Is D9944 covered by insurance?

Coverage for D9944 varies by insurance provider. It's important to verify with the patient's insurance plan.

How often can D9944 be billed?

Frequency limitations depend on the insurance policy. Typically, it's limited to once every few years.

What is the difference between D9944 and D9940?

D9944 is specifically for hard occlusal guards, while D9940 is a more general code for occlusal guards.

Can D9944 be used for pediatric patients?

Yes, if the child is diagnosed with bruxism and requires a hard occlusal guard, D9944 can be used.

D9944

Occlusal Guard Hard Appliance - CDT Code Guide

Adjunctive General Services/Drugs

Overview

CDT code D9944 refers to the provision of a hard occlusal guard, a full-arch removable dental appliance. This appliance is primarily used to protect the teeth from the effects of bruxism, which is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. Bruxism can lead to tooth wear, fractures, and other dental issues. The occlusal guard is custom-fitted to the patient's mouth and is typically worn during sleep to prevent damage. It is important to note that this code should not be used for appliances intended to treat sleep apnea, snoring, or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Dental professionals should ensure that the patient is properly diagnosed with bruxism or other occlusal factors before recommending this appliance.

When to Use This Code

Patient diagnosed with bruxism experiencing tooth wear
Patient with a history of night-time teeth grinding
Patient requiring protection for dental restorations from occlusal forces
Patient with occlusal trauma not related to TMD
Patient needing a preventive measure for occlusal wear

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient diagnosis indicating bruxism
Clinical notes on the necessity of the occlusal guard
Documentation of the appliance fitting process
Patient education on use and care of the appliance
Verification of appliance delivery to the patient
Records of follow-up visits to assess appliance effectiveness

Billing Considerations

When billing for D9944, ensure that the diagnosis supports the need for an occlusal guard due to bruxism. This code should not be used for appliances related to sleep apnea or TMD. Frequency limitations may apply, so check with the patient's insurance provider for coverage details. Common modifiers may include those indicating the arch treated (upper or lower).

Related CDT Codes

D9940 D9941 D9942 D9943 D9945

Frequently Asked Questions

No, D9944 is specifically for occlusal guards related to bruxism, not TMD appliances.

Need help with dental coding?

Our AI-powered assistant can answer your CDT code questions instantly.

Try CDT Code Lookup Browse All CDT Codes