What Are Pegged Teeth?

Pegged teeth (also known as peg teeth or microdontia) refers to teeth with a cone-shaped appearance that are significantly smaller than typical teeth. This condition typically affects one or both of your lateral incisors, which are found on either side of your two front teeth in the top and bottom rows. It’s rare to have this condition affect all of your teeth.

Types of pegged teeth include:

• Partial microdontia is when only some of the teeth are small.

• Generalized microdontia is when all of the teeth are small.

• Relative microdontia is when the teeth are normal-sized but appear small in relation to a large jaw bone.

It’s important to keep in mind that having pegged teeth is not the same as having a primary (baby) tooth that never fell out due to a missing permanent (adult) tooth. Pegged teeth are those which come in smaller than your other adult teeth or smaller than average adult teeth. For this reason, it can be hard to recognize pegged teeth in children, so it’s a great idea to check in with your dental professional if you’re concerned about your child’s teeth.

Because pegged teeth refer to their appearance and not an exact underlying condition, they have various distinct causes.

Causes of pegged teeth may include:

• Inherited genetic traits from your parents.

• Ectodermal dysplasia.

• Williams syndrome.

• Hutchinson’s teeth from congenital syphilis.

• Genetic disorders.

• Developmental and congenital issues.

It’s important to consult your dental professional for their expert insight on this condition, as it’s difficult to determine the underlying cause on your own. They can help ensure that your pegged tooth doesn’t indicate that you are at risk of other related health concerns.

Fortunately, a pegged tooth often does not present any health concerns or symptoms. Many are interested in treating a pegged tooth (or teeth) cosmetically to improve their appearance and confidence. Rest assured that no two smiles are exactly alike, and there is no such thing as a “normal smile.”

However, there are various options available to help change the appearance of pegged teeth. The right choice for you will depend on your needs, health history, symptoms, and your dental professional's expert recommendation.

Options to restore or replace pegged teeth may include:

• Crowns.

• Veneers.

• Bridges.

• Bonding and reshaping.

Keep in mind that pegged teeth often do not cause any symptoms, so your choice to seek treatment will often rely on your desired cosmetic outcome. Because there are various underlying causes of this condition, it’s important to check in with your dental professional to avoid other oral health problems and confront any issues early on. You’ve done a great job educating yourself on pegged teeth and what you can do about them.

What causes pegged teeth? 

Pegged teeth can be inherited from the parents. It can also be caused by genetic disorders, developmental issues, and conditions like Williams syndrome, ectodermal dysplasia and congenital syphilis. 

Are pegged teeth common?

Pegged teeth are very uncommon, affecting only about 2% of the population. 

Can pegged teeth affect oral health?

In most cases, pegged teeth do not affect your oral health. However, people with pegged teeth often report feeling self-conscious about their smile, so it can certainly impact your emotional health and wellbeing. 

Do pegged teeth require treatment?

Not unless you want to improve the appearance of your teeth. If pegged teeth don’t concern you esthetically, though, they don’t need to be treated. Simply maintain great oral hygiene and dietary practices, and there’s no reason you can’t continue to enjoy good oral health without treatment for pegged teeth.  

How do you treat peg-shaped teeth?

If you want to treat your pegged teeth, there are various cosmetic options available. These include crowns, veneers, bridges and bonding.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.