Partial Denture Cost UK 2026: Acrylic, Chrome & Flexible Prices
Partial Denture Cost UK 2026: Acrylic, Chrome & Flexible Prices
Quick answer
An NHS partial denture costs £332.10 (Band 3) in England and Wales. Private partial dentures cost £500–£900 for a simple acrylic partial, £800–£1,800 for a chrome cobalt (metal framework) partial, and £1,000–£2,500 for a flexible (Valplast/Ultaire) partial denture. The cost depends on the number of teeth replaced, material, and location.
Key takeaways
- NHS partial dentures are available under Band 3 — £332.10 in England and Wales.
- Private acrylic partial dentures cost £500–£900; chrome cobalt partials cost £800–£1,800.
- Flexible (Valplast) partial dentures cost £1,000–£2,500 and are not available on the NHS.
- A 2-tooth partial denture typically costs £600–£1,100 privately; a 4-tooth partial £800–£1,600.
- Implant-retained partial dentures cost from £2,500 and are the most stable long-term option.
A partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth — but not all of them — and is one of the most affordable tooth replacement options in the UK. Understanding the different types and their costs helps you make the right choice for your budget and dental needs.
- NHS (Band 3): £332.10 — all partial dentures in England and Wales
- Acrylic partial (private): £500–£900
- Chrome cobalt partial (private): £800–£1,800
- Flexible partial — Valplast/Ultaire (private): £1,000–£2,500
- Implant-retained partial (private): from £2,500+
Types of partial denture and their costs
1. Acrylic partial denture
The most common and affordable type. Acrylic (plastic) partial dentures use metal wire clasps to grip the remaining teeth. They are bulkier than chrome cobalt partials and less comfortable for long-term daily wear, but are effective as a temporary or budget option.
| Location | NHS | Private (acrylic) |
|---|---|---|
| England / Wales | £332.10 (Band 3) | £500–£900 |
| Scotland | Free | £500–£900 |
| London | N/A (NHS is fixed) | £700–£1,200 |
2. Chrome cobalt (metal framework) partial denture
Chrome cobalt partials have a rigid metal skeleton that holds acrylic teeth and gum sections. The metal framework is thinner and more precise than acrylic, allowing the denture to sit more comfortably and securely against your remaining teeth. This is the recommended long-term partial denture material by most dental professionals.
| Location | NHS | Private (chrome cobalt) |
|---|---|---|
| England / Wales | £332.10 (Band 3) | £800–£1,400 |
| Scotland | Free | £800–£1,400 |
| London | N/A (NHS is fixed) | £1,100–£1,800 |
Why choose chrome cobalt? It lasts 10–15 years (versus 5–8 for acrylic), sits more comfortably, and exerts less force on remaining teeth. For anyone who needs a partial denture as a long-term solution, chrome cobalt is almost always the better investment.
3. Flexible partial denture (Valplast / Ultaire)
Flexible partial dentures are made from a thermoplastic nylon material. They have no visible metal clasps — the gum-coloured material wraps around the remaining teeth — making them more aesthetic, particularly for visible front teeth. They are not available on the NHS.
- Best for: Front teeth replacements; patients who want an aesthetic option without metal
- Not ideal for: Back teeth or complex multi-tooth cases (less stable than chrome cobalt)
- Cost: £1,000–£2,500 private, depending on the number of teeth and laboratory
- Limitation: Cannot usually be repaired or have additional teeth added if more are lost
Cost by number of teeth replaced
Private partial denture cost varies with the number of replacement teeth (pontics). As a rough guide:
| Number of teeth | Acrylic | Chrome cobalt | Flexible |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 teeth | £500–£750 | £800–£1,200 | £1,000–£1,500 |
| 3–4 teeth | £650–£900 | £900–£1,400 | £1,200–£1,800 |
| 5–6 teeth (extended partial) | £800–£1,200 | £1,100–£1,800 | £1,500–£2,500 |
On the NHS, all partial dentures in England and Wales are covered by Band 3 — £332.10 — regardless of how many teeth are being replaced.
NHS partial dentures
Partial dentures are available on the NHS when your dentist considers them clinically necessary. On the NHS:
- England and Wales: Band 3 — £332.10 (includes the denture and any other Band 1/2 treatment in the same course)
- Scotland: Free for all registered NHS patients
- Northern Ireland: Item-of-service fees apply; dentures are subsidised
The NHS will provide an acrylic partial denture in most cases. Chrome cobalt may be provided if clinically appropriate, but is not guaranteed. Flexible (Valplast) partials are not available on the NHS.
Partial denture vs dental implant
The main alternative to a partial denture for replacing one or a few missing teeth is a dental implant. Implants are more expensive upfront (from £2,200–£3,000 per implant) but:
- Do not require any preparation or involvement of adjacent teeth
- Feel and function more like natural teeth
- Last 20+ years with good oral hygiene
- Preserve jawbone (partial dentures do not)
A dental bridge is another alternative, available on the NHS for £332.10 (Band 3) privately from £800–£4,500.
How to get a partial denture
- Book an NHS or private dental consultation — your dentist will assess whether a partial denture is appropriate and which type.
- Impressions and measurements — the dentist takes moulds of your teeth and mouth, which are sent to a dental laboratory.
- Fitting appointment — the denture is tried in and adjusted. Most dentures require one or two adjustment appointments.
- Review — your dentist will check the fit after a few weeks and make any further adjustments.
Caring for your partial denture
- Remove and rinse after eating
- Brush daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner (not toothpaste — it scratches)
- Soak overnight in cold water or a denture cleaner solution
- Never use hot water (it warps the material)
- Attend regular dental check-ups — your dentist checks the fit and the health of remaining teeth
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a partial denture cost in the UK?
On the NHS, a partial denture costs £332.10 (Band 3) in England and Wales regardless of how many teeth it replaces. Privately, acrylic partial dentures cost £500–£900, chrome cobalt partials £800–£1,800, and flexible partials £1,000–£2,500 depending on the number of teeth and your location.
What is the cheapest type of partial denture?
An acrylic (plastic) partial denture is the cheapest type at £500–£900 privately, or available on the NHS for £332.10. It is less precise and less comfortable than a chrome cobalt partial but suitable for short-term use while awaiting implants or other treatment.
How much does a 2-tooth partial denture cost?
A 2-tooth partial denture costs approximately £600–£1,100 privately in the UK (acrylic) or £900–£1,500 in chrome cobalt. On the NHS, any partial denture — including a 2-tooth partial — is covered by Band 3 (£332.10 in England and Wales).
What is a chrome cobalt partial denture and is it better than acrylic?
A chrome cobalt partial denture has a rigid metal framework with acrylic teeth and gum sections. It is thinner, more comfortable, and more durable than an all-acrylic partial denture. Most dentists regard it as the preferred material for long-term use. It costs more (£800–£1,800 vs £500–£900 for acrylic) but lasts significantly longer (10–15 years vs 5–8 years).
Are flexible (Valplast) dentures better than acrylic?
Flexible partial dentures (such as Valplast or Ultaire) have no visible metal clasps, making them more aesthetic for front teeth replacements. They are also more comfortable and less prone to fracture. However, they cost more (£1,000–£2,500), cannot usually be repaired if they break or if more teeth need adding, and are not available on the NHS.
How long does a partial denture last?
An acrylic partial denture lasts 5–8 years with good care. A chrome cobalt partial typically lasts 10–15 years. Flexible partials last 5–10 years. All dentures may need relining or adjusting as your jaw shape changes over time.