Biopsy is the excision (removal) of tissue for histological examination. The identification of the cells present allows a diagnosis to be made.

Bite guard see splints

Bleaching is the whitening of teeth using special compounds containing hydrogen peroxide etc. Currently in the UK there are legislation problems with some of the materials available in the USA and Europe. This means that  although bleaching is possible in the UK, the effect may not be as drastic.

Bonding agents adhere a tooth coloured filling material (eg composite) to the surface of the remaining tooth.

Braces Devices issued by dentists or orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth. There are various types of braces including removable and fixed (train track) braces.

Bridge A fixed unit which replaces one or more missing teeth. There are various types of bridge but all involve the use of adjacent teeth (abutments) to hold the false tooth (pontic) in place. Alternatives include partial dentures or implants.

Broach A barbed instrument used to remove pulp tissue.

Brushing see tooth brushing

Bruxism is an involuntary grinding of the teeth often during sleep. It can lead to headaches, loss of tooth surface (attrition), and problems with the Temperomandibular joint (TMJ). Often alleviated by use of a nightguard (splint).

Bur The small cutting instrument which is placed onto the drill (handpiece). The bur rotates allowing decayed or unwanted tooth structure to be removed. There  are many different shapes and sizes.

Buried teeth see Impacted teeth