Canine Anatomy — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyDental Anatomy & OcclusionCanine AnatomyNDEB AFK

Which tooth is referred to as the 'cornerstone of the dental arch' due to its position at the transition between the anterior and posterior segments?

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Correct answer: B — Maxillary canine

The maxillary canine is called the cornerstone of the dental arch because it is situated at the angle (corner) of the arch where the anterior curvature transitions to the posterior straight segment. It has the longest root of any tooth, providing strong anchorage, and plays a crucial role in canine-guided occlusion and aesthetics. Its prominence creates the canine eminence on the alveolar bone.

Reference: Ash – Wheeler's Dental Anatomy, Physiology, and Occlusion, 11th ed., 2020