The back ten teeth are called the ___.

The back ten teeth are called the ___.

• A. Posterior teeth
• B. Anterior teeth
• C. Posteriors
• D. Back teeth

Answer: (C)

In dentistry, location terms distinguish front from back teeth, and the group of teeth toward the back is referred to as the posteriors. Using posteriors as a plural noun names that set of teeth as a unit—the back teeth—without pointing to each tooth individually. It’s the natural way to refer to the group in anatomical language. While you might also hear “posterior teeth,” that’s a descriptive phrase; the blank is looking for the noun form that labels the group, which is posteriors.

In dentistry, location terms distinguish front from back teeth, and the group of teeth toward the back is referred to as the posteriors. Using posteriors as a plural noun names that set of teeth as a unit—the back teeth—without pointing to each tooth individually. It’s the natural way to refer to the group in anatomical language. While you might also hear “posterior teeth,” that’s a descriptive phrase; the blank is looking for the noun form that labels the group, which is posteriors.