Treatment Options for Peg Shaped Teeth
Peg shaped teeth are adult teeth that erupt into the mouth in a smaller and more pointed shape. This condition usually affects the upper lateral incisors (the two teeth on either side of the middle teeth on the top) but can sometimes affect other teeth. Often peg-shaped teeth erupt bilaterally but can also affect just a single tooth. Peg shaped teeth are a form of microdontia and are usually congenital, meaning they run in families. There are no concerns other than aesthetics regarding a peg-shaped tooth if the enamel is healthy. If you have a peg-shaped tooth or a child with a peg-shaped tooth, read below for possible treatment options.
Composite Resin Bonding
The least expensive option, but also the option with the shortest life span, is composite resin bonding. This option uses white filling material to resurface and reshape the tooth/teeth. Bonding looks great but can stain and chip over time.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shell-like coverings that are professionally made in a lab to place over the peg-shaped tooth/teeth. They can be designed in the shape, size and colour that will best suit your mouth. Veneers have a long life span of between 10 to 20 years on average. They are at low risk of chipping.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns act in a similar way to veneers, but they offer full coverage. Crowns may be recommended for peg-shaped teeth that are too small for veneers to bond to. Dental crowns can also change the shape, size and colour of the teeth and come in around the same price as veneers.
No Treatment
Lastly, peg-shaped teeth can be left as is, if they are healthy. If you are not interested in changing the appearance and your dentist has given them a clean bill of health, the option is yours!