded crowns may be harder to remove compared with screw-retained restorations. Careful cement control is essential to prevent excess around the gumline, which can otherwise irritate tissues.
UK costs involved and what you might pay
For a single-tooth case in the UK, typical private fees often include a consultation and assessment, diagnostic imaging (often a CBCT scan), the surgical placement appointment, the healing period, and the final crown. As a broad guide, consultations may range from £50–£150, CBCT imaging from about £100–£250, surgical placement from roughly £1,200–£2,200, and the abutment/crown from around £700–£1,500, yielding a common total of £2,000–£4,000 for an uncomplicated case. One-piece ceramic or premium brands, treatment in high-demand areas, or the need for bone augmentation can raise the total. NHS funding for implants is generally limited to specific clinical indications, so most people will rely on private clinics for these treatments.
Beyond the device itself, time and complexity play large roles in pricing. Bone grafting can add £300–£1,000, while a sinus lift can add £600–£1,500 depending on scope. Sedation, temporary restorations, and follow-up hygiene visits may carry additional fees. Always request a written treatment plan that itemises each component so you can compare like-for-like across local providers.
The following examples illustrate how UK clinics may price screwless-style systems. Figures are typical ranges for single-tooth cases and exclude site development procedures unless noted.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Locking-taper implant (e.g., short implant with screwless abutment) | Bicon Dental Implants | £2,400–£4,000 per single-tooth case in UK clinics |
| One-piece zirconia implant | SDS Swiss Dental Solutions | £2,800–£4,500 per single-tooth case |
| One-piece ceramic implant | Straumann PURE Ceramic (one-piece) | £3,000–£4,800 per single-tooth case |
| Zirconia one-piece implant | Z-SYSTEMS | £2,700–£4,500 per single-tooth case |
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.
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 practice, candidacy depends on bone quality and volume, oral hygiene, bite forces, and medical history. Locking-taper systems can be helpful when vertical space is limited, while one-piece ceramics are often chosen for metal-free preferences and soft-tissue aesthetics. Your clinician may also discuss restorative access: while avoiding a screw access hole benefits appearance, retrievability for maintenance can be more involved. A trial provisional crown, careful cementation protocols, and regular hygiene reviews help manage these considerations.
In summary, screwless implant approaches focus on either a friction-fit abutment or a one-piece design to minimise screw-related complications and improve aesthetics. UK pricing typically falls within the same general range as conventional two-piece systems, with brand, case complexity, and geography as the biggest cost drivers. A clear, itemised plan from a trusted local service will make comparisons more meaningful and help set expectations for both treatment steps and total fees.
