Labial

Labial is a directional term used to describe the surface of an anterior tooth (incisor or canine) that faces the lips. It is the front-tooth equivalent of "buccal," which is reserved for back teeth that face the cheeks. The opposing surface — the one facing the tongue — is called lingual or palatal depending on the arch. Understanding labial direction matters when documenting fillings, planning veneers, and bonding orthodontic brackets, since the labial surfaces of the front teeth are also the most visible part of a smile and the area where aesthetics is most critical.