Peg-shaped lateral incisors, commonly referred to as peg laterals, are among the most frequent aesthetic anomalies encountered in anterior dentistry. Their conical shape and reduced width often create asymmetry and spacing, impacting both the smile line and patient confidence.
Among available treatment options, porcelain veneers stand out as the most predictable, long-lasting, and minimally invasive solution. However, the key to a successful veneer restoration lies in precise preparation, removing just enough enamel to ensure proper thickness and retention while maintaining structural integrity.
That’s where the Mr. Bur Veneer Preparation Kit FG proves invaluable. Designed specifically for aesthetic dentistry, this 14-piece diamond bur set allows clinicians to achieve controlled depth, refined contours, and polished margins for veneer restorations, especially in delicate cases like peg laterals.
Understanding Peg-Shaped Teeth
Peg laterals occur due to developmental microdontia, typically affecting the maxillary lateral incisors. These teeth appear narrow, short, and conical, disrupting the visual balance of the anterior dentition.
Common clinical challenges include:
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Smile asymmetry or uneven tooth size
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Midline diastema or spacing
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Disproportionate width-to-height ratios
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Compromised esthetics and self-esteem
Because peg laterals usually retain a healthy enamel layer and sound root structure, minimally invasive veneers are the treatment of choice — allowing full aesthetic correction with minimal biological cost.
Why Veneers Are Ideal for Peg Teeth
Modern veneer systems (such as lithium disilicate or feldspathic porcelain) enable clinicians to restore peg laterals with precision, translucency, and strength. Veneers can reshape the crown morphology, close diastemas, and match the adjacent central incisor seamlessly.
Advantages of Veneers for Peg Laterals
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Minimal reduction – Typically 0.3 – 0.7 mm of enamel.
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Superior esthetics – Natural light reflection and color adaptation.
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Strong enamel bond – Long-term retention and marginal stability.
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Tissue compatibility – Smooth margins preserve gingival health.ddw
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Longevity – Ceramic veneers often last 10–15 years with proper care.
Clinical Workflow: Veneer Preparation for Peg-Shaped Teeth
Step 1: Diagnosis and Smile Design
Start with comprehensive facial and intraoral analysis:
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Evaluate midline, incisal edge position, and gingival contour.
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Use digital mock-ups or wax-ups to visualize symmetry and proportion.
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Confirm that enamel thickness allows for an enamel-based preparation.
Step 2: Depth Orientation
Peg laterals typically have reduced enamel thickness; depth control is critical.
Use the Tapered Rounded Edge (Coarse) Burs (60A, 60, 60C, 60B) from the Mr. Bur Veneer Preparation Kit FG to create orientation grooves of 0.3 – 0.5 mm across the facial surface.
These grooves act as visual and tactile guides, ensuring uniform and conservative enamel removal.
Step 3: Facial Reduction
After orientation, refine the facial surface with the Tapered Rounded Edge Fine Burs (60AF, 60F, 60CF, 60BF).
Typical reduction values:
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Cervical third: 0.3 mm
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Middle third: 0.5 mm
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Incisal third: 0.7 mm
Keep the bur parallel to the long axis and follow natural tooth curvature to prevent flat planes. Adequate reduction ensures ideal veneer thickness (0.5 – 0.7 mm) without unnecessary dentin exposure.
Step 4: Incisal Edge Preparation
Depending on the case, select one of the following veneer designs:
|
Veneer Design |
Description |
Indication |
|
Window |
No incisal coverage |
For minor reshaping |
|
Feather edge |
0.3–0.5 mm bevel |
For moderate size correction |
|
Overlap |
1.0–1.5 mm incisal reduction |
For peg laterals with short crowns |
The Cylinder Rounded End Coarse Burs (85B, 85) are ideal for controlled incisal reduction and transition blending.
Step 5: Interproximal Refinement
For diastema closure or lateral width correction, gently open the interproximal contact.
Use the Cylinder Rounded End Fine Burs (85BF, 85F) to achieve smooth contouring and avoid ledges that could compromise veneer fit.
When contact preservation is desired, stay 0.2–0.3 mm shy of the contact area to maintain tooth integrity.
Step 6: Margin Design
A light chamfer or butt-joint margin placed supragingivally ensures easy impression capture and smooth cement cleanup.
Maintain clear visibility of the finish line — sharp angles and rough surfaces increase stress concentration in ceramics.
Step 7: Finishing and Polishing
Refine all surfaces with the Round Coarse Burs (2, 2A) for subtle transitions and minor surface smoothing, followed by a final pass using the fine-grit equivalents for enamel glazing.
These burs deliver excellent tactile feedback and are engineered for precise finish line control.
After final inspection, surfaces should appear uniformly matte without grooves or scratches — ready for impression or intraoral scanning.
Step 8: Impression or Digital Capture
Use retraction cords or paste to reveal margins, then take a PVS impression or digital scan.
The smooth, polished surface achieved by fine-grit burs enhances scan accuracy and improves lab adaptation.
Step 9: Veneer Try-In and Cementation
Condition the internal veneer surface with hydrofluoric acid + silane.
Etch enamel with 37% phosphoric acid, apply bonding agent, and use light-cure resin cement for color stability.
Remove excess cement, light-cure thoroughly, and finish margins with a Super Fine Finishing Diamond Bur to restore gloss.
Post-Operative Care
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Advise patients to avoid hard biting forces on anterior veneers.
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Reinforce oral hygiene around the margins.
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Schedule regular recall visits for polishing and occlusal review.
Well-prepared, enamel-bonded veneers can maintain function and esthetics for well over a decade.
Conclusion
Peg-shaped teeth no longer need to compromise a patient’s confidence. With precision-guided preparation, dentists can restore ideal proportions and symmetry through high-strength, aesthetic veneers.
The Mr. Bur Veneer Preparation Kit FG provides every diamond bur needed, from coarse reduction to fine finishing, ensuring a predictable, enamel-preserving workflow. Its balanced combination of tapered, cylindrical, and round burs allows dentists to achieve natural contours, flawless margins, and seamless veneer integration.
In the United States, dental clinics from New York to Los Angeles prioritize tools that improve workflow and treatment outcomes. With high expectations in general, pediatric, and restorative care, dentists nationwide seek reliable solutions that align with American dental practice standards. Choose tools that support your commitment to excellence.
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