Alveolar Arch of Maxilla: Anatomy, Location and Imaging

Topic

Alveolar arch of maxilla

The alveolar arch of the maxilla is the curved, horseshoe-shaped bony structure forming the inferior portion of the maxilla. It contains the alveoli (tooth sockets) for the maxillary teeth and plays a central role in dental anatomy, occlusion, facial contour, and maxillofacial imaging.

The alveolar arch is dynamic, undergoing structural changes with tooth eruption, loss, and age, and is a key region assessed in dentistry, orthodontics, implant planning, trauma evaluation, and head and neck imaging.

Synonyms

Maxillary alveolar arch
Alveolar process of maxilla
Maxillary dental arch

Location

Forms the inferior margin of the maxilla
Extends bilaterally from the maxillary tuberosity on each side
Curves anteriorly to form the upper dental arch
Located inferior to the maxillary sinus
Superior to the oral cavity
Anterior to the hard palate

Anatomical components

Alveolar process:
- Vertical bony ridge of the maxilla
Dental alveoli:
- Sockets for incisors, canines, premolars, and molars
Interalveolar septa:
- Bone between adjacent tooth sockets
Interradicular septa:
- Bone between roots of multirooted teeth
Alveolar crest:
- Superior margin of the alveolar bone between teeth

Relations

Superiorly:

Maxillary sinus floor
Body of the maxilla

Inferiorly:

Oral cavity
Gingiva and maxillary teeth

Anteriorly:

Anterior nasal spine (near midline)
Upper lip soft tissues

Posteriorly:

Maxillary tuberosity
Pterygopalatine region (posterior relation)

Medially:

Hard palate
Nasal cavity (via palatal process)

Laterally:

Buccal cortex of the maxilla
Buccal soft tissues

Developmental anatomy

Develops in association with tooth eruption
Alveolar height increases during mixed and permanent dentition
Tooth loss leads to alveolar resorption, most pronounced in the vertical dimension
Degree of pneumatization of maxillary sinus influences alveolar bone thickness