The ICD-10 codes in the M26 (Anomalies of dental relationship) category cover all the forms of “malocclusion”.
An experienced dental billing company can ensure accurate coding and claim submission for different types of malocclusions. Check out some relevant ICD-10 codes list to report the condition in claims.
Malocclusion is a common dental condition that can affect vital oral functions like chewing, biting, and speaking and may even cause cavities, gum disease, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), sleep disorders, and other cosmetic concerns. This condition is mainly caused by difference between jaw and tooth size or the size of the upper and lower jaws. Other causes include: the teeth are too large for the jaw, thumb sucking in childhood, early tooth loss, teeth grinding (bruxism), cleft lip and palate, and more. Dentists typically diagnose malocclusion of teeth through routine dental exams and refer the patient to an orthodontist for treatment. While submitting claims, it is critical to include the right ICD and CDT codes. The ICD-10 codes in the M26 (Anomalies of dental relationship) category cover all the forms of “malocclusion”. Professional dental billing services can help practices submit error-free claims to insurers.
Major symptoms of malocclusionare - improper alignment of teeth, changes in facial appearance, discomfort when chewing or biting, speech problems, including lisping, frequent biting of the inner cheeks or tongue, difficulty or discomfort when biting or chewing, and more. Different types of malocclusions are diagnosed based on symptoms, dental exams, and X-rays. Treatment for malocclusions will include braces or aligners, but may also require tooth removal, retainers or oral splints. Class 3 malocclusion is skeletal, and treatment will include orthodontics combined with orthognathic surgery.
Diagnosis Codes for Malocclusions
M26-M27 – Dentofacial anomalies [including malocclusion] and other disorders of jaw
o M26.0 Major anomalies of jaw size
o M26.1 Anomalies of jaw-cranial base relationship
o M26.2 Anomalies of dental arch relationship
- M26.20 Unspecified anomaly of dental arch relationship
- M26.21 Malocclusion, Angle’s class
- M26.22 Open occlusal relationship
- M26.23 – Excessive horizontal overlap
- M26.24 – Reverse articulation
- M26.25 – Anomalies of interarch distance
- M26.29 – Other anomalies of dental arch relationship
o M26.3 Anomalies of tooth position of fully erupted tooth or teeth
- M26.30 unspecified anomaly of tooth position of fully erupted
- M26.31 crowding of fully erupted teeth
- M26.32 excessive spacing of fully erupted teeth
- M26.33 horizontal displacement of fully erupted tooth or teeth
- M26.34 vertical displacement of fully erupted tooth or teeth
- M26.35 rotation of fully erupted tooth or teeth
- M26.36 insufficient interocclusal distance of fully erupted
- M26.37 excessive interocclusal distance of fully erupted
- M26.39 other anomalies of tooth position of fully erupted
o M26.4 malocclusion: unspecified
o M27 Other diseases of the jaw
While assigning malocclusion diagnostic codes, it is important to note that the code assigned should clearly specify the patient’s situation. It is recommended that codes M26.20 or M26.4 should be used only if: 1) none of the other codes are appropriate or 2) due to the circumstances, the more specific category cannot be determined. When coding, all codes relevant to the accompanying procedure should be listed and the most “significant” code(s) should be listed first.
Professional dental billing companies stay up to date with all insurance industry changes and coding changes, and they follow best practices to streamline dental practice insurance billing, submit clean claims, and boost cash flow.
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