Which term describes the external shape of the dental arch?

Which term describes the external shape of the dental arch?

• A. Archform
• B. Impressions
• C. Panoramic X-Ray
• D. Extraoral Photograph

Answer: (A)

The external shape of the dental arch is described by archform. This term refers to the overall contour of the upper or lower jaw—the curved outline formed by the arrangement of teeth on the arch, which can vary in shape (for example, more U-shaped or more tapered). Impressions are the physical molds used to capture the teeth’s details, not the name of the arch’s outline. A panoramic X-ray shows a broad image of the jaws and teeth, not the external arch shape. An extraoral photograph records facial features outside the mouth, again not the arch’s contour. So archform is the correct term for describing the external shape of the dental arch.

The external shape of the dental arch is described by archform. This term refers to the overall contour of the upper or lower jaw—the curved outline formed by the arrangement of teeth on the arch, which can vary in shape (for example, more U-shaped or more tapered). Impressions are the physical molds used to capture the teeth’s details, not the name of the arch’s outline. A panoramic X-ray shows a broad image of the jaws and teeth, not the external arch shape. An extraoral photograph records facial features outside the mouth, again not the arch’s contour. So archform is the correct term for describing the external shape of the dental arch.