Surfaces of Teeth and Directions in the Mouth
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Vestibular/Buccal/Labial
Vestibular is the correct term referring to the surface of the tooth facing the vestibule or lips; buccal and labial are acceptable alternatives.
Reference(s): Anonymous. Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. 4th ed. Zurich and Ithaca: World Association of Veterinary Anatomists, 1994.
Comment(s): The term “facial” specifically refers to the surfaces of the rostral teeth visible from the front. According to Dr. A.J. Bezuidenhout, a veterinary anatomist at Cornell University, “facial” is a bit of a misnomer. Traditionally “facial” has been used in human dentistry for the aspect of teeth visible from the front, i.e. incisors and canines.
Lingual/Palatal
Lingual: The surface of a mandibular or maxillary tooth facing the tongue is the lingual surface. Palatal can also be used when referring to the lingual surface of maxillary teeth.
Mesial/Distal
Mesial and distal are terms applicable to tooth surfaces. The mesial surface of the first incisor is next to the median plane; on other teeth it is directed toward the first incisor. The distal surface is opposite from the mesial surface.
Rostral/Caudal
Rostral and caudal are the positional and directional anatomical terms applicable to the head in a sagittal plane in non-human vertebrates. Rostral refers to a structure closer to, or a direction toward the most forward structure of the head. Caudal refers to a structure closer to, or a direction toward the tail.
Anterior and posterior are the synonymous terms used in human dentistry.