The correct answer is: Maxillary lateral incisors frequently exhibit a peg-shaped crown.

- One of the most distinctive features that help differentiate maxillary lateral incisors from mandibular lateral incisors is the shape of the crown.
- Maxillary lateral incisors often present with a peg-shaped crown, which is a variation where the crown is smaller and tapers to a narrow incisal edge, giving it a peg or conical appearance.
- This trait is relatively common and is considered a developmental anomaly or variation.

- In contrast, mandibular lateral incisors tend to have more uniform, slightly larger crowns without this peg-shaped morphology.
- While mandibular lateral incisors may have certain surface characteristics, such as a slightly concave distal surface or a moderately prominent cingulum, these are not as distinctive or common as the peg-shaped crown in maxillary lateral incisors.

- Additionally, although maxillary lateral incisors generally have roots that are proportionally longer than mandibular lateral incisors, this trait is less noticeable and less commonly used in clinical identification compared to the peg-shaped crown.

Key Points:
- Maxillary lateral incisors commonly exhibit a peg-shaped crown.
- Mandibular lateral incisors usually have more conventional crown shapes without the peg morphology.
- Root length differences exist but are not as distinctive clinically as crown shape variations.

Reference: Wheeler's Dental Anatomy, Physiology and Occlusion, 10th Edition, Chapter 5: Permanent Maxillary Incisors