In humans and many other species, the superior (maxillary or upper) dental arch is a little larger than the inferior (mandibular or lower) arch, so that in the normal condition the teeth in the maxilla (upper jaw) slightly overlap those of the mandible (lower jaw) both in front and at the sides.

Teeth may tilt at an awkward angle, putting pressure on gums when food is being chewed.

Dentists replace missing, damaged, and severely decayed teeth by fixed or removable prostheses to restore or improve mastication function.

There have been various references in the literature to the concept of the short dental arch (SDA) as a defined treatment option for the partially dentate patient.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1114 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)