What is the D5213 dental code?

It's an upper (maxillary) partial denture with a cast metal framework, resin bases, and teeth — replacing several missing upper teeth while clasping onto the remaining ones.

What's the difference between D5213 and D5214?

D5213 is the upper partial; D5214 is the lower (mandibular) one. Both use a cast metal framework; the difference is the arch.

How much does a D5213 partial denture cost?

Often around 1,200 to 2,500 USD depending on location, materials, and number of teeth, typically more than an all-acrylic partial.

Why choose a cast metal partial over acrylic?

The cast metal framework is thinner, stronger, and usually more comfortable and durable than an all-acrylic partial, with a snugger fit.

Does insurance cover D5213?

Usually as a major service at around half up to the annual maximum, often with a five-year replacement limit and sometimes a least-costly-alternative rule.

How is a partial denture held in place?

Metal clasps grip the remaining natural teeth, and rests sit on them for support. It's removable for cleaning and sits stably during use.

D5213 Dental Code: Upper Cast-Metal Partial Denture

Code Summary

D5213 is the CDT code for a maxillary (upper) partial denture built on a cast metal framework with resin bases and teeth. It replaces several missing upper teeth while clasping onto the remaining natural teeth for support and stability.

What D5213 means

D5213 covers an upper removable partial denture with a cast metal framework, resin denture bases, and the replacement teeth, including the clasps and rests. "D" is dental, "52" is the partial dentures group, and "13" is this cast-metal maxillary version. The metal framework is the defining feature: a precisely cast skeleton that gives the partial strength and a snug, stable fit.

A partial denture fills in gaps where some, but not all, of the upper teeth are missing. Metal clasps grip the remaining natural teeth to hold it in place, and it can be removed for cleaning. Compared with an all-acrylic partial, the cast-metal design is thinner, stronger, and usually more comfortable and durable.

Its counterpart is D5214 for the lower (mandibular) arch. There are also separate codes for all-resin partials, flexible partials, and immediate partials placed the same day teeth are removed. The right code reflects the arch, the framework material, and the timing.

When it's typically used

D5213 is reported when an upper partial denture with a cast metal framework is made to replace several missing maxillary teeth, clasping onto the remaining natural teeth for support.

How much does D5213 cost?

A cast-metal upper partial is a significant fee, often roughly 1,200 to 2,500 USD depending on region, materials, and the number of teeth. It typically costs more than an all-acrylic partial but less than implant-based options.

Is D5213 covered by insurance?

Usually a major service covered around half up to the annual maximum, sometimes after a waiting period. Plans commonly limit replacement to once every five years or so, and may apply a least-costly-alternative rule (for example paying toward an acrylic partial instead of cast metal).

Frequently asked questions

What is the D5213 dental code?: It's an upper (maxillary) partial denture with a cast metal framework, resin bases, and teeth — replacing several missing upper teeth while clasping onto the remaining ones.
What's the difference between D5213 and D5214?: D5213 is the upper partial; D5214 is the lower (mandibular) one. Both use a cast metal framework; the difference is the arch.
How much does a D5213 partial denture cost?: Often around 1,200 to 2,500 USD depending on location, materials, and number of teeth, typically more than an all-acrylic partial.
Why choose a cast metal partial over acrylic?: The cast metal framework is thinner, stronger, and usually more comfortable and durable than an all-acrylic partial, with a snugger fit.
Does insurance cover D5213?: Usually as a major service at around half up to the annual maximum, often with a five-year replacement limit and sometimes a least-costly-alternative rule.
How is a partial denture held in place?: Metal clasps grip the remaining natural teeth, and rests sit on them for support. It's removable for cleaning and sits stably during use.

This page is an independent, plain-language explanation for general information only. It is not billing, coding, or clinical advice. For the official CDT descriptor and current-year wording, refer to the American Dental Association.