What Dental Code Is Used For An Essix Retainer?

An Essix retainer is a type of dental appliance used to hold the teeth in their correct position after orthodontic treatment. It is a clear, removable retainer that is custom-made to fit over the teeth and provide a secure fit. It is typically made from a thermoplastic material, such as acrylic, and is designed to be comfortable and easy to wear. Essix retainers are often used for short-term retention, such as after braces are removed or to correct minor alignment issues. They can also be used for permanent retention of a person’s teeth.

When a patient is fitted with an Essix retainer, it is important to know which dental code should be used so that the patient can be properly billed for the service. The code will depend on the type of retainer that is being used and the type of orthodontic treatment that is being provided. In most cases, the code will be a combination of the letter “D” followed by a three-digit number.

D8450- Essix Retainer

The most common code used for an Essix retainer is D8450. This code is assigned to the appliance when it is used as a short-term retainer for the retention of teeth after orthodontic treatment. It is also used for retainers that are used for minor alignment issues and for permanent retention of teeth. The code is often used for retainers that are made from thermoplastic materials, such as acrylic.

D8660- Removable Retainer

The code D8660 is used for removable retainers other than Essix retainers. This includes retainers made from metal, such as Hawley retainers, and retainers made from other materials such as wire. It is used when the retainer is used for the retention of teeth after orthodontic treatment or for minor alignment issues. It is important to note that for some insurance companies, this code will not cover the cost of the retainer if it is used for permanent retention.

D8999- Other Prosthodontic Services

The code D8999 is used for other prosthodontic services that are not covered by the other codes. This includes services such as the fabrication of a partial denture, a full denture, a bridge, or an implant. It can also be used for services related to the repair of a removable prosthesis or for the adjustment of a prosthesis. This code is used when the service is not covered by any of the other codes.

Conclusion

When a patient is fitted with an Essix retainer, it is important to know which dental code should be used so that they can be properly billed for the service. The most common code used for an Essix retainer is D8450, which is assigned to the appliance when it is used as a short-term retainer for the retention of teeth after orthodontic treatment. The code D8660 is used for removable retainers other than Essix retainers, and the code D8999 is used for other prosthodontic services that are not covered by the other codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Essix retainer?

An Essix retainer is a type of dental appliance used to hold the teeth in their correct position after orthodontic treatment. It is a clear, removable retainer that is custom-made to fit over the teeth and provide a secure fit.

What code is used for an Essix retainer?

The most common code used for an Essix retainer is D8450.

What is the code for a removable retainer other than an Essix retainer?

The code for a removable retainer other than an Essix retainer is D8660.

What is the code for other prosthodontic services?

The code for other prosthodontic services is D8999.

What type of material is an Essix retainer typically made from?

An Essix retainer is typically made from a thermoplastic material, such as acrylic.

Can an Essix retainer be used for permanent retention of teeth?

Yes, an Essix retainer can be used for permanent retention of a person’s teeth.

Will insurance cover the cost of an Essix retainer if it is used for permanent retention?

In most cases, insurance will cover the cost of an Essix retainer if it is used for permanent retention.

What type of orthodontic treatment is an Essix retainer typically used for?

An Essix retainer is typically used for short-term retention, such as after braces are removed or to correct minor alignment issues.

Can an Essix retainer be used for minor alignment issues?

Yes, an Essix retainer can be used for minor alignment issues.

What type of orthodontic treatment does the code D8660 cover?

The code D8660 is used for removable retainers other than Essix retainers when the retainer is used for the retention of teeth after orthodontic treatment or for minor alignment issues.

Is the code D8999 used for services related to the repair of a removable prosthesis?

Yes, the code D8999 is used for services related to the repair of a removable prosthesis or for the adjustment of a prosthesis.