What does “Labial” mean?
Labial describes the side of a tooth facing the lips. It is used particularly for the outer side of the front teeth; the tooth surface on that side is the labial surface.
The lip-facing surface of a front tooth
Labial describes the front-tooth surface visible from the front when you smile. The accompanying noun tells you whether the discussion concerns a tooth surface or the lip itself.
Distinguishing the lip-facing, tongue-facing, and adjacent-tooth surfaces
The labial side of a front tooth faces the lips, while the lingual side faces the tongue. The surface facing the adjacent tooth is another location. Identifying the surface makes a description of front-tooth pain more precise.
Location in cosmetic restoration discussions
Veneers mainly cover the front surface of teeth. When discussing veneers, including ZERONATE, distinguish the word labial, which identifies a location, from the planned coverage and tooth preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does attaching a restoration to the labial surface cover the whole tooth?
Labial only identifies the lip-facing side. The coverage depends on the type and design of the restoration, such as a veneer or crown, and needs to be discussed separately.
What are the lip-facing and tongue-facing sides of a front tooth called?
They are the labial and lingual sides, respectively. When referring to the surfaces themselves, the terms are labial surface and lingual surface.
Understanding labial
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Have the location and the extent of restoration been distinguished?
Explanation and evidenceThe word labial alone does not tell you whether a tooth will be prepared or covered all the way around.
American Dental Association · Glossary of Dental Terms - Preservation of natural teeth
Which areas would actually be prepared for a front-surface restoration?
Explanation and evidenceFor veneers, discuss the area to be covered separately from the area requiring tooth preparation.
American Dental Association · Veneers
