Short Description

Refers to the surface of front teeth that faces the lips, typically used when describing incisors and canines.

Long Description

Labial is a directional term in dentistry that refers to the surface of anterior teeth (incisors and canines) that faces the lips. It’s derived from “labia,” the Latin word for lips.

This term is used when identifying the specific side of a tooth during exams, treatments, or charting. For example, a dentist might refer to a filling on the labial surface of a central incisor.

Labial surfaces are highly visible and often the focus of cosmetic procedures, including veneers, whitening, or bonding to improve aesthetics.