Icon Resin Infiltration (ICON)

What is ICON?

Resin infiltration is a minimally invasive treatment designed to address white-spot lesions (WSLs) and certain congenital hypocalcified enamel defects ("hypo spots"). WSLs typically result from enamel porosities caused by an imbalance between demineralization and remineralization due to poor oral hygiene, plaque, bacteria, and acids. Over time, the outer enamel remineralizes, preventing calcium and other ions from reaching the deeper layers, halting the progression of the lesion. The white appearance of these lesions occurs because light scatters at the demineralized enamel’s subsurface. Hypo spots, or enamel bruising, are congenital defects that often result from trauma or infection affecting primary teeth.

Single visit treatment
No shots or numbing required
No drilling involved
Teeth are cleaned with plain pumice
Lesions are etched for 3×2 minutes to remove the outer remineralized layer that blocks ion access
Finishing bur used to smooth any areas that don't show improvement
Drying agent (ethanol) applied
Resin infiltrant is applied and allowed to soak in for 3 minutes (via capillary action)
Excess material is removed using cotton rolls, micro-brushes, and floss
Material is light-cured
A second layer of material is applied for 1 minute, excess removed, and cured
Final finishing with polishing discs or burs
Temporary blanching of gums can occur near the gumline
Total treatment time: approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour

The Procedure

The Benefits

Less invasive and more affordable than alternatives like fillings or veneers
Can be done earlier than other cosmetic options, such as veneers, which often require waiting until growth is complete
Hypo spots treated with Icon typically whiten similarly to natural tooth enamel, unlike untreated hypo spots which may worsen after bleaching

Does It Work? Does It Last?

Unlike traditional whitening treatments, Icon resin infiltration is a long-term solution. Research shows stability for at least 2 years, with many patients experiencing stable results for over 6 years.
This treatment is designed to improve the appearance of WSLs and hypo spots. While we cannot guarantee complete disappearance, it typically provides significant cosmetic improvement in one simple, painless visit. In the unlikely event of no visible change, no irreversible or invasive procedures have been performed.