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ICON Resin Infiltration in Great Neck, New York

A minimally invasive, one-time procedure, ICON resin infiltration, is a restorative treatment used to remove white calcium spots on your teeth. Such discoloration on dental enamel is often the result of post-orthodontic white-spot lesions (WSLs) or distinct congenital hypocalcified enamel lesions, commonly referred to as “hypo” spots. However, dental enamel discoloration can be either caries-induced or non-carious. And although created as a treatment for anterior WSLs and incipient interproximal caries, ICON was later discovered to be a useful tool for concealing non-carious enamel discoloration as well.

Lesion Diagnosis

WSLs, also called decalcification lesions, tend to be found on the tooth’s cervical margin or around orthodontic brackets. Plaque, which produces high volumes of acid, tends to build-up in these areas. Although “the incidence of decalcification lesions during orthodontic treatment has been reported to be as high as 50%-97%[,]... patients with poor oral hygiene, a diet that lowers intraoral pH, a lack of fluoride, or a history of orthodontic treatment may [also] be more likely to acquire decalcification lesions seen as white spots.”

On the other hand, pinpointing the exact cause of non-carious enamel discoloration can be quite challenging. As a result, medical professionals and patients alike often equate the entirety of non-carious dental discolorations to fluorosis, as fluorosis lesions manifest in the form of either brown or white discolorations. Nevertheless, fluorotic lesions, which result from excess fluoride exposure during a patient’s enamel formation years, only a small percentage of the population suffers from visible fluorosis-induced lesions of any degree. Numerous non-carious discolorations may be idiopathic white or brown discolorations formed during dental development. Sometimes referred to as “dysmineralization,” this form of discoloration may be the result of a history of trauma, medications, or high fever episodes in childhood that cause alterations in the enamel mineralization process.

What Does This Procedure Entail?

ICON resin infiltration does not require any local anesthesia or mechanical tooth structure extraction. From start to finish, this procedure only spans about 12 to 14 minutes. However, it is essential to note that the ICON treatment steps may need to be slightly modified to reach optimal results for each patient.

First, using ICON Etch, which contains 15% hydrochloric acid, your dentist will erode the enamel lesions’ surface, creating porosity in the tooth. After rinsing thoroughly and allowing the affected teeth to dry, your clinician will apply the drying agent -- ICON Dry 99% ethanol alcohol -- and let it sit on the teeth for 30 seconds. If the results are not desirable at this point, they may re-etch up to two more times, followed by the drying agent’s application. The teeth will then be infiltrated with ICON Infiltrant low viscosity light-cured resin material. This step must be repeated to enhance the resin’s stability, strengthen the tooth structure, and reduce any potential for future staining. Minimal polishing and shining may be needed to close out the treatment.

What Benefits Are Associated with ICON Resin Infiltration?

ICON resin infiltration is a significantly less invasive and less costly procedure than fillings or veneers. And without the need to wait for the completion of growth like veneers, ICON can be performed much sooner than most other cosmetic options. Furthermore, untreated “hypo” spots tend to worsen in appearance after a bleaching/dental whitening treatment. When treated with ICON, “hypo” spots become whitened to a color that closely matches the patient’s natural tooth enamel.

See Results with Dr. Julie Liberman DDS

Dr. Julie Liberman DDS of Great Neck Dental Care NY is thrilled to offer ICON resin infiltration to patients in the Great Neck area, spanning New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Douglaston, Jericho, Roslyn, etc. ICON resin infiltration is widely considered as a long-term solution, as opposed to whitening products. With the potential for stable results for more than six years, ICON resin infiltration is a worthwhile, pain-free, one-time treatment that can fade the appearance of WSLs, “hypo” spots, and non-carious enamel discoloration.