Enamel microabrasion is a cosmetic dental procedure used to reduce the appearance of surface stains and discolouration on the front teeth. It permanently removes a thin layer of the outer enamel. The degree of change varies from person to person, and not all marks can be removed.
About treatment results. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed — the outcome described may not be typical or achievable for you. Enamel microabrasion permanently removes a small amount of enamel and cannot be reversed, and it is not effective for every type of stain. A clinical assessment is required to determine whether any treatment is suitable for you.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
The Treatment
Enamel microabrasion is a cosmetic dental procedure used to reduce the appearance of surface stains and discolouration on the front teeth. The procedure permanently removes a thin layer of the outer enamel, which cannot be replaced. In some cases the treated teeth can look lighter and more even afterwards, though the degree of change varies from person to person and some marks will remain.
How it works
Abrasion of the enamel is achieved using a specialised polisher and paste that removes the surface layer of enamel using a combination of fine particles and an acidic solution. The appointment typically takes 30–45 minutes. Because enamel is removed and cannot be replaced, your dentist will assess first whether the procedure is appropriate for your teeth.
Why consider it
Enamel microabrasion may improve the appearance of your teeth by reducing surface-level stains and discolouration, and in many cases the treated teeth can look brighter and more uniform. The degree of change varies from person to person, and your dentist will assess whether the treatment is likely to suit you.
Good to know
The procedure is not appropriate for all situations. It may not be effective for deep or intrinsic stains, or for teeth that have been damaged by injury or decay. To assess whether it's a suitable conservative aesthetic procedure for your situation, please reach out and make a complimentary consult appointment at the practice. Offer terms apply.
A conservative alternative
Icon resin infiltration can help to improve the appearance of white spots, which are areas of tooth enamel that have lost their natural mineral content and become discoloured. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, excessive fluoride exposure, and certain medical conditions.
Unlike other cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers or crowns, Icon resin infiltration requires minimal preparation of the affected tooth. This means that less of the healthy tooth structure needs to be removed, and the treatment can be completed in a single appointment.
Icon resin infiltration requires minimal preparation of the affected tooth, so less natural tooth structure is removed than with ceramic veneers or crowns. A thin outer layer of enamel is still etched away, and this cannot be reversed.
Because little preparation is needed, the treatment can usually be completed in a single appointment. Not all white spots respond, and some remain visible after treatment.
Icon resin infiltration is usually less expensive than porcelain veneers or crowns. Fees depend on how many teeth are treated, and we will provide a quote before any treatment begins.
Icon resin infiltration is one conservative option for reducing the appearance of white spots and discolouration on the front teeth. It involves minimal tooth preparation and can usually be completed in a single appointment. It also has limitations and risks: not all white lesions respond, the treated area may not match the surrounding tooth exactly, the resin can pick up stain over time, and the treatment may need to be repeated or followed by other work. If you are interested in this treatment, please come in for a complimentary aesthetic consultation so we can assess your situation and talk through your individual options, including the risks and the alternatives. Offer terms apply.
Risks & limitations
Enamel microabrasion is a cosmetic procedure and it carries risks. It permanently removes a thin layer of enamel, and enamel does not grow back. Removing enamel can leave teeth temporarily or, less commonly, persistently sensitive, and it may make the underlying dentine more visible, so a tooth can appear slightly darker or more yellow rather than lighter. The acid-abrasive material used can irritate the gums and soft tissues if it contacts them.
The procedure has limits. It only addresses marks in the outer enamel — deep or intrinsic staining, tetracycline staining, and discolouration caused by trauma or decay may not improve. Some marks are only partly reduced, more than one appointment may be needed, and further treatment such as resin infiltration, bonding or veneers may be required afterwards. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
Icon resin infiltration carries its own risks: the tooth surface is etched, not all white lesions respond, the treated area may not match the surrounding enamel exactly, and the resin can take up stain over time and may need re-treatment.
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.
Good to know
Abrasion of the enamel is achieved using a specialised polisher and paste that removes the surface layer of enamel using a combination of fine particles and an acidic solution. The appointment typically takes 30–45 minutes. Because enamel is removed and cannot be replaced, your dentist will assess first whether the procedure is appropriate for your teeth.
Enamel microabrasion may improve the appearance of your teeth by reducing surface-level stains and discolouration, and in many cases the treated teeth can look brighter and more uniform. The degree of change varies from person to person, and your dentist will assess whether the treatment is likely to suit you.
The procedure is not appropriate for all situations. It may not be effective for deep or intrinsic stains, or for teeth that have been damaged by injury or decay. Book a complimentary consultation so we can assess whether it's a suitable conservative aesthetic procedure for your situation. Offer terms apply.
To find out more about enamel microabrasion with our Gold Coast dentists, get in touch on 07 5572 8969 or email hello@helixdental.com.au.
Book a Consult