Screw- versus cement-retained implant restorations: current concepts.

The debate between screw- versus cement-retained implant prostheses has long been discussed but the best type of implant prosthesis remains controversial among practitioners. An understanding of their properties will help the clinician in selecting the ideal prosthesis for each clinical case while promoting final esthetic outcomes. With the evolving technology and knowledge, an update of the current trends is necessary. This article provides an overview of the different characteristics of screw- and cement-retained implant restorations, and how they may influence the esthetics, retrievability, retention, passivity, occlusion, accessibility, cost, and provisional restorations. Problems and complications frequently encountered are discussed and treatment solutions are proposed.