Peg tooth is a condition where the lateral incisors (the teeth at the top/font/side of your mouth) are malformed. But don’t worry, it’s easily treatable if you find that it’s bothering you.

“Peg tooth” is a malformation of the lateral incisor causing it to be smaller than normal, hence it’s other common name – “peg lateral”.

Peg tooth doesn’t really have much of an impact on anything other than perhaps your self-confidence. For this reason treatment to correct peg tooth is generally considered cosmetic in nature.

Peg tooth doesn’t really have much of an impact on anything other than perhaps your self-confidence. For this reason treatment to correct peg tooth is generally considered cosmetic in nature.

So while correcting peg tooth isn’t generally considered a medical necessity, if you find that you’re especially self conscious about smiling or laughing in front of other people then it might be worth considering having it corrected.

There are generally 2 treatment options to correct the appearance of a peg lateral.

1. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can be used to correct the appearance of peg tooth by quite simply covering it up!

A veneer is created to match the size, shape, and colour of your existing teeth and then bonded to your existing tooth.

2. Cosmetic bonding

If veneers are not a suitable option then the existing tooth can be built up with the use of a dental composite (a kind of cement for teeth) and then moulded into shape to match your existing teeth.

Both are good options to treat peg tooth but your orthodontist will be best suited to determine which one will give you the best results for your particular situation.

What causes peg tooth?

It’s generally understood that peg tooth is either caused by an individuals genetics which means that if you or your partner has peg tooth, then there’s a good chance that your kids will have peg tooth too.

Can you have braces with peg tooth?

Having peg tooth is no obstacle when it comes to having braces to straighten your teeth. However since the braces will correct the alignment and spacing of your teeth, your orthodontist will most likely seek to correct your peg tooth as part of the overall treatment.

This way your braces will create the ideal alignment for all of your fully formed teeth, rather than having to make special compensations for a tooth which is physically smaller than it ought to be.