Case Study
Resin Veneer for a Peg Lateral Incisor
A subtle smile transformation
Restoring balance and harmony to a teen’s smile
We can thank our families for so much—and that includes some dental characteristics like tooth shape or size. One common family trait is what we call a peg lateral incisor: a lateral front tooth that’s noticeably smaller and more tapered than the others. It doesn’t affect how your mouth works, but it can make a smile look a little uneven.
That’s exactly what brought Miss B, a lovely teenage patient, to West Perth Cosmetic Dental. Her teeth were strong and healthy, but one of her front teeth—her upper right lateral incisor—was much smaller than its neighbour, creating an imbalance in her smile.
With a thoughtful, conservative approach, Dr Su Lin and the West Perth Cosmetic Dental team worked closely with Miss B and her family to plan a solution that was minimally invasive and designed to restore both tooth proportion and function. Her treatment involved two key steps: orthodontic alignment with her orthodontist and placement of a resin veneer at our practice.
What is a peg lateral incisor?
A peg lateral is when one of the small teeth next to your two front teeth is smaller or more pointed than usual. It’s naturally occurring and not harmful, but it can throw off the symmetry of an otherwise balanced smile.
Planning Miss B’s treatment
Miss B’s oral health was excellent—no cavities, no gum issues—which made her an ideal candidate for a cosmetic solution. But we didn’t want to rush into anything. Our focus is always on doing what’s right for the patient’s age, oral health, and goals.
Rather than aiming for a dramatic makeover, the plan was to gently enhance her smile, so it still looked natural and age-appropriate—just with a bit more balance.
Step 1: Orthodontic alignment
Before any cosmetic work, we needed to make sure Miss B’s teeth were in the right position. Working closely with her orthodontist, braces were used to guide her teeth into better alignment and—most importantly—to create the space needed around the peg lateral.
This careful coordination ensured that when it was time for the veneer, it would fit in harmoniously with her natural teeth.
Step 2: Resin veneer placement
Once her orthodontic treatment was complete, it was time for the finishing touch: a resin veneer.
A resin veneer is a minimally invasive way to reshape a tooth. Using a tooth-coloured resin, we gently sculpted and polished the material directly onto her small lateral incisor—no drilling or major changes to her natural tooth needed.
Unlike porcelain veneers or crowns, resin veneers are ideal for young patients because they preserve natural tooth structure and can be adjusted or replaced later as the face continues to develop.
We carefully matched the shape, shade, and texture to her surrounding teeth, ensuring the result looked seamless.
Before
After
The result: Even, symmetrical smile
Miss B didn’t walk out of our clinic with a dramatically different smile—and that was exactly the plan. She wanted a subtle improvement, and that’s what we delivered. Her new resin veneer subtly blended into her existing teeth, creating a smile that looked even, symmetrical, and completely natural.
More importantly, she left feeling more confident, knowing that the tooth that once stood out now looked right at home among the rest.
A conservative approach to cosmetic dentistry
If you or your child has a dental concern such as a peg lateral incisor, know that conservative options exist. These treatments can make a meaningful difference—both visually and emotionally. In some cases, resin veneers—used alone or alongside orthodontics—can be an option to change the shape or size of a tooth while maintaining as much natural structure as possible.
We’re here to help you explore the options that suit your smile best—at every stage of life.
* This case study is for educational purposes only. Results may vary for each patient, and a consultation with a qualified dentist is required to determine the most suitable treatment for your needs.