American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Orthodontics Certification!

The appropriate height relationship of the upper incisor teeth (U1's) when considering gingival height for peg laterals is that they should be set to the same height as the adjacent U1's. This is important for several reasons.

Firstly, maintaining the same height for the upper centrals ensures a harmonious and balanced appearance in the anterior dental aesthetics. Peg laterals, which are often smaller and underdeveloped versions of the lateral incisors, can disrupt the overall alignment and aesthetic of the smile if they are positioned incorrectly in relation to the centrals.

Secondly, achieving this height allows for a more natural appearance of the dental arch and enhances the symmetry of the smile. Proper alignment can improve both function and aesthetics, as the incisal plane should remain level, which is particularly important when considering future restorative work or the overall occlusion.

While other options might suggest varying heights in relation to the centrals or to other teeth, these variations can lead to aesthetic discrepancies, and thus maintaining the same height as the U1's is the most desirable outcome. This careful consideration is essential for creating a visually pleasing and functionally viable smile in orthodontic treatment.