A "buckle" in dentistry is not a standard, universally recognized term. It's highly likely that the question refers to the buccal surface of a tooth. The buccal surface is the outer surface of a posterior tooth (premolars and molars) that faces the cheek.
Here's a breakdown to clarify:
Buccal vs. Labial
It's important to distinguish "buccal" from "labial":
- Buccal: This term specifically refers to the cheek-side surface of posterior teeth (premolars and molars).
- Labial: This term refers to the lip-side surface of anterior teeth (incisors and canines).
So, while both are outer surfaces, "buccal" applies to the back teeth and "labial" to the front teeth.
Tooth Surfaces Overview
Each tooth has five surfaces:
- Buccal/Labial: The outer surface facing the cheek (buccal for posterior teeth) or lip (labial for anterior teeth).
- Lingual: The surface facing the tongue.
- Occlusal/Incisal: The biting surface (occlusal for posterior, incisal for anterior).
- Mesial: The surface facing towards the midline of the dental arch.
- Distal: The surface facing away from the midline of the dental arch.
Therefore, if someone uses the term "buckle" in dentistry, it's highly probable they're referring to the buccal surface of a posterior tooth, the surface adjacent to the cheek. It's always best to clarify the intended meaning to ensure accurate communication.
