Do you suffer from unsightly white spots on your teeth? These little imperfections often occur due to issues such as fluorosis, demineralization, trauma, poor oral hygiene, or discoloration that occurs after orthodontic treatment. In the past, the only way to treat these white spot lesions (WSLs) involved shots, drilling, and resin or porcelain restorations. Today, however, an easier alternative is available. Dr. Bancroft is proud to offer Icon treatment, an innovative and painless way to erase that lesions without the need for a highly invasive dental procedure.
Contact us to learn more!
How Icon Works
WSLs occur due to an imbalance of mineralization and remineralization on the teeth. Simply put, some portions of the enamel contain a higher concentration of minerals than other portions, which leads to uneven coloration. The lesions are areas where minerals can’t access deeper portions of the enamel; they look white because of the way light scatters when it hits the lesions.
Here is how Icon works to correct WSLs and enamel bruising:
- Dr. Bancroft, a skilled general and cosmetic dentist, uses micro-abrasion to expose the tubules of the tooth. Then, she applies an etching material to the tooth multiple times. These steps will ensure that the resin, which is responsible for the color correction, is able to properly soak into the tooth.
- She keeps the tooth try while applying a special resin. The resin infiltrates the lesion and soaks into the tooth. It forms a bond with the tooth’s structure.
- The dentist removes the extra resin, then uses a light to harden the portion of it that remains in the teeth.
- Dr. Bancroft polishes the teeth to complete the new look. After treatment, your teeth should have a significantly more uniform appearance than they did before.
- From beginning to end, an Icon treatment may last around one hour.
Advantages of Icon
Icon’s most outstanding benefits include:
- It is painless, and there are no needles involved.
- Icon saves as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
- Unlike other treatments for WSLs, Icon is suitable for children. In fact, it is an appropriate treatment for most individuals who have white spots on their teeth due to fluorosis, orthodontia, and other factors.
- Icon is less expensive than alternative treatments, including porcelain veneers.
- The results of the treatment may last for a few years before you need to come in for a touchup.
- Untreated WSLs usually look worse after traditional teeth whitening treatments. Icon-treated WSLs, on the other hand, let you take full advantage of whitening treatments.
Are you ready to learn if Icon could improve your smile’s appearance? Contact J.B. Dental to ask about this innovative cosmetic treatment today.
ICON FAQs
Now that you know a bit more about Icon treatment in Westminster, you may feel more comfortable with the idea of having these white spots removed. Dr. Bancroft and our team at J.B. Dental understand, though, if you still have questions about the process and procedure. We’ve received various inquiries from patients about this method of treatment, many of which are included below. Complete with honest responses from Dr. Bancroft, we encourage you to review the following list and contact us if you have any additional questions.
Can Icon be used as a preventive measure?
In most situations, no, Icon should not be used as a preventive measure simply because healthy tooth enamel is unlikely to absorb the resin that is applied to the surfaces of teeth. While it does work to minimize the possibility of any early cavities so that you do not require more invasive techniques (i.e., drilling), it’s not recommended for individuals who are simply looking to avoid white spots.
Is Icon safe for children?
Yes! Children can reap the benefits of Icon treatment because it is less invasive than other white spot treatment options (i.e., dental fillings or veneers). Also, Dr. Bancroft can administer Icon to young smiles even though their smiles are still growing – a stark contrast to young patients who prefer veneers, which require completed growth.
Another major benefit, more so for parents, is that it is much less expensive than other restorative or cosmetic treatment options.
Can I just whiten my teeth instead?
While it might seem as if whitening your teeth is the best and most convenient option, the truth is that the products used to brighten smiles will only cause your white spots to appear even whiter. If you want to do something about the color of your teeth, it’s recommended that you treat the white spots on your teeth first. Then, you can plan to undergo professional whitening treatment to ensure that your smile looks beautiful and even.
Are there any side effects to Icon treatment?
It is unlikely that you will experience any negative side effects after receiving Icon treatment. Because it is a unique formula that requires only minimal tooth etching and abrasion, the only possible impact it may have is that you have some slight sensitivity to hot or cold foods. The good news is that you can expect it to dissipate within a few hours. You’ll want to make sure that you take proper care of your teeth immediately following your appointment, so follow the instructions provided to you by Dr. Bancroft.
