Dental arch

The **dental arch** is the curved, horseshoe-shaped structure formed by the alignment of teeth within either the upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) jaw[1][2][4][7][8]. Each dental arch consists of teeth, the supporting gums, and the underlying alveolar bone[2][8]. The upper arch (maxillary) is fixed to the skull, while the lower arch (mandibular) is movable, connected by the temporomandibular joint[1]. Proper alignment and health of the dental arches are essential for effective biting, chewing, and speech, as well as maintaining facial balance and aesthetics[1][4][8]. The dental arch is not a molecule, receptor, or protein, but rather an anatomical structure relevant to oral and dental anatomy[4][8].

Other names

Arcade (in dental terminology)