The most common method for treating white spots is resin infiltration, widely known as ICON treatment. A very flowable resin is drawn into the porous white spots in the enamel surface and hardened with light. No tooth tissue is drilled away, and in most cases it is done in a single session without the need for anaesthetic. Suitability and the expected result are determined at an examination.
Why do white spots form on teeth?
White spots on teeth are porous areas beneath the enamel surface where minerals have been lost. Because these areas scatter light differently from healthy enamel, they look chalky white.
- After braces: plaque that builds up around brackets can cause mineral loss from the enamel surface.
- Early decay: early-stage decay that has not yet formed a cavity shows up as a white spot.
- Fluorosis: spots caused by excess fluoride intake while the teeth were developing.
- Developmental enamel defects and spots linked to trauma during the baby-tooth years.
The cause, depth and colour of the spot determine the choice of treatment. For this reason, an examination and photographic assessment are carried out before treatment.
Do white spots go away on their own?
Some superficial white spots may fade slightly over time, but most do not disappear completely on their own. In the first months after braces in particular, saliva and fluoride products can return minerals to the enamel surface and lighten the spot somewhat.
For this reason, spots can be monitored for a while right after braces are removed. During this period your dentist may recommend fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash or fluoride varnish. If the spots are still noticeable after a few months, treatments such as resin infiltration are considered. Spots that are early decay must be monitored so that they do not progress.
What is ICON treatment – is it the same as resin infiltration?
Yes; ICON treatment is the popular name for resin infiltration. Both terms describe the same procedure: filling the pores in a white spot with a very flowable resin.
The surface of the spot is first prepared with an acidic gel and then dried. The very flowable resin is drawn into the pores by capillary action and hardened with light. Because the resin scatters light in the area it fills in a way similar to healthy enamel, the spot becomes noticeably less visible.
With this method, no tooth tissue is removed with a drill. In this respect it is less invasive than options such as fillings or veneers. Because the resin fills the pores, it may also help slow the progression of early decay.
Who is white spot treatment suitable for?
Resin infiltration is most effective on superficial white spots where no cavity has formed. Suitability is determined at the examination, based on the depth and colour of the spot.
- White spots left after braces are removed
- Superficial white spots and mild fluorosis
- Early decay without a cavity
- Some superficial spots caused by trauma or developmental factors
On its own it may not be enough for deep spots, brown spots or decay that has formed a cavity. In these cases, options such as whitening, cosmetic fillings or porcelain veneers are considered together.
How is resin infiltration carried out?
Resin infiltration is usually completed in a single session, often without anaesthetic. The steps are:
- Examination, photographs and assessment of the depth of the spot
- Cleaning the teeth and protecting the gums
- Preparing the surface of the spot with an acidic gel and drying it
- Applying the resin and hardening it with light
- Polishing the surface and a final check
The length of the session depends on the number of teeth treated. If several teeth have spots, they can be treated together in the same session. The change in the appearance of the spot is often visible at the end of the session; the final result can be judged more clearly once the teeth have rehydrated.
What can be done about fluorosis spots?
Treatment for fluorosis spots is chosen according to their severity. In mild and moderate fluorosis, resin infiltration, microabrasion and whitening can be used alone or in combination.
- Mild fluorosis: fine white lines and a cloudy appearance; resin infiltration or whitening is often enough.
- Moderate fluorosis: distinct white areas and brown dots; whitening and resin infiltration may need to be planned together.
- Severe fluorosis: surface pitting and widespread brown areas; options such as bonding or veneers are considered.
In fluorosis, brown areas often respond well to whitening, while white areas can become less noticeable with resin infiltration. That is why the two methods frequently form part of the same plan.
What is the difference between microabrasion and resin infiltration?
The key difference is that microabrasion removes a very thin layer from the enamel surface, while resin infiltration fills the pores without removing tissue. Which one is suitable depends on the depth of the spot.
| Feature | Resin infiltration | Microabrasion |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Pores are filled with a flowable resin | The surface layer is removed with acid and a fine abrasive paste |
| Enamel loss | No drilling | A very thin surface layer is removed |
| Suitable for | Superficial and medium-depth white spots | Very superficial white and brown spots |
| Sessions | Usually a single session | Usually a single session, repeated if needed |
In some cases both methods can be part of the same plan. Because of the layer it removes, microabrasion is not preferred for deep spots; resin infiltration, which preserves tissue, is often considered the first option.
Can white spot treatment be combined with whitening?
Yes, both can be part of the same treatment plan, but the order matters. Whitening can temporarily make some white spots more noticeable in the first few days.
In most plans, teeth whitening is done first, and the spots are treated once the tooth colour has settled. A wait of 1–2 weeks after whitening is usually recommended before any bonding procedures. This way the colour of the resin matches the new tooth shade. For the effect of whitening on crowns and fillings, see our page do crowns and fillings whiten?
What should I bear in mind after treatment?
For the first few hours after the procedure, you may be advised to avoid strongly coloured foods and drinks. After that you can return to your normal routine.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes.
- Attend regular scale and polish appointments and check-ups.
Results vary from person to person; deep spots may not disappear completely. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, we can assess at an examination whether your spots are suitable for this method.
Frequently asked questions
Are ICON treatment and resin infiltration the same thing?
Yes. ICON treatment is the popular name for resin infiltration; both describe filling the pores in white spots with a flowable resin.
Does white spot treatment hurt?
Because no tooth tissue is drilled away, there is usually no pain, and in most cases no anaesthetic is needed.
Is resin infiltration permanent?
Because the resin penetrates the tooth structure, it lasts a long time. Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups help maintain the result.
Do white spots after braces go away?
Some superficial spots may fade over time thanks to saliva and fluoride. For spots that persist, resin infiltration is one of the most commonly used options; suitability is determined at an examination.
How many sessions does white spot treatment take?
In most cases a single session is enough. In conditions such as fluorosis, the process may take longer if it is planned together with whitening or microabrasion.
Do fluorosis spots disappear completely?
Mild fluorosis spots often become much less noticeable. For deep or brown spots the result may be limited, and options such as bonding or veneers are considered.
Related pages
Teeth Whitening Methods: Which One Suits You?Compare in-office, at-home, combined and internal whitening, pharmacy products and scale and polish side by side using the same criteria.
Porcelain VeneersCorrecting colour, shape and small gaps with thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of the teeth.
Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow? Tooth Discolouration and Types of StainsTell external and internal discolouration apart; find out which stains lighten with whitening and which need other treatment.
Do Crowns and Fillings Whiten? Shade Matching in WhiteningWhitening gel only works on natural tooth tissue; the right sequence is needed to match the shade of restorations.
Other treatmentsSuitability is decided at an examination. Fill in the form or call us to book an appointment.
Last updated: 2026-11-03 · This page is for general information only and does not replace an examination or diagnosis.