band

Metal ring cemented in place around a tooth to allow brackets to attach to the teeth.

banding

Orthodontic process of fitting and cementing bands to teeth.

base

Insulating substance used beneath restorations to protect tooth pulp from changes in temperature.

benefit

Payment for covered dental services by third party insurer.

benign

A term used to indicate mild, non-threatening, or non-malignant.

bicuspid

Tooth located in front of the molars and behind cuspids.

bilateral

Term meaning both right and left sides are indicated.

biopsy

The removal of a small amount of tissue for examination and/or testing.

bioinert

Material property indicating it causes no physical reaction, such as inflammation or immune response.

bite/occlusion

Physical relationship between upper and lower teeth when closed.

bleaching

Whitening of the teeth, generally using a chemical oxidizing agent and/or laser treatment.

block injection

Anesthetic placed to cause numbness over a large area of the jaw and mouth.

block graft

Bone graft stabilized with screw, generally used to correct large bone defect.

bond

Mechanical or chemical adhesion connecting two surfaces, orthodontic appliance seal.

bonding

Process of attaching brackets to teeth for braces or restoring teeth with composite resin to repair tooth color or shape.

bone atrophy/resorption

Loss of bone in jaw, commonly caused by periodontal disease.

braces

Orthodontic devices used to reposition teeth over time to correct misalignment, generally consisting of brackets and archwires.

bracket

Ceramic or metal piece cemented to the tooth to hold an archwire for orthodontic treatment.

bridge/partial denture

Dental prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth, generally attaches to surrounding teeth or implants for support.

bruxism

Involuntary grinding of the teeth, usually while sleeping, often causing tooth wear, sensitivity, headaches, and jaw pain.

buccal

Referring to or toward the cheek.