Buccal Corridor
Pronunciation: BUK-ul kuh-RID-or
The dark space visible between the lateral teeth and the corners of the lips during a broad smile, used as an aesthetic assessment parameter in orthodontic records.
Full Definition
The buccal corridor refers to the bilateral negative spaces seen between the buccal surfaces of the posterior teeth and the inner commissures of the lips when a patient smiles broadly. Orthodontists assess buccal corridor width as part of smile aesthetics, and the finding is documented in clinical records, treatment-planning reports, and research papers. Editors should render the term as two unhyphenated words. It is sometimes described as 'buccal corridor ratio' when expressed quantitatively. The term is not synonymous with 'smile arc,' which describes the relationship of the upper incisal edges to the lower lip curvature.
Usage
Usage note: Write as two words, no hyphen. Distinguish clearly from 'smile arc' in aesthetic assessment documents.
In Context
- "The treatment plan notes a broad buccal corridor bilaterally, which the patient wishes to reduce through arch expansion." — Clinical treatment plan
- "The author uses 'buccal corridor' and 'negative buccal space' interchangeably; please standardize to 'buccal corridor' throughout." — Journal manuscript edit