Final answer:
The bony ridge of alveolar bone evident facial to canines is the alveolar process of the maxilla, which holds the upper teeth, including canines, in place.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bony ridge of alveolar bone evident facial to canines is part of the alveolar process of the maxilla, which is the portion of the maxillary bones that forms the upper jaw and contains the sockets or alveoli for the upper teeth. When referring specifically to the area around the canines, this bony prominence contributes to the facial contour and holds the upper canines in place. The alveolar process is a critical structure for tooth stability and is involved in several dental and orthodontic procedures.
The alveolar process should not be confused with other structures of the mandible such as the mylohyoid line, which is the line along the inner aspect of the mandibular body where the mylohyoid muscle attaches, or the coronoid process of the mandible, which is an anterior projection from the mandibular ramus that provides attachment for one of the biting muscles.