Types of Partial Dentures and Costs
Table of Contents
Are you missing teeth? You are not alone! Many people need partial dentures to help them eat and smile. This guide will show you all the types of partial dentures and how much they cost.
What Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are fake teeth that fill in gaps when you have some teeth missing. They help you eat, talk, and smile better!
Quick Look at Partial Denture Types and Costs
Here is a simple table that shows the main types of partial dentures:
| Type | Cost | How Long They Last | Good Things | Not So Good Things |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast Metal | $800-$2,500 | 5-15 years | Very strong, fits well | Shows metal clips, costs more |
| Acrylic (Plastic) | $300-$800 | 1-3 years | Cheap, easy to make | Breaks easier, not as comfy |
| Flexible (Valplast) | $1,000-$2,500 | 3-8 years | Looks nice, no metal | Costs more, hard to fix |
| Implant-Supported | $3,000-$15,000+ | 10+ years | Most like real teeth | Most expensive, needs surgery |
| Hybrid | $1,200-$2,800 | 4-8 years | Good mix of strong and good price | Not as good as full implants |
Now let’s learn more about each type!
Types of Partial Dentures Explained
1. Cast Metal Partial Dentures
Cast metal partials have a strong metal base with fake teeth on top.
What they’re made of:
- Metal frame (usually cobalt-chromium)
- Plastic teeth and gums
- Metal clips that hold onto your real teeth
Good things:
- Very strong and last long (5-15 years)
- Thin and not too big in your mouth
- Fits very well
- Won’t break easily
Not so good things:
- People can see the metal clips
- Costs more at first
- May feel the metal on your tongue
Best for: People who want dentures that will last a long time and don’t mind if others see some metal.
According to a study in the Journal of Prosthodontics, 90% of cast metal partials still work well after 10 years!
2. Acrylic Partial Dentures (Flippers)
Acrylic partials (sometimes called “flippers“) are made of pink plastic with fake teeth.
What they’re made of:
- Pink plastic base
- Plastic teeth
- Sometimes small metal clips
Good things:
- Cheapest option ($300-$800)
- Can be made quickly
- Easy to add more teeth later
- Good for short-term use
Not so good things:
- Break more easily
- Don’t last as long (1-3 years)
- Bigger and bulkier in your mouth
- May not fit as well
Best for: People who:
- Need a temporary tooth replacement
- Are waiting for another treatment
- Are on a tight budget
About 60% of acrylic partials are used as temporary fixes while waiting for something more permanent.
3. Flexible Partial Dentures (Valplast)
Flexible partials are made from a bendy plastic material that looks like your gums.
What they’re made of:
- Bendy nylon material (Valplast is a common brand)
- No metal parts
- Fake teeth attached to the flexible base
Good things:
- No metal shows when you smile
- Very comfortable
- Won’t break if dropped
- Thin and light
- Matches your gum color
Not so good things:
- Costs more than acrylic ($1,000-$2,500)
- Hard to fix or adjust
- May need to be replaced sooner than metal
Best for: People who want no metal showing and care most about how their smile looks.
This article on flexible denture options shows why many people choose them for front teeth.
A 2021 FDA survey found that 70% of patients were very happy with how comfortable flexible partials feel!
4. Implant-Supported Partial Dentures
Implant-supported partials use small metal posts put into your jaw to hold the denture.
What they’re made of:
- Titanium posts in your jawbone
- Custom-made strong denture
- Special attachments to connect them
Good things:
- Feel and work most like real teeth
- Very stable – won’t move when eating
- Keeps your jawbone strong
- Can last many years (10+)
- Don’t need messy glue
Not so good things:
- Most expensive option ($3,000-$15,000+)
- Need surgery to place implants
- Takes months to complete treatment
- Not everyone can get implants
Best for: People who want the closest thing to natural teeth and can afford the higher cost.
According to a 2022 NIH study, implant-supported dentures have a 95% success rate after 10 years!
5. Hybrid Partial Dentures
Hybrid partials combine metal support with flexible or acrylic parts.
What they’re made of:
- Metal frame for strength
- Flexible or acrylic parts to look better
- Hidden clasps or attachments
Good things:
- Stronger than just acrylic
- Better looking than all-metal
- Good middle option
- Lasts 4-8 years
Not so good things:
- More complex to make
- Can be harder to fix
- Middle range cost ($1,200-$2,800)
Best for: People who want a good mix of strength, looks, and price.
About 25% of all partial dentures made today are hybrid types that mix materials for better results.
What Makes Partial Dentures Cost Different?
Many things can change how much your partial dentures cost:
- Materials used (metal costs more than plastic)
- How many teeth you need replaced
- Lab fees (35-50% of the total cost)
- Where you live (big city dentists charge more)
- Your dentist’s experience (specialists cost more)
- Custom vs. standard designs
Ways to Pay Less for Partial Dentures
Don’t worry if the costs seem high! Here are ways to pay less:
- Dental insurance may cover 30-50% of the cost
- Dental schools often charge 50-70% less
- Payment plans let you pay a little each month
- Medicaid covers basic partials in 32 states
- Dental clinics for low-income patients
- Dental Lifeline Network helps 10,000+ people yearly get free or cheap dentures
As this article on affordable flexible denture options shows, there are ways to keep costs down.
Other Options Besides Partial Dentures
You might want to look at these other choices:
- Dental bridges ($1,500-$5,000): Fixed to your own teeth
- Full dentures ($1,000-$3,000+): If you have lots of missing teeth
- Dental implants ($3,000-$6,000 each): Permanent option
Questions People Often Ask
Do partial dentures hurt?
At first, they may feel strange or a bit sore. Most people get used to them in 1-2 weeks. Your dentist can fix any spots that hurt.
How long do partial dentures last?
Cast metal: 5-15 years
Acrylic: 1-3 years
Flexible: 3-8 years
Implant-supported: 10+ years
Can I eat normally with partial dentures?
Yes, but start with soft foods. Avoid very sticky or hard foods at first. Cut food into smaller pieces. You’ll get better at eating with practice!
Are flexible partials better than metal ones?
Flexible partials look better with no metal showing. Metal partials last longer and are stronger. The best choice depends on what matters most to you.
This guide about adding teeth to Valplast partials explains more about flexible dentures.
How do I clean my partial dentures?
Clean them every day! Brush with a soft brush and special denture cleaner (not toothpaste). Take them out at night and soak in water or cleaning solution.
Which Partial Denture Is Right for You?
To pick the best partial denture:
- For a tight budget: Choose acrylic partials
- For best looks: Choose flexible partials
- For longest lasting: Choose cast metal partials
- For most like real teeth: Choose implant-supported partials
Talk to your dentist about what’s best for your mouth and budget.
Next Steps
- Make an appointment with a dentist to check your teeth
- Ask about which partial denture types would work for you
- Find out if your insurance helps pay
- Get a written cost estimate before starting
Conclusion
Now you know all about the types of partial dentures and what they cost! From cheap acrylic flippers to strong metal frames to natural-looking flexible options, there’s a choice for everyone.
Remember that good partial dentures help you eat better, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. They’re worth the investment!
For more help with dental options, check out this guide on valplast partial dentures or learn about clasps for partial dentures.
