The maxillary canine presents with only one cusp on its incisal surface. The top of the cusp is known as its apex - cusp apex - and it is centered to the long axis of the tooth.

The maxillary canine does not contain an incisal ridge, but it presents with a cusp ridge that has two parts - the mesial cusp ridge (shorter) and the distal cusp ridge (longer). The length difference of the cusp ridges is because there is a difference in the height of contour on the mesial and distal surfaces. The mesial height of contour is closer to the cusp.

The height of contour of the maxillary canine is as follows:

• Mesial -  incisal third;

• Distal - middle third;

• Facial (labial) -  cervical third;

• Palatal - cervical third.

The mesial surface of a maxillary canine is relatively flat compared to the distal surface, which is more rounded. The mesial surface tapers from the height of contour to the neck part of the tooth.

The incisal surface of the maxillary canine contains rounded mesioincisal and distoincisal angles.