Among the many imperfections that can detract from the appearance of a healthy and well-aligned smile, are white spots on the front teeth. While some white spots may be barely noticeable, larger ones that look like opaque white clouds on otherwise smooth and translucent dental enamel are a common occurrence and are much more unsightly.
What causes these white, chalky looking areas? The truth is that white spots can be attributed to a number of different factors. Mostly an aesthetic concern and not typically an urgent problem unless signs of tooth decay are also present, white spots can be the result of anything from enamel hypoplasia, which has to do with defects in enamel formation, to the irregular white areas that may be seen in some people when their orthodontic appliances are removed. While the first type may be congenital or developmental and hard to prevent, the latter type of white spots is often due to inadequate oral hygiene practices that allow dental plaque, bacteria, and acids to accumulate around the braces. However, as disheartening as the appearance of white spots may be, both enamel hypoplasia and any white spot lesions that appear post-orthodontic treatment can now be effectively treated with outstanding results of care.
We maintain a position at the forefront of the latest advances in care to provide our patients with smiles that are as beautiful as they are healthy. With Icon®, an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting and biocompatible dental resin, we can remove white spot lesions in just one visit! As an effective alternative to more complex and invasive methods of care, Icon uses breakthrough micro technology to fill and reinforce demineralized enamel. Best of all there’s no drilling involved, and for white spot lesions that are showing signs of caries, Icon also helps to arrest the progress of tooth decay.
All it takes is a few simple steps! Our dentist will gently clean and etch the teeth, apply Icon and allow it to penetrate into the targeted area. Any excess material is then cleared away and the resin is cured with a special light. As a final step in care, the Icon resin is polished to seamlessly blend with your smile for optimal aesthetics!
