Location and Function - Maxillary canines are located laterally from both maxillary lateral incisors and mesial from both maxillary first premolars. - Canines separate the premolars from the incisors. - They complement both the premolars and incisors during mastication. - Canines are primarily responsible for tearing food.

Eruption and Development - Maxillary canines often erupt above the gum line. - They begin to calcify by 4 months of age. - Enamel formation is complete by 6 to 7 years of age. - Permanent maxillary canines erupt at around 11 to 12 years of age. - Root formation is complete by 13 to 15 years of age.

Anatomy and Characteristics - Canines have a single cusp. - They resemble prehensile teeth found in carnivorous animals. - Maxillary canines are the longest teeth in total length. - They are the only anterior teeth with a cusp. - Maxillary canines have one root, usually the longest of any tooth.

Notation - In the universal system of notation, deciduous maxillary canines are designated by uppercase letters (C and H). - In international notation, deciduous maxillary canines are known as 53 and 63. - Permanent maxillary canines in the universal system are referred to by numbers (6 and 11). - In Palmer notation, the left and right canines have the same number (3), with symbols ┘ and └ designating the quadrant. - In international notation, the right permanent maxillary canine is known as 13 and the left as 23.

References - Ash, Major M. and Stanley J. Nelson, 2003. Wheeler's Dental Anatomy, Physiology, and Occlusion. 8th edition.