Additional Conservative Cosmetic Options

The Treatment

Icon Resin Infiltration

What is Icon Resin Infiltration?

Icon Resin Infiltration is a treatment used to reduce the appearance of white spot lesions on the teeth. It involves less tooth preparation than composite resin bonding or porcelain veneers and is usually lower in cost. Not all lesions respond, and the treated area may not match the surrounding enamel exactly.

While white spots on the teeth are quite common and rarely cause pain or discomfort, for many patients they can be a cosmetic concern. There are a variety of causes, including fluorosis, dental trauma, plaque accumulation, dietary factors, and enamel hypoplasia.

How does Icon Resin Infiltration work?

This treatment can often be completed in a single visit. Local anaesthetic is not usually required, though some people experience sensitivity or discomfort during or after the appointment.

First, the surface of the tooth is etched lightly to remove the outer remineralised layer of enamel, then the tooth is dried. The resin infiltrant is applied and soaks in for several minutes. It is then set with a curing light after any excess material has been removed. This process is repeated several times, and then the tooth is polished to appear smooth.

The Treatment

Enamel Microabrasion

Another conservative cosmetic option for surface marks is enamel microabrasion using Opalustre™. It is used to reduce surface-level stains such as white fluorosis or brown spots by removing a thin layer of enamel, which is permanent and cannot be reversed.

How does Enamel Microabrasion work?

Like Icon Resin Infiltration, this treatment involves minimal tooth preparation and can often be completed within a single appointment. Local anaesthetic is not usually required, though some people experience sensitivity after treatment.

Using a very small brush, an acid-abrasive gel is carefully painted onto the teeth with light pressure to reduce the appearance of the stain. Not all stains can be removed, and your dentist will assess what may be achievable in your case.

Varnish is then applied to the teeth to harden their surface after treatment. It's also recommended to apply a remineralising cream at home for a short period after microabrasion to enrich the teeth with minerals.

Risks & limitations

Risks of conservative cosmetic treatment

Icon Resin Infiltration. The tooth surface is etched with acid before the resin is applied, which removes a thin outer layer of enamel. Not every white lesion responds — some are only partly masked, and deeper lesions may not change. The treated area may not match the surrounding enamel exactly, the resin can take up stain over time, and the treatment may need to be repeated or followed by bonding or a veneer. Temporary sensitivity and gum irritation from the etchant can occur.

Enamel microabrasion. This permanently removes a thin layer of enamel, and enamel does not grow back. Teeth may be sensitive afterwards, and removing enamel can make the underlying dentine more visible, so a tooth may appear slightly darker rather than lighter. Deep or intrinsic stains, tetracycline staining and marks caused by trauma or decay may not improve. More than one appointment is sometimes required, and the acid-abrasive material can irritate the gums and soft tissues.

Both are cosmetic procedures. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed, and neither is suitable in every case. Your dentist will examine you and talk through the risks, the likely outcome, the costs and the alternatives — including leaving the teeth as they are — before any treatment goes ahead. Further information about treatment risks is set out in our treatment disclaimer.