D5213 — Upper partial denture, cast metal framework
A partial denture replaces some of the teeth in an arch and is held in place by the teeth that remain. D5213 is the version in a cast metal framework, for the upper jaw.
It is the default code in a group of 13, and the one whose fee is normally quoted when this treatment is discussed. Our partial denture guide covers the procedure in depth.
Everything below is specific to this code: what it pins down, what it is worth, how a payer handles it, and which codes it is not.
The specifics of D5213
Material — a cast metal framework. A cast-framework partial is built around a thin, rigid metal skeleton — cobalt chromium, or occasionally gold — with acrylic and teeth added to it. Rigidity is the entire point: it spreads chewing load onto the remaining teeth through precisely fitted rests rather than pressing it into the gum, which both feels more stable and protects the ridge from resorbing. It is thinner and considerably stronger than acrylic, and it costs and lasts roughly twice as much. The material is part of the code rather than a choice made afterwards, so D5213 is only the right code if that is what was actually used.
Arch — upper. The palate provides broad support for anything removable, but the sinuses sit directly above the back teeth, which constrains surgical work.
D5213 against the codes beside it
D5212 — Partial denture — lower, resin base: It specifies an acrylic resin base rather than a cast metal framework.
D5214 — Lower partial denture, cast metal framework: It is the lower-jaw version.
D5211 — Partial denture — upper, resin base: It specifies an acrylic resin base rather than a cast metal framework.
D5221 — Immediate upper partial denture (resin base): It specifies an acrylic resin base rather than a cast metal framework.
D5213 sits in a group of 13 codes in total; the remainder are linked at the foot of this page. Reviewers compare the narrative against the code rather than the other way round, so the question worth asking is what the notes will say.
Every code in this group
These codes describe the same broad procedure and differ in one respect each. Each has its own page with its own fee range and coverage notes.
Questions about D5213
What is D5213 on my dental bill?
Read literally, D5213 means upper partial denture, cast metal framework — and payers do read it literally.
What should I expect to pay for D5213?
Usually somewhere in $1,500–$3,500 as a gross fee. The code fixes what was done, not what it costs, so ask for the practice's own figure in writing.
How do dental plans handle D5213?
It normally falls under major prosthodontic cover, typically 50%. Whether a particular claim is paid depends more on your history with the plan than on the code.
What is the difference between D5213 and D5212?
D5212 is partial denture, lower, resin base: it specifies an acrylic resin base rather than a cast metal framework. Everything else about the appointment is identical, so the record has to show that one detail for D5213 to be the defensible code.
Also known as: partial denture, removable partial, chrome denture, flexible denture, clasps.