The anatomy of a Maryland bridge consists of pontic/s and wings. The materials can be a combination of metal, porcelain/ceramic and/or resin. Below I have simplified how to code for a Maryland bridge. Be sure to use the correct codes specific to the material of the pontic and wings, which must coincide with each other, before sending the claim off to the insurance company.
Throughout the ADA CDT coding terminology in this article, the word “retainer” references the wings and the word “pontic” references the missing tooth or teeth.
Common pontics
D6205: Pontic—indirect resin-based composite
D6245: Pontic—porcelain/ceramic
The above codes are to be used to report the missing tooth (pontic) which has wings attached, connected at each side. Today most dentists request the laboratory to fabricate a tooth made of porcelain/ceramic or resin.
Common wings
D6545: Retainer—cast metal for resin-bonded fixed prosthesis
This code is submitted per wing and is used to report cast metal wings which are attached (bonded) to each side of a permanent tooth (retainer) which holds the replacement tooth (pontic) in place to fill the space of the missing tooth or teeth. Metal wings are sturdier, but not easily adjustable chairside.
D6548: Retainer—porcelain/ceramic for resin-bonded fixed prosthesis
This code is submitted per wing and is used to report porcelain/ceramic wings which are attached (bonded) to each side of a permanent tooth (retainer) which holds the replacement tooth (pontic) in place to fill the space of the missing tooth or teeth.
D6549: Resin retainer—for resin-bonded fixed prosthesis
This code is submitted per wing and is used to report resin wings which are attached (bonded) to each side of a permanent tooth (retainer) which holds the replacement tooth (pontic) in place to fill the space of the missing tooth or teeth.
When submitting the dental claim to the patient’s insurance company, be sure you submit the claim with supportive documentation which indicates the necessity. Plan limitations may apply (e.g., waiting periods, frequencies). Contact the insurance company for clarification
