Reshape My Peg Laterals with Porcelain Veneers or Bonding?

I have peg laterals on the right and left. My dentist wants to place porcelain veneers on them instead of dental bonding. She said I might need veneers on the teeth on either side of the peg laterals, too. I did not think about porcelain veneers because I know dental bonding is cheaper. My dentist says she could use dental bonding, but it won’t look as good as veneers and won’t last as long. I felt like she was discouraging me from bonding, although that’s what I can afford. Maybe I will consider porcelain veneers later, but is dental bonding a waste of money for peg laterals? Thank you. Akari from Sacramento

Akari,

Thank you for contacting the Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics about your peg lateral incisors. We will provide an overview of peg laterals and then answer your question about treatment options.

What Are Peg Lateral Incisors?

Peg laterals are underdeveloped lateral incisor teeth. Lateral incisors are behind your front center teeth (central incisors). Peg lateral teeth are often pointy or cone shaped. According to a 2022 article on the aesthetic treatment of peg laterals, two to five percent of people have peg-shaped incisors. The location of the teeth near the front of your mouth impacts your smile, so getting natural-looking results is essential.

What Is the Treatment for Peg Lateral Incisors?

Treatment options for peg lateral incisors are usually dental bonding or porcelain veneers. Sometimes, a dentist will recommend a combination of treatments, which may include orthodontics. Each case is unique, so a skilled cosmetic dentist will examine and x-ray your teeth before recommending treatment and explain what to expect.

Porcelain Veneers for Peg Lateral Incisors

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells of porcelain that fit over the fronts of your teeth to reshape them. A skilled cosmetic dentist will work with a master ceramist to ensure the veneers match the shade and characteristics of the surrounding teeth.

• Process. A cosmetic dentist may recommend removing a tiny amount of tooth enamel from your teeth to ensure the veneers fit well. The dentist will bond the veneers to the fronts of your teeth.
• Longevity. High-quality porcelain veneers can last over ten years.

Dental Bonding for Peg Lateral Incisors

Advanced cosmetic dentists stock an inventory of bonding materials and tools to perfectly match the shade of your natural teeth. However, dental bonding does not last as long as porcelain veneers. Still, an artistic cosmetic dentist can give you beautiful results. It takes a dental artist to layer composite on your teeth and achieve perfect shape, symmetry, and shade.

• Process. A cosmetic dentist will etch your tooth enamel in preparation for dental bonding. Afterward, the dentist will layer, shape, harden, and polish the bonding.
• Longevity. High-quality dental bonding can last over five years. A cosmetic dentist can help you maintain it well.

Get a Second Opinion

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

 

Dr. Brian LeSage, a Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, sponsors this post. Find out what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Beverly Hills. Read our related post about short lateral incisors.