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Cosmetic

ICON Resin Infiltration for White Spots

A micro-invasive way to fade white spots on the enamel, in most cases without drilling or anesthetic and in a single visit.

Request Consultation (opens in a new tab) Call (949) 409-9895

About this service

ICON resin infiltration treats white spots on the smooth front surfaces of the teeth, including the chalky patches that often appear after braces come off and many spots caused by fluorosis. A white spot is an area of porous enamel. Its tiny pores hold air or water, which bend light differently from healthy enamel, and that is what makes the spot look white. ICON, made by DMG, fills those pores from within with a clear, light-cured resin that bends light much more like natural enamel, so the spot blends back toward the color of the surrounding tooth. It is not bonding. Nothing is built up on the surface of the tooth, and the only enamel removed is a microscopically thin surface layer taken off by a gentle etching gel. In most cases no drilling and no anesthetic are needed, and treatment is completed in one visit.

ICON Resin Infiltration for White Spots is one of the cosmetic services we provide at our Corona Del Mar dental practice, close to home for patients in Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Balboa Island, Costa Mesa, and Irvine. Dr. Younesi takes the time to listen, evaluate, and explain every option before treatment begins. Learn more about Dr. Younesi or contact our office with any questions.

Benefits

  • Fades white spots without drilling in most cases
  • Removes only a microscopically thin layer of surface enamel
  • Usually completed in one visit, typically without anesthetic
  • Treats the spot from within instead of covering it up
  • Can be paired with whitening for a more even result

What to expect

  1. 1

    Evaluation

    We examine the spots and ask when and how they appeared, to confirm they are the kind of lesion resin infiltration can treat. Cavities and some deeper or discolored spots need a different approach, and we will tell you if that applies to you.

  2. 2

    Isolation & Etching

    The teeth are isolated to keep them dry, and a gentle etching gel is applied to open the surface of the spot so the resin can reach the porous enamel underneath.

  3. 3

    Drying & Preview

    A drying agent draws the water out of the pores. At this stage we can already see how well the spot is likely to fade, and the etching step can be repeated if it needs more.

  4. 4

    Infiltration & Polish

    A clear, low-viscosity resin soaks into the enamel and is light-cured, applied a second time, and then polished to a smooth, natural finish.

ICON Resin Infiltration FAQs

Common questions about ICON resin infiltration.

Don’t see your question? Call us at (949) 409-9895 and we will get you a clear answer.

What causes white spots on teeth?
The most common causes are demineralization, which often shows up where brackets sat during braces, and fluorosis, which comes from too much fluoride while the teeth were still forming. Early decay and developmental enamel defects can look similar. The cause matters, because it affects how well a spot responds to treatment.
Is ICON resin infiltration the same as bonding?
No. Bonding adds tooth-colored composite onto the surface of the tooth to cover or reshape it. Resin infiltration works inside the enamel, filling the porous area of the spot so it reflects light more like healthy enamel. No material is built up on the tooth, and far less tooth structure is involved.
Does ICON resin infiltration hurt?
Most patients find it comfortable. The treatment works only in the outer enamel, so in most cases no drilling and no anesthetic are needed.
Will my white spots disappear completely?
Many spots fade noticeably and some become hard to see, but results vary and we will not promise a perfect match. Spots left after braces and early demineralization tend to respond best. Fluorosis often improves well, sometimes with whitening first. Deeper spots, and yellow or brown discoloration, may only partly improve and can need bonding or veneers for the result you want. We assess your spots before treatment so you know what to expect.
How long do the results last?
Published studies have followed treated teeth for up to about four years, and within that time the color has generally stayed stable. There is not yet long-term data beyond that. Like natural enamel and bonding, the treated area can pick up surface stain from coffee, tea, and red wine, and a professional polish at your cleanings helps keep it bright.

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ICON resin infiltration

Ready to talk about ICON resin infiltration?

A consultation is the right place to start. We will listen, evaluate, and give you a clear plan with itemized pricing.

Request Appointment (opens in a new tab) Call (949) 409-9895