If you have peg teeth, you’ve likely been considering options for some time to enhance your unique smile and boost your confidence. Usually the decision comes down to crowns vs. veneers.
Consulting with the Lubbock-based team at Hancock and Johnston Dentistry can help you determine which path would be most beneficial to you. Let’s break down the options, along with the pros and cons of each.
What Are Peg Teeth?
Peg teeth, often referred to as peg lateral incisors or microdontia, are a dental anomaly where the permanent lateral incisors—the teeth on either side of your central front teeth—are smaller and pointed, or shaped like cones.
This condition is usually genetic, with a family history of peg teeth being a leading indicator that you would be at risk. It’s fairly common with 50% of the population exhibiting some variation in size. Women are 1.35 times more likely than men to develop with peg teeth.
Peg teeth usually do not interfere with your mouth’s function or health, but they do impact the appearance of your smile, which is why many choose to reshape the teeth cosmetically via veneers or crowns.
Peg Tooth Crown
Dental crowns are caps that fit over your entire tooth, made with materials such as porcelain or ceramic, to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They allow for a natural, life like appearance.
On the plus side, crowns are very strong, with a thickness of 2 mm, and last longer. They also cover the entire peg tooth, which better protects the natural tooth from decay. They look and feel like natural teeth.
On the minus side, crowns involve reshaping the peg tooth, which is irreversible. Crowned teeth may also become sensitive to hot or cold.
Peg Teeth Veneers
Veneers are sleek, thin shells (1-mm thick) made of porcelain that would cover just the front surface of your peg teeth. They’re custom-made to fit your smile and are primarily focused on aesthetic improvements.
On the plus side, veneers are minimally invasive and require less alteration of your natural peg tooth. They can look very natural and improve the size and shape of your peg teeth.
On the minus side, veneers aren’t as durable as crowns. They also only cover the front of the tooth, leaving the back of the peg tooth susceptible to decay.
Make a Peg Tooth Consultation Today
So which option is the right one for you?
The professionals at Hancock and Johnston Dentistry will help to customize to your exact needs.
However, no two smiles are alike, so we prefer to meet with you beforehand to discuss your individual situation. We will consider your aesthetic goals, durability needs and budget to determine the smartest course of action for your peg teeth.
We have been southwest Lubbock’s leader in modern dentistry since 1975. Contact us today — with our expertise, your dream smile is within reach!
