Porcelain Veneers to Correct Peg Laterals

Denver and Lakewood, Colorado

A significant percentage of children and adolescents have a condition known as a peg lateral tooth. This occurs when the tooth next to the top front tooth is abnormally smaller and narrower than it should be.

Often, patients with peg lateral teeth will also experience issues with the spacing of their teeth, requiring orthodontic treatment to correct the issue. During the orthodontic treatment, space can be left so that a dental restoration can return the peg lateral tooth to its proper size and shape.

Am I a Candidate for Correction of a Peg Lateral?

The ideal candidate for the correction of a peg lateral is a teenager who has malformed teeth that they would like to get fixed. For best results, the procedure should be performed in conjunction with orthodontics. The procedure will be much more difficult if it is not planned for at the time your orthodontic issues are addressed.

Denver cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh will work closely with your orthodontist to achieve the best results. He will evaluate your peg lateral before your braces come off and advise the orthodontist as to the proper accommodations necessary to ensure adequate spacing is left for the creation of an ideally shaped and sized lateral tooth.

Options to Repair a Peg Lateral

You have two options when choosing to repair a peg lateral:

Dental bonding can achieve nice aesthetic results on a peg lateral tooth with minor deformities; however, in most cases, peg lateral teeth are significantly smaller than normal. In these situations, bonding will not provide you with high quality results. To properly fix your peg lateral, you will need to use porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers will allow Dr. Greenhalgh to match the color and surface smoothness to your neighboring teeth, and he will be able to create the ideal shape to fit the space left for your restoration. In general, porcelain veneers provide a better result in about 80% of peg lateral cases.

For best results, it is crucial that your smile design be created before your braces come off. This will be the only way to ensure that the proper space is left for your veneer.

If you would like to correct a peg lateral tooth, please contact our Denver cosmetic dentist today to schedule your complimentary porcelain veneers consultation. Dr. Greenhalgh serves patients in the Denver and Lakewood, Colorado areas.

3190 South Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 | Lakewood, CO 80227

Phone. 800-757-6680 | Fax. 303-479-7599 | Contact Us

Office Hours:
Monday: closed Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.