Partial dentures

Having missing teeth might be more common than you might think. Nearly 45% of adults aged 20 to 64 have lost at least one permanent tooth.¹ Those with severe tooth loss, which is defined as having 8 or fewer teeth,² may need full dentures to replace their missing teeth, but if you’re only missing a few teeth in either the upper or lower jaw then partial dentures may be an option.³ Partial dentures are designed to work with existing natural teeth while replacing the functionality of any missing ones.⁴

Partial dentures consist of artificial teeth that fill in the spaces of missing natural teeth. Choosing to not replace missing teeth can have long term effects, such as a misaligned jaw, which can cause pain.⁵ Let’s learn more about partial dentures and discuss the different types and costs.

How much do partial dentures cost with or without dental insurance?

The cost of partial dentures can vary, especially without dental insurance coverage and their price is generally based on the materials and customization options.⁶ In general, without insurance, the cost of partial dentures may range between $500 to $2,500.⁷

Some of the dental insurance plans offered by Guardian cover a portion of the cost of partial dentures so that you don’t have to pay the full cost yourself. In most states, after a 12-month waiting period select Guardian individual dental insurance plans may pay up to 50% of the cost of partial dentures up to the maximum allowed benefit cost.

How much do full dentures cost compared to partial dentures?

The cost of partial dentures is typically lower than the cost of full dentures. When needing a full set of dentures, the price can range between $1,000 to $15,000.⁸ Also, there may be additional cost associated with dentist visits and services like X-rays, exams, and preparing the mouth for the denture.

What are the different types of partial dentures? The cost will depend on what type of partial denture will fit your needs, among other factors. There are three different standard types of partial dentures available.⁹ Your dentist will provide advice for which of these types of partial dentures will be the best for you.

Metal Partial Denture

A metal partial denture is the most common type of partial denture. It has an acrylic base that typically matches the color of your gums and false teeth made from either porcelain or metal. The denture itself is held in the mouth by clasps. Metal clasps are the most inexpensive types of clasps for partial dentures. There are clear and flesh toned clips available to help them blend in and look natural. The benefits of a metal partial denture include being lightweight and durable. They can last a long time when maintained properly and only require regular brushing and standard oral care to stay in good shape. Without insurance, this type of partial denture can cost between $650 to around $2500.¹⁰

Flexible Partial Denture

Flexible partial dentures can be a good short-term solution if you need dentures to fix the appearance of your teeth right now. They’re made from a soft and flexible plastic that’s designed to mimic the color of your gums and teeth. Plastic partial dentures can look very natural, making them a good choice if you’re missing highly visible teeth. However, the soft plastic that gives them such a natural look typically isn’t very durable. There’s a risk of cracking or breaking with normal use and these dentures can’t be repaired. If they crack or break, you’ll need to get a new set. The cost of flexible partial dentures ranges from $900-$2000.¹¹

Acrylic Partial Denture (Flipper)

A flipper is another type of affordable temporary removable partial denture. It’s a partial denture that’s made from acrylic and held in place with metal clasps. Flippers generally aren’t the most comfortable or durable option, which is why they are the least expensive type of removable partial denture. Typically, flippers are used when you need to have some kind of denture and are waiting for a permanent partial denture to be completed. Flippers are the more affordable type of removable partial denture with a cost ranging from $300-$500.¹²

Lower & upper partial dentures

There’s not a huge difference in the cost between getting an upper partial denture or a lower partial denture. The number of teeth that need to be replaced or the type of partial denture will still be the primary determining factors of price. If you’re getting a traditional partial denture you may need:

• A major connector which is the framework that the partial is built on, helping to hold the partial rigid and is kept in place with clasps. The size of the connector typically depends on the shape of your mouth and the number of missing teeth.

• A minor connector to help connect the replacement teeth to the major connector.

• A rest to distribute the force of the tooth to keep the denture in place.

• Clasps to help hold the denture in place, made of metal or clear or flesh colored plastic.

• Denture base, which goes over the ridge in the mouth caused by the gap in the teeth.

• Denture teeth made from porcelain or acrylic resin.

The combined cost for all of these components will impact the cost of your upper and lower partial dentures.¹³

Flexible dentures vs traditional dentures

When discussing with your dentist whether a traditional partial denture or a flexible partial denture is the best choice for you, consider these factors:

Traditional Dentures

If you’re looking for long-term partial dentures that don’t need to be replaced often then a traditional removable partial denture (as opposed to fixed partial denture or full denture) may be the right choice for you. Keep in mind that traditional partial dentures can take a while to get used to and they can require more maintenance and care than flexible or removable partial dentures. Some traditional partial dentures also don’t look as natural as a flexible removable denture.

Flexible Dentures

Aesthetically, flexible dentures can look the closest to natural gums and teeth. The acrylic fits softly over gums and teeth so there’s often no need for uncomfortable clasps or clips. Flexible partial dentures are typically a good choice for replacing front teeth or teeth that are highly visible because they have a flexible, lightweight material for a comfy fit and natural appearance.¹⁴ Something to be mindful of is that flexible dentures can be more likely to attract bacteria, requiring frequent cleaning and upkeep. They also may not be as durable, so if you need to replace teeth that do the majority of the work when chewing, they may not be the right choice for you.

Temporary dentures & related Insights

When it comes to choosing a partial denture, typically the choice really comes down to function and aesthetics. If you want to make sure that your smile still looks great even though you have missing teeth, then a flexible removable partial denture may be the right choice for you. If you’re more worried about function and durability, then a traditional partial denture may be the practical choice for you.