Code Tip: Ortho codes—unmasked

D8220–Appliance therapy—fixed

• The appliance is not easily removed by the patient,
• The device is not a day or night guard,
• The device is fixed with some type of bonding material, and
• It can be used for a habit breaking appliance for such habits as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.

D8210­–Appliance therapy–removable

• The appliance is easily removed by the patient,
• It can be used for habit a breaking appliance for such habits as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, and
• The device is not a day or night guard.

D8680–Orthodontic retention

• Describes fabrication of removable retainers,
• Does not include monthly active orthodontic movement billing,
• Is usually billed as final payment at the end of active orthodontic treatment, and
• Means a separate code applies for a replacement retainer (D8692).

Dental Billing Tips and News for Pros; Edition #129