Flexible dentures are metal-free partials made from a thin, bendable nylon-type resin that blends with your gums. Here’s how they work, what they cost, and when they’re the right choice.
By the FixUrSmile Dental Lab team · Updated September 2026 · Part of our complete partial dentures guide
Flexible dentures are removable partial dentures made from a thermoplastic, nylon-type resin instead of rigid acrylic and metal. The base is thin and slightly flexible, and instead of visible metal clasps, gum-colored extensions hug the natural teeth to hold the partial in place. You may also hear them called flexible partials, metal-free partials, or by brand names such as Valplast.
Flexible dentures are most often used as partial dentures to replace one or several missing teeth while you still have healthy natural teeth that can support the appliance.
At a dental office, flexible partial dentures typically cost about $900 to $2,000, according to Guardian Life. Price depends on how many teeth you’re replacing, your location, and whether exams and X-rays are included.
FixUrSmile makes custom flexible partials in our US dental lab from impressions you take at home: $315 for 1–3 teeth and $399 for up to 6 teeth. If you’re replacing only one tooth or two teeth side by side, our Nesbit flexible partial is $260.
For a full breakdown, see our partial dentures cost guide.
| Flexible | Acrylic | Cast metal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clasps | Gum-colored, no metal | Wire metal clasps | Metal framework and clasps |
| Feel | Thin, light, slightly flexible | Rigid, thicker | Strong and thin, but metal |
| Adjustable? | Limited | Easy to adjust and add teeth | Moderately |
| Typical dental office cost* | $900–$2,000 | $300–$500 (flipper) | $650–$2,500 |
*Ranges reported by Guardian Life. Actual prices vary.
Still deciding? Compare FixUrSmile options side by side in our partial denture comparison.
With good care, flexible partials commonly last several years. Their lifespan depends on daily cleaning, how they’re stored, and changes in your mouth over time, such as gum shrinkage or tooth movement, which can affect fit. Because flexible material is difficult to reline, a noticeably loose flexible partial is usually replaced rather than adjusted.
See our full guide: how to clean partial dentures.
Flexible partials are usually priced by the appliance, not by the tooth, so the cost per tooth drops as you replace more teeth. At FixUrSmile, a custom flexible partial denture is $315 for 1 to 3 teeth and $399 for 4 to 6 teeth in one arch:
| Teeth replaced | FixUrSmile price | Cost per tooth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tooth | $315 | $315 |
| 2 teeth | $315 | About $158 |
| 3 teeth | $315 | $105 |
| 4 teeth | $399 | About $100 |
| 5 teeth | $399 | About $80 |
| 6 teeth | $399 | About $67 |
For one tooth or two teeth side by side, our metal-free Nesbit partial is $260. Compare all options in partial denture for one tooth and our partial dentures cost guide.
Related guides: Valplast vs. flexible partial dentures · partial dentures for front teeth
Neither is better for everyone. Flexible dentures are metal-free and lightweight, while acrylic partials are more rigid, easier to adjust, and usually cost less. The right choice depends on your teeth, budget, and whether you want to avoid visible metal.
Yes. Most people eat normally with a well-fitting flexible partial after a short adjustment period. Start with softer foods, cut food into smaller pieces, and avoid very sticky or hard foods at first.
Flexible dentures are harder to repair or reline than acrylic. Small issues may be adjustable, but cracks or major fit changes usually require a replacement.
Dental offices commonly charge about $900 to $2,000 for a flexible partial. FixUrSmile flexible partials are $315 for 1–3 teeth and $399 for up to 6 teeth.
Metal-free, made from your own impressions, from $315. Made in our US dental lab from impressions you take at home, with licensed dentist approval and our Custom Fit Guarantee.
A flipper tooth is a removable partial that replaces one or a few missing teeth. Learn what it costs, how long it lasts,…
Partial dentures cost about $300 to $2,500 at a dental office. Compare prices for acrylic, flexible, metal, and flipper …
A Nesbit partial is a small one-sided denture for one or two adjacent missing teeth. Learn how it works, what it costs, …
