Icon Resin Filtration

Resin infiltration (or “Icon”) is cutting-edge technology used in dentistry to treat early enamel cavities, or white spots, on teeth. It’s the solution to treating cavities while preserving healthy tooth structure! White spots can occur from enamel defects during tooth development or from plaque collection around orthodontic brackets.

These white spots are weak and rough, and therefore more prone to collecting plaque and progression into cavities due to their porous nature. Thanks to Icon, these spots can be treated early and we can mask the discoloration to match the enamel color of the rest of the tooth. The best part about it is that there are no needles, drilling, or filling! It’s noninvasive and virtually painless.

The treatment is simple, but to accomplish the best results, it is very technique sensitive.

First, we “etch” the tooth with a 15% hydrochloric acid gel which removes a very thin layer of the weak enamel. Next, we “dry “the surface with a highly concentrated alcohol. Finally, a liquid resin is applied to the spot and the tooth essentially “soaks” it in. As the last step we set the resin with a curing light. The first two steps may be repeated several times until the desired esthetic outcome is achieved.

The treated enamel is now stronger and more resistant to an acid attack in addition to having an excellent esthetic result thanks to the Icon resin infiltration!

Does your child have white spots on their teeth that could potentially benefit from this innovative dental technology? Do you want to know more about Icon resin infiltration? Give us a call at 713-861-4000 and we would be happy to set up a consult with our doctors!

Dr. Lindhorst, Dr. Darsey, Dr. Theriot, Dr. Gavri and the Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Team