Lisa always covered her mouth when she laughed. The white spots scattered across her front teeth had affected her self-confidence since getting her braces taken off in high school. She wasn’t sure how to deal with it. Traditional white spot treatments felt too invasive. Then, her dentist mentioned ICON resin infiltration as a non-invasive solution. In one appointment, Lisa’s white spots disappeared. She finally felt confident showing off her natural smile.
For many years, treating white spots essentially meant just covering them up, using veneers or crowns. Whitening treatments are usually not effective. But then ICON resin infiltration treatment arrived in the dental industry. This technology eliminates white spots by repairing the damaged enamel rather than simply covering it up. At the dental office of Dr. James Lin in Los Gatos, CA, we help patients transform their smiles with this technology. And we’d like to tell you about it.
The benefits of ICON resin infiltration treatment include:
- Preserves natural tooth structure
- Delivers immediate results
- Requires only one visit
- Provides a long-lasting solution
What Is Icon Resin Infiltration?
Tooth demineralization happens when bacteria feed on sugars and starches from food, producing acids that dissolve the enamel’s hard mineral crystals, making them appear white. People who have braces experience white spots because bacteria can easily build up around the brackets, which are hard to clean.
ICON resin infiltration represents a shift in how dentists treat white spots. Dentists like Dr. Lin use the technology to target white spot lesions at their source by using liquid resin to penetrate the demineralized enamel. The liquid resin is then cured by the dentist to make it harden, restoring the tooth’s natural appearance. Basically, your dentist fills the microscopic pores of your demineralized enamel with liquid resin.
When acid attacks tooth enamel, it creates a tiny space that scatters light different than healthy enamel. The light patterns create the white appearance that we perceive as white spots. ICON resin fills these pores, allowing light to pass through naturally, eliminating white spots.
Unlike traditional white spot treatments that involve modifying the healthy tooth structure, ICON preserves your natural enamel. The procedure generally takes just one appointment and gives you an immediate aesthetic improvement.
How Does the ICON Resin Infiltration Process Work?
Step 1 - ICON Etch: This step involves surface prep. Your dentist will apply a gel to the affected area using a special applicator tip. This etching process removes the surface layer covering the porous enamel underneath. Once this barrier layer is removed, the infiltrant can penetrate into the pore system of the tooth.
Step 2 - ICON Dry: This step involves drying and inspection. After the etching step, your dentist will apply ethanol to the lesion and use air to thoroughly dry the area. This step removes moisture from the pores and gives your dentist a chance to see if the etching was successful. If the white discoloration disappears quickly, the lesion is ready for infiltration.
Step 3 - ICON Infiltrant: This step involves resin application. For the final step, your dentist will apply the fluid infiltrant resin to the prepared area. The capillaries in your tooth will naturally draw the infiltrant deep into the porous enamel structure. Your dentist will then use a light-cure on the resin to harden it permanently within the tooth structure.
The infiltrated area will now have a similar visual appearance to healthy enamel. The process preserves your healthy tooth structure while targeting only the demineralized areas. Patients won’t experience any pain during the treatment, and anesthesia is not required.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for ICON Treatment?
ICON resin infiltration works best for specific types of white spot lesions and for people with particular dental circumstances. Ideal candidates include:
- Patients with post-orthodontic white spots
- People with fluorosis-related white lesions
- Those seeking minimally invasive treatment options
- Patients who want immediate cosmetic improvements
The success of ICON treatment depends on several factors. White spots must be active lesions at the right depth for resin penetration. Teeth that are extensively decayed may require other treatments. Your dentist will evaluate your specific case individually, taking into account factors like lesion size, location, and depth. Some patients may benefit from combining the ICON treatment with other cosmetic procedures.
How Long Does ICON Resin Infiltration Last?
There are several research papers whose authors have investigated the longevity of ICON resin infiltration as a solution to white spot removal. Researchers from the University of Gottingen followed patients for six months and found no significant changes after white spot lesion removal.
A case report published in BMJ Journals showed the results of a 4-year follow-up, showing “that such a therapeutic approach is effective and lasting.” Additional research involving a 24-month follow-up period confirms the long-term effects of ICON treatment.
There are several factors that affect longevity:
- The quality of the original treatment
- The patient’s oral hygiene habits and maintenance routine
- Dietary habits, including exposure to acidic foods and drinks
- Overall oral health and regular dental care
- Individual patient factors, such as saliva composition and pH levels
After you’ve undergone an ICON treatment, your teeth require the same care as the rest of your teeth. You can schedule follow-up appointments a year after treatment, with check-ups scheduled based on individual risk. New white spots can develop if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene. So it’s important to see your dentist regularly, get regular professional cleanings, and brush and floss every day!
Ready to Address White Spots on Your Teeth? We’re Ready to Help!
If you are ready to do something about white spots on your teeth, please give us a call or schedule an appointment online for a consultation. Our experienced team will evaluate your specific needs and help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.
Note: The patient story shared represents a typical experience and is not based on any one specific individual.