All of the following features of a maxillary canine can be identified from the OCCLUSAL view EXCEPT:

Correct answer: B. The cervical line

• A. The LINGUAL FOSSA lies between the cingulum and the marginal ridges and is readily seen from the occlusal aspect, divided in the canine by the lingual ridge.
• B. CORRECT — this is the exception. The CERVICAL LINE (cementoenamel junction) encircles the tooth at the crown–root junction and is best appreciated from the FACIAL, LINGUAL or PROXIMAL views, where its curvature can be seen. Looking straight down the long axis from the occlusal aspect, the crown's own bulk obscures the cervical region, so the CEJ cannot be assessed.
• C. The CINGULUM is the prominent bulge on the cervical third of the lingual surface. From the occlusal view it is clearly visible as a rounded lingual prominence — in the maxillary canine it is notably large and well developed.
• D. The CUSP TIP and the prominent LABIAL RIDGE running cervico-incisally down the middle of the facial surface are both plainly visible from directly above.

Note: From the occlusal view the maxillary canine outline is roughly a rounded triangle or diamond, and its most distinctive feature is that the crown is markedly THICKER labiolingually than any incisor — reflecting its role in bearing the heavy loads of canine guidance.