D5286 — Removable unilateral partial denture — one-piece flexible base (per quadrant)
A partial denture replaces some of the teeth in an arch and is held in place by the teeth that remain. D5286 is the version in a flexible nylon-type base.
This is one of 13 closely related partial denture codes. The treatment is explained in full in the partial denture guide — this page is about what makes this particular code different.
The sections below cover the conditions built into the code, what it tends to cost, what a dental plan is likely to pay, and where the line falls between this code and the ones next to it.
What the code commits to
Material — a flexible nylon-type base. Flexible partial dentures are injection-moulded from a nylon-family polymer. The base is thin, slightly translucent so it disappears against the gum, and it flexes into place, which means the clasps can be made in the same pink material rather than in visible metal. The flexibility is also the limitation: it transmits chewing load to the gum rather than spreading it through a rigid frame, it cannot be relined or adjusted as easily as acrylic, and it cannot be repaired by most laboratories. The material is part of the code rather than a choice made afterwards, so D5286 is only the right code if that is what was actually used.
Counted — per quadrant — one of the four corners of the mouth. The fee you are quoted is for one corner, so ask how many are planned before comparing it with anything.
D5286 against the codes beside it
D5282 — Removable unilateral partial denture — one-piece cast metal (maxillary, per quadrant): It specifies a cast metal framework rather than a flexible nylon-type base.
D5228 — Immediate mandibular partial denture — flexible base: It is the interim version.
D5227 — Immediate maxillary partial denture — flexible base: It is the interim version.
D5226 — Mandibular partial denture — flexible base: It is a lower partial denture with a flexible nylon base instead of rigid acrylic or cast metal.
D5286 sits in a group of 13 codes in total; the remainder are linked at the foot of this page. These distinctions exist because they change what was actually done. A claim for D5286 when the record describes one of the others is not a technicality — it is the difference between a paid claim and a returned one.
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 D5286
D5286 — what is it?
Removable unilateral partial denture, one-piece flexible base, per quadrant. It belongs to the prosthodontics, removable section of the code set.
How much does D5286 cost?
Typically $1,200–$2,800 before insurance, depending on local fees and the complexity of the individual case.
Is D5286 a covered benefit?
In most cases yes, at the major prosthodontic rate: typically 50%. The annual maximum is what usually decides how much of that you actually see.
Also known as: partial denture, removable partial, chrome denture, flexible denture, clasps.