D5740 is the CDT code for relining a maxillary partial denture at chairside, without sending the appliance to a laboratory. The procedure uses a self-curing or light-cured reline material applied directly to the tissue-bearing surface of the partial denture to improve its fit after tissue changes from healing, bone resorption, or weight change. It is an in-office service only and does not include laboratory processing.
Get help with D5740 claims →Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
D5740 is appropriate when bone and tissue changes after extractions or oral surgery have left a maxillary partial denture loose or poorly adapted to the ridge. Healing tissue changes the shape of the edentulous ridge, and a chairside reline can restore the prosthesis-to-tissue contact without requiring a new appliance.
When a full laboratory reline is planned but the patient needs immediate improvement in fit, D5740 provides a serviceable interim solution. Chairside materials are not as durable as heat-processed laboratory reline materials, so the clinical note should reflect the interim nature of the service if that is the intent.
Tissue atrophy, systemic illness, or significant weight change can cause a previously well-fitting partial denture to become loose over time. D5740 addresses those changes in a single appointment without the laboratory turnaround time required for a processed reline.
Most plans exclude relines performed within a short period after original denture delivery, often six to twelve months. The intent is to exclude adjustments that should have been included in the delivery process. Verify the plan's post-placement exclusion period before billing.
Plans that cover relines typically limit the benefit to one reline per arch per benefit period, often every one to three years. Submitting a second claim within the frequency window will be denied regardless of clinical need. Confirm benefit history during pre-authorization.
D5740 is specific to the maxillary (upper) arch for a partial denture. The mandibular (lower) chairside reline for a partial denture uses a different code. Submitting the wrong arch code is a common and easily avoidable denial reason.
A reline claim without clinical documentation showing that the denture no longer fits adequately may be denied as not medically necessary. Note the specific fit complaint, the clinical finding that confirms it, and why a chairside reline was the appropriate service.
Note when the partial denture was originally delivered so the plan's post-placement exclusion period can be evaluated. This date is critical for verifying coverage eligibility.
Document the specific symptom (looseness, soreness from movement, food impaction under the base) or clinical observation that established the need for the reline.
Record the specific reline material used, whether it was self-curing or light-cured, and the technique applied. Note that the procedure was performed chairside without laboratory involvement.
Document the outcome of the reline including fit assessment, occlusal verification, and any instructions given to the patient for wearing and cleaning the reline appliance.
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Learn about our billing servicesD5740 is the CDT code for relining a maxillary partial denture at chairside, using a self-curing or light-cured reline material applied directly in the dental office without laboratory processing.
D5740 is for a chairside reline of a maxillary partial denture. D5750 is for a chairside reline of a maxillary complete (full) denture. The key difference is that D5740 applies to a partial denture while D5750 applies to a complete denture.
D5740 is appropriate as an interim fix or for fit issues that do not warrant the cost and turnaround of a laboratory reline. A lab reline provides a more durable and precise result. Use D5740 when the patient needs immediate improvement or when the clinical situation calls for an in-office solution.
Coverage varies. Most plans that cover relines allow one per arch per one to three year benefit period. Many plans also exclude relines within a post-placement period following original denture delivery.
Common reasons: denture is too new (within post-placement exclusion), frequency benefit already used, wrong arch code, or missing clinical documentation showing the denture no longer fits adequately.
Document the delivery date of the original partial denture, the specific fit complaint or clinical finding, the reline material and method used, and verification of fit and occlusion after the reline.
Search all CDT codes in our dental coding guide.