FAQs
But after Icon treatment, many patients can successfully whiten teeth with beautiful results. Dentists recommend that professional teeth whitening be done at a subsequent appointment from the Icon treatment and not immediately after.
How long does icon white spot removal last? ›
ICON white spot treatment is a great way to even out the overall appearance of your teeth to give you a beautiful smile. This treatment can last for two years and is an ideal noninvasive treatment option if you suffer from white spot lesions. Dr. Jeffrey A.
What is the icon treatment for white spot lesion? ›
During ICON white spot removal treatment, an etchant material is first applied to the affected teeth. This material will open your dental pores to allow the ICON resin to infiltrate the tooth. Next, the thin ICON liquid resin is applied directly to the tooth surface and dried with a dental curing light.
How many times can you do icon treatment? ›
ICON resin infiltration is considered to be a long-term treatment solution that can last anywhere from two to six years or longer. It does not typically require re-treatment like many teeth whitening product solutions.
How long does white spot take to clear after treatment? ›
The available treatments attack the free swimming stage of the White Spot life cycle, not the mature “white spot” – so it may take several days for the spots to disappear. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for treatments, and do not discontinue treatment early, just because the spots seem to have disappeared.
What not to do after Icon treatment? ›
ICON Resin Infiltration Aftercare
- Avoid using front teeth to bite directly into hard food such as apples and corn on the cob.
- Limit drinking or eating dark colored beverages and foods as this may cause staining and discoloration of the resin material.
- For any discomfort, Children's Tylenol or Motrin is recommended.
Disadvantages to ICON treatment
One of the primary disadvantages of ICON is that it does not always offer a permanent solution to white spots on teeth. While it can help reduce their appearance, the spots may return, or new ones may develop if proper oral hygiene practices are not maintained.
Can you redo icon treatment? ›
If the white spot lesions do reappear, we can perform the Icon treatment again. Even if your child's results last the average of two years, the treatment is simple, fast, and non-invasive if it must be redone.
Can I brush my teeth after Icon treatment? ›
⦁ Care for irritated gums – soft brushing, warm salt water rinse, eat soft foods. Irritation will resolve within a few days. ⦁ Please remember to brush in the morning and at night with extra focus on the gum line and floss daily to ensure clean and healthy gums.
What is the best medicine for white spot? ›
Treatment of white spots on skin
- miconazole.
- selenium sulfide.
- ketoconazole.
- clotrimazole.
Icon will infiltrate the enamel, filling in lesions with a tooth-colored resin. Unlike a filling, there is no need to drill into the tooth or soft tissues of the mouth. Fluoride therapy is an excellent cavity prevention method and helps protect the enamel.
What is the best way to get rid of white spots? ›
Depending on the cause, a person may be able to get rid of white spots with one of the following treatments:
- dermabrasion.
- topical steroid cream.
- low-dose topical corticosteroid cream.
- ultraviolet light treatment.
- antifungal shampoos, washes, or soaps.
- retinoid cream.
Keep in mind that Icon treatment is not permanent, and future treatments may be needed. For most patients, treatment lasts for roughly two years. However, there are many patients who have had Icon treatment administered and who still have no white spot lesions after five or more years.
Should I whiten my teeth before or after Icon treatment? ›
Caring For Your ICON Treatment Results
It's recommended to avoid teeth whitening treatments in close proximity to ICON treatment since this can make white spots reappear. Whitening can be done a few weeks prior to or following ICON.
What to eat after Icon treatment? ›
We ask that you avoid foods and drinks that could stain your teeth for 24 hours after the treatment. So, please avoid coffee, tea, cola, fruit juices, red wine, tomato-based sauces, curry, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar for the next day. Eating non-staining foods will give your new smile time to adjust.
Can you use whitening strips after an icon? ›
It's recommended to avoid teeth whitening treatments in close proximity to ICON treatment since this can make white spots reappear. Whitening can be done a few weeks prior to or following ICON.
Do teeth continue to whiten after treatment? ›
Spotting. Color Spotting on the teeth may occur after in office Whitening due to temporary dehydration of the teeth. This should diminish within a few days after treatment. The whitening process will continue for 48 hours after treatment.
How do you treat white spots after laser treatment? ›
Milia, which are small, white bumps, may appear in the laser-treated areas during healing (up to a month after treatment). These may be removed by gentle cleansing with a washcloth. Hyperpigmentation, and more rarely, hypopigmentation, may result in the laser-treated areas.
