Which teeth can veneers cover — up to the canines?
Veneers most often cover the central and lateral incisors and canines, and sometimes the premolars in a wide smile.
In dental numbering, the front teeth run from the central incisor in position 1 to the canine in position 3. Laminate veneers are designed for these visible front surfaces, and in people whose smile shows more of the arch, the first premolars may join the plan.
Front teeth first, chewing teeth rarely
Molars take heavy chewing force and are usually restored with crowns or onlays rather than thin porcelain shells. Canines also carry strong guiding forces when the jaw slides sideways, so a dentist checks the bite path before including them.
How far back a smile shows differs by individual — some people reveal only six teeth, others ten or more. A consultation with photographs and a bite check will show where your visible zone actually ends.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.