Orthodontics CDT Codes2026 Billing Reference Guide

Short-term orthodontic treatment on primary (baby) teeth to address a specific problem, not comprehensive full treatment.

Short-term orthodontic treatment during the mixed dentition stage (both baby and permanent teeth) to address a specific problem.

Short-term orthodontic treatment in a teenager with permanent teeth to address a specific problem, not comprehensive full alignment.

Short-term orthodontic treatment for an adult to address a specific problem, such as pre-prosthetic alignment or minor relapse correction.

Full comprehensive orthodontic treatment during the mixed dentition stage, addressing overall alignment and bite correction.

Full comprehensive orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) for a teenager with permanent teeth, the most commonly billed orthodontic code.

Full comprehensive orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) for an adult patient to correct alignment and bite issues.

An orthodontic procedure covering are not billable to the patient..

Use of a removable orthodontic appliance (such as a retainer, expander, or space maintainer) as part of orthodontic treatment.

Use of a fixed (cemented) orthodontic appliance such as a space maintainer, rapid palatal expander, or lingual arch as primary treatment.

An examination to monitor a child's dental and skeletal growth before deciding if or when orthodontic treatment should begin.

A routine adjustment visit during active orthodontic treatment, including wire changes, elastic adjustments, and progress evaluation.

An orthodontic procedure covering periodic orthodontic.

Removal of braces and delivery of retainers at the completion of orthodontic treatment to maintain tooth alignment.

Covers removable orthodontic retainer adjustment to maintain tooth positions after active orthodontic treatment.