People often complain about dental staining, noting how yellow or brown discoloration affects their appearance. But white spots can have an equally noticeable impact on your smile. Plus, they may indicate early decay. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry treatments can remove the white spots and protect your teeth from further harm.
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud is proud to offer Icon® Treatment, a non-invasive method of removing unsightly white blemishes. After an initial consultation, she can determine whether Icon is right for you or whether you may be a better candidate for one of our many other cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Contact our Lombard, IL, office to learn more about Icon or to schedule your consultation.
What causes white spots on teeth?
White spots can show up on teeth for several reasons.
- Demineralization: When oral bacteria build up, they will start to eat away your dental enamel, a process known as demineralization. Left unchecked, this process will eventually lead to a cavity.
- Braces removal: When you or your teen are wearing braces, it is difficult to brush and floss properly. Bacteria can easily build up, causing demineralization where the brackets were attached.
- Enamel hypoplasia: This is a rare congenital condition that causes dental enamel to be very thin or completely absent.
- Fluorosis: Fluoride is important in the fight against dental decay. However, excess fluoride consumption in early childhood can cause white streaks on teeth. The American Dental Association notes that fluorosis does not harm teeth and could actually strengthen them against cavities. However, severe fluorosis can impact a person’s appearance.
Icon Treatment to Remove White Spots
Icon is a unique treatment specifically intended for white spots on teeth. Dr. Glud will lightly etch and dry your teeth. Then she will apply a liquid infiltrant to your teeth, which will close pores and stop the progress of demineralization. She may apply the liquid several times, using a curing light to activate it each time. Finally, she will polish your teeth.
The Benefits of Icon Treatment
Icon offers numerous advantages:
- It is effective! Icon can remove or significantly reduce white spots in just one hour-long appointment.
- In addition to improving your appearance, Icon can delay cavities for years.
- Though it is a recent innovation, Icon has been proven effective in numerous national and international studies.
- Icon is more conservative than other cosmetic dentistry treatments. It involves no drilling and no discomfort.
Candidates for Icon
Icon is suitable for patients of all ages. It can remove white spots both between teeth (known as proximal surfaces) and on the smooth front surfaces.
Note that Icon can only treat lesions found in the first third of dentin. If damage has spread further, you will likely require a filling or another restorative treatment.
Learn More about Icon and Our Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
In addition to Icon, we offer other cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as porcelain veneers and dental bonding, which can conceal white spots. Contact our office to learn more about your options.
Request an appointment online or call us at 630-629-5700.
