Unbiased oral health information

Glossary

Facial

Refers to the side of the teeth that is visible in the patient's smile. The facial side of the front (or "anterior") teeth is called the "labial" side, in reference to the fact that those surfaces touch the lips.

The facial side of the back (or "posterior") teeth is called the "buccal" side, in reference to the fact that those surfaces touch the cheeks (which are primarily composed of the "buccinator" muscles).

Healthy gingiva (gums)

A look at the facial surfaces of this patient's anterior teeth, also known as the labial surfaces.