Peg lateral incisors (Bolton Discrepancy): at times, for several reasons, the maxillary lateral incisors do not form properly. Maxillary lateral incisors are the smaller teeth on either side of the top two front teeth. This malformation of the tooth is genetically determined. The malformation can take on several different appearances, and both teeth or only one of the teeth may be affected. The teeth can be shorter in height or lesser in width or a combination of the two. This type of deviation from the normal shape of the tooth is called a peg lateral incisor. The solution to this cosmetic problem can be simple or complicated, depending on what shape the tooth has when it is diagnosed and treatment is begun. If the peg tooth (or teeth) is just slightly more narrow than normal and there is a space available on either side or both sides of it, the tooth can be bonded with a directly placed composite restorations.

Please visit our

page to see more clinical cases treated by Dr. Nguyen

#10 has tooth size discrepancy. Orthodontic treatment to consolidate spaces followed by composite veneers by Dr. Lia Vo. Photo courtesy of Dr. Lia Vo at the Vo Dentistry.

#7 has tooth size discrepancy. Orthodontic treatment to consolidate spaces followed by composite veneers by Dr. Lia Vo. Photo courtesy of Dr. Lia Vo at the Vo Dentistry.

Bolton Anterior Tooth Size Discrepancy

#10 has tooth size discrepancy. Orthodontic treatment to set up ideal space for #10 followed by composite restoration by Dr. Tiffany Dang. Photo courtesy of Dr. Dang at the Singleton Dental Group.