The three types, compared
| Acrylic | Flexible (nylon) | Cast metal framework | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it is held | Wire clasps; rests on the gums | Gum-coloured clasps; rests on the gums | Metal clasps and rests on your teeth |
| Thickness | Thick | Thin | Thin |
| Looks | Wire may show | No metal visible | Clasps can show on some teeth |
| Can it be adjusted or added to? | Easily | Hard | Teeth can usually be added |
| Typical use | Temporary teeth, budget option | A front tooth, short-term, metal allergy | Long-term replacement of several teeth |
| Visits | 2–3 | 2–3 | 4–5 |
If you are unsure, start by telling us what matters most: appearance, comfort, cost or how long it lasts. We will show you which type fits.
Front teeth and back teeth need different thinking
A missing front tooth is mostly about appearance and speech. A small flexible or acrylic denture can work well, especially while you wait for an implant. For a permanent answer, many people prefer a bridge or an implant, because nothing comes out.
Missing back teeth are about chewing and protecting the bite. Partial dentures that replace back teeth need to be stable under chewing force, which is where a cast partial earns its place.
What happens
- Examination. We check the remaining teeth and gums, because a denture is only as good as the teeth that support it. Decay or gum problems are treated first.
- Impressions and bite record. For a cast partial, there is an extra design stage and a metal-frame try-in.
- Try-in. You see the teeth in place, check the shade and how they look when you smile.
- Fitting. We fit and adjust the denture and show you how to put it in and take it out.
- Review about a week later to ease any pressure spots.
Getting used to it
Expect it to feel big for the first few days. Speech settles quickly, and reading aloud helps. Start with soft food cut into small pieces, chewing on both sides. Sore spots are common in the first weeks and are easily adjusted.
Take the denture out after meals to rinse it and at night to rest your gums. Brush it daily with a soft brush and mild soap or denture cleaner, and clean the teeth that hold the clasps especially well.
What affects the cost
The main factor is the type: acrylic costs least, cast partials cost most but usually last longest. The number of teeth replaced and any treatment the supporting teeth need first also matter. We give a written estimate after examination, with both a short-term and a long-term option where that is useful.
Limits and alternatives
All partial dentures are removable, and some people never get used to that. They also need the supporting teeth to stay healthy. If you would rather have something fixed, ask us about a bridge or implants. If you are losing most of your teeth, a complete denture or implant overdenture may be the better plan.
Questions patients ask us
Which partial denture is best?
For long-term use, a cast metal-framework partial is usually the most stable and the kindest to your gums and remaining teeth. Acrylic is a sensible temporary or budget option. Flexible dentures look discreet but are harder to adjust and add to. The right one depends on which teeth are missing and how healthy the rest are.
Can I get a partial denture for one tooth?
Yes. A small acrylic or flexible denture can replace a single tooth, and it is often used as a temporary tooth while an implant heals. For a permanent single-tooth replacement, an implant or bridge is usually more comfortable.
What are the disadvantages of flexible dentures?
They are difficult to reline or repair, teeth can't easily be added later, they rest on the gums rather than the teeth, and they can stain. They are good for appearance and comfort in the short term, less so as a long-term solution.
Are partial dentures for back teeth worth it?
Usually, yes. Missing back teeth put extra load on the front teeth and the jaw joint, and the opposing teeth can drift into the gap. A partial denture restores chewing and keeps the bite stable.
How long do partial dentures last?
Acrylic partials typically last a few years. A cast partial often lasts much longer, and teeth can be added to the frame if you lose another tooth. Your mouth changes over time, so all dentures need checking and occasional relining.
Do partial dentures hurt?
New dentures often cause a sore spot or two in the first weeks. These are eased with small adjustments, so come back rather than putting up with it.
Sources
ADA MouthHealthy: partial dentures ↗Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS: removable partial dentures ↗NHS: dentures ↗Last updated 14 October 2026. This page explains options in general terms; your own plan comes from an examination.