How Can We Fix Teeth That Are Unusually Small? Magok Station Dental Clinic Treatment Process for Peg Lateral Incisors with Laminate Veneers

Hello,

I am Yeo Sang-ho, the director of Magok Station Dental Clinic,

a smile designer who can turn your wishes into a beautiful smile.

Today, I would like to introduce

a treatment for peg laterals.

First, let me briefly explain

what this is.

1. What is a peg lateral incisor?

It is smaller and more pointed than a normal tooth,

and is also called a “peg lateralis.”

It commonly appears in the maxillary lateral incisor,

the second tooth among the front teeth of the upper jaw,

and in rare cases it can also appear in the maxillary third molar

or the mandibular lateral incisor, although these are less frequent.

2. Differences in treatment by location

At Magok Station Dental Clinic,

for peg laterals in the maxillary lateral incisor area,

the main goal is aesthetic improvement,

so resin veneers or laminate veneers

are commonly used, as explained to patients.

Resin restoration

can be performed on the same day and is less expensive, but because of the possibility of discoloration and wear, it usually lasts about 4 to 5 years.

Laminate veneers

have excellent aesthetics and durability, and in many cases can be performed without tooth reduction.

Because they can reproduce the color tone and translucency

similar to that of artificial teeth,

they can produce a natural-looking result.

A peg lateral in the maxillary third molar area

has little functional importance,

so extraction is often performed.

If it is impacted or accompanied by inflammation,

surgical extraction is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Magok Station Dental Clinic

3. Understanding the treatment process

In cases of peg lateralis in the 12 and 22 positions,

this may be applied.

From the first visit to completion,

treatment is completed in a total of two visits.

At Magok Station Dental Clinic,

we explain that peg laterals in the front teeth are often not just small in size,

but are frequently accompanied by shape-related issues as well.

Therefore, this problem is highly satisfying to treat with laminate veneers,

because both size and shape can be improved at the same time.

It is preferable to proceed after growth is complete,

after the age of 18,

and good results can be achieved only when

the teeth and gums are healthy,

as explained to patients.

4. Treatment process

At Magok Station Dental Clinic,

let me briefly introduce the treatment process.

During the first visit, the size and shape of the teeth,

as well as the condition of the gums and bite, are evaluated.

This is the stage where a customized plan is established,

reflecting the individual’s expectations and smile design.

During the tooth preparation process,

surface reduction is minimized due to the characteristics of this condition.

Because the original size is small,

in most cases the teeth are not ground down at all,

or only a very small amount is trimmed.

Only when there are protruding areas or when space balance is needed

is minor adjustment performed.

Through impressions,

the exact shape of the teeth and gums is captured,

and custom laminate veneers are fabricated.

At this point, it is important to reflect in detail

the space and shape around the natural teeth.

5. Prosthetic placement and finishing stage

At Magok Station Dental Clinic,

on the second visit, the custom-made ceramic laminate veneers

are bonded with a special adhesive, as explained to patients.

The shape and color are precisely adjusted

so that the boundary between the natural tooth and the laminate

blends in naturally.

Care is taken to ensure harmony with adjacent teeth.

After bonding, fine adjustments, gum margin finishing,

and bite checks are performed.

In many cases of peg laterals,

a temporary tooth is not necessary,

so discomfort can be minimized.

The procedure itself is relatively simple,

and the recovery period is short.

6. Post-treatment care and precautions

It is important to maintain hygiene at the bonded area

through proper brushing and regular checkups,

as explained to patients.

It is better to avoid biting hard foods or ice,

and flossing can be continued as usual.

Ongoing care is needed after treatment.

Through regular checkups,

the condition of the laminate veneers is monitored,

and adjustments or repairs are made if needed.

The choice of treatment for peg laterals

depends on the location of the natural tooth,

as well as cosmetic importance and functional needs.

A suitable method is selected

after comprehensively considering the individual’s age,

needs, and the condition of the adjacent teeth.

I was Yeo Sang-ho, director of Magok Station Dental Clinic,

a smile designer who can turn your wishes into a beautiful smile.

Thank you for reading this long post.

Treatment period: 25.06.25 ~ 25.07.02