Every way to replace a missing tooth, priced and compared
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A missing tooth can be replaced starting at $239 with a pontic Essix retainer, and every option on this page ships from an at home impression kit, no dentist chair involved.
What changes between $239 and $749 is not quality, it is how much of the arch is missing and how much chewing force the piece needs to carry.
Start with what you lost, not the price
One visible front tooth is the easiest case. Cosmetics matter most there, and a thin build like an Essix pontic or a flipper does the job for less.
A back tooth or several teeth in different spots is a different problem. Chewing load needs a frame that shares work with your own teeth, which is what a partial denture is built for.
Every option, ranked by price
Every option, cheapest first
| Option | Per arch | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Essix retainer with a pontic tooth | $239 | One front gap, cosmetic only |
| Acrylic flipper | $319 | One to three teeth, fastest to get used to |
| Flexible flipper | $399 | Up to three teeth, no visible metal |
| Acrylic partial denture | $469 | Several gaps, real chewing back |
| Flexible partial denture | $549 | Several gaps, no visible metal |
| Cast metal partial | $749 | Widest case, thinnest and strongest build |
Home impression kit and free shipping both ways are inside every price above.
What each build actually is
The Essix Pontic Retainer is a clear tray with a fake tooth set into it, the least visible option and the one to skip if you need to chew with it in often.
An acrylic flipper or flexible flipper carries up to three teeth on a light base that rests on the gum.
An acrylic partial denture, a flexible partial denture or a cast metal partial spans a wider gap and shares the load with the teeth you still have.
How ordering works, no matter which one
- The impression kit reaches you by USPS in 3 days or FedEx overnight.
- You take the impressions at home and mail them back with the prepaid label.
- A licensed dentist in your state reviews your photos before your kit ships, and a technician checks the impression when it comes back.
- The appliance arrives 14 to 28 days later, made in the USA.
Health account cards work at checkout, and how HSA and FSA payment works covers the receipt.
Questions people actually ask
What is the cheapest way to replace a missing tooth
An Essix retainer with a pontic tooth at $239 for a single front gap, or an acrylic flipper at $319 if you want more strength for everyday wear.
Do I need a dentist visit to order one
No. Every option here ships an at home impression kit, and a technician reviews your impressions before anything is built.
How do I know which one my case needs
Count the gaps and where they sit. One front tooth points to an Essix pontic or a flipper. Several teeth or a back gap you chew with points to a partial denture.
Are these options HSA and FSA eligible
Artificial teeth and dentures are listed as medical expenses in IRS Publication 502, so most of these normally qualify. Your plan administrator makes the final determination.
Weighing a flipper against a partial directly, read flipper against partial denture, side by side.
Smile Lab USA builds every appliance in Hollywood, Florida, backed by a 60 day manufacturer warranty.