- B -
B See Point B.
balancing side A term used for the study of occlusion (i.e., for the non-functional side when the mandible is shifted laterally).
band (orthodontic) A thin metal ring, usually stainless steel, which serves to secure orthodontic attachments to a tooth. The band, with orthodontic attachments welded or soldered to it, is closely adapted to fit the contours of the tooth and then cemented into place.
basal bone The bone that underlies, supports, and is continuous with the alveolar process (see apical base).
basal dysplasia A skeletal malrelationship related to a defect in size, shape, or position of basal bone.
basion The anterior margin of the foramen magnum, often used as a landmark on the lateral cephalogram.
Begg appliance A fixed appliance developed by P. R. Begg that uses light, round wires and modified ribbon-arch attachments.
bends -
first order Offsets in the arch wire to accommodate the labiolingual and buccolingual thickness of teeth or to produce horizontal forces.
second order Offsets in the archwire in the vertical plane for tipping and uprighting teeth.
third order A twist in a rectangular arch along the long axis of the archwire producing torque.
gable,tent bends Bends to upright teeth at extraction sites.
"V"bends Place to mark, solder or twist wire or activate tooth movement.
Bennett movement Lateral translation (sideshift) of the working condyle during lateral excursions.
beta-titanium A beta titanium-molybdenum alloy.
bimaxillary protrusion Anterior (protrusive) position of both jaws in relation to other cranial and facial structures. Considered archaic or confusing.
bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion Bimaxillary protrusion limited to the teeth and alveolar processes.
Bimler appliance A modification of the removable activator functional appliance.
bionator A modified removable functional appliance, developed by Balters to provide better control of the buccal musculature.
biteblock An upper or lower removable appliance, usually covering the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, used for vertical control or in TMJ problems.
biteplate or bite plane A removable orthodontic appliance designed to open the bite and/or prevent selected teeth from occluding.
Board Certification An examination program that establishes the clinical proficiency of a dental specialist according to the procedures established by the individual specialty certification board under the rules and authority of the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association. The recognized board in the specialty of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the American Board of Orthodontics.
Board Certified The status of an orthodontist who has successfully completed all three phases of the certification process by the American Board of Orthodontics.
Board Diplomate An orthodontist who has successfully completed all three phases of the certification process by the American Board of Orthodontics.
Board Eligible The status of a dental specialist whose educational qualifications have been verified by acceptance of an application for certification by the recognized certifying board and who has passedan initial written examination. Board eligibility is dependent on advanced education in the specialty and on timely progress toward completion of the certification procedure.
bodily movement Translational movement of a tooth or dental segment, ordinarily understood to be perpendicular to the long axis/axes.
Bolton analysis A method developed by Wayne Bolton for the evaluation of tooth-size discrepancies (mesiodistal crown diameter) between the upper and lower arches.
Bolton Point A landmark, as viewed on the lateral cephalometric film; the highest point on the averaged outlines of the retrocondylar incisures of the occipital bone. It approximates the antero-posterior center of the foramen magnum and was named in honor of Charles B. Bolton, a patron of the pioneer cephalometric researcher, B. Holly Broadbent Sr.
bonding The process by which orthodontic attachments are affixed to the teeth by an adhesive.
direct bonding An intraoral procedure in which orthodontic attachments are oriented by inspection and bonded individually to the tooth surface.
indirect bonding A two-step process by which orthodontic attachments are affixed temporarily to the teeth of a study model and then transferred en masse to the mouth by means of a molded matrix that preserves their predetermined orientation and permits them to be bonded simultaneously.
braces See fixed appliance.
brachycephalic Cranial form characterized by a large width. The cephalic index is greater than 81.0; the opposite of dolichocephalic.
brachyfacial (brachyprosopic) A facial pattern characterized by a broad, square face; preferred term is euryprosopic.
bruxism Habitual grinding or gnashing of the teeth, usually during sleep. May cause attrition of the teeth, muscle ischemia, and pain and damage to the supporting tissues. Frequently associated with clenching and TMJ problems.
bracket An orthodontic attachment that is secured to a tooth (either by bonding or banding) for the purpose of engaging an arch wire. Brackets can be fabricated from metal, ceramic or plastic.
buccal Toward the cheeks.
buccoversionBuccal malposition of a tooth or groups of teeth.
