Frequently Asked Questions About Icon
- Can treatment really be done without drilling?
- Yes. Our Icon white spot treatment uses a technique in which the Icon solution penetrates the enamel, allowing treatment to be performed with minimal drilling. *Although it is drill-free, a procedure called micro-abrasion may sometimes be performed to lightly smooth the tooth surface.
- Who can benefit from Icon treatment?
- Icon treatment is mainly intended for patients with:
- Congenital white spots (enamel hypoplasia)
- White spots that developed in childhood (e.g., immediately after the eruption of permanent teeth)
- Brown or yellow opacities (brown spots or yellow spots)
- White opacities that appeared after orthodontic treatment (early-stage tooth decay)
- Is Icon treatment painful?
- There is no pain or sensitivity. There is no pain in the teeth during the procedure, and the solutions used do not cause sensitivity. However, you may feel some pressure on the gums when the equipment used during treatment is placed over the teeth. Since there is no intense pain or significant discomfort, most patients get used to it within a few minutes.
- Can any white spot be treated with Icon?
- Theoretically, any white spot that does not have a cavity on the surface can be treated.
However, there are several types of white spot lesions, and the level of difficulty varies depending on the type. Since the outcome depends on the dentist’s knowledge, skill, and experience, we recommend consulting a dentist who is proficient in the procedure. - Will white spots disappear if I whiten my teeth?
- For some, whitening may actually make them stand out more… Whitening does not make white spots disappear. While they may temporarily become less noticeable for some patients, they do not disappear completely, and for others, they may even become more prominent. However, at our clinic, we recommend home whitening before Icon treatment. By removing organic matter from inside the white spot and brightening the surrounding teeth, the color contrast with the white or brown spots is reduced, leading to a more natural finish and a better prognosis.
- Are there any precautions after treatment?
- Since it may affect the prognosis of the treatment, for the period instructed by the dentist, please avoid:
- Staining from foods and drinks (coffee, wine, etc.)
- Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks
- Abrasive irritation from using whitening toothpastes
- How long does it last? (Prognosis and longevity of treatment)
- According to literature, there are no problems for at least six years after treatment. Among patients who visit our clinic and whose progress we monitor, many have maintained good conditions for over five years. Furthermore, our director, Dr. Ibusuki, is an Icon KOL in Japan and has opportunities to communicate directly with the product manager at DMG in Germany, the manufacturer of Icon. According to that information, no significant issues have been reported globally in the 16 years since Icon was launched.
- Can I receive treatment in a single day?
- Same-day treatment is possible in some cases with prior consultation. It depends on the condition of your teeth and whether you have had prior whitening. If you wish to have treatment completed in a single day, please consult us in advance. If suitability is confirmed, same-day treatment can be provided.
- Does Icon treatment make the teeth look better in addition to treating white spots?
- The tooth surface may become glossy. Icon is sometimes called a tooth surface coating agent. Since the procedure involves a tooth polishing step, the surface of the teeth may become glossy, although results vary from person to person.
- From what age is treatment possible?
- Treatment is for patients aged 15 and older, but a detailed examination and diagnosis are required. At our clinic, we provide treatment for patients aged 15 and older. For children, it is necessary to carefully assess their growth and the condition of their permanent teeth. Please consult us in advance.
- Can I receive treatment during pregnancy?
- Treatment is provided after delivery. In principle, we do not provide treatment to pregnant patients. From the perspective of the effects of the solutions used, we recommend receiving treatment after delivery.
- I was told at another clinic that my condition “cannot be cured.” Can I still consult with you?
- Please consult us in advance. Yes. We have extensive experience in treating patients who were told at other clinics that their condition could not be treated. Even in difficult cases, we will first examine and diagnose the condition and then carefully explain whether Icon treatment is appropriate.
Learn more about Patients Who Are Not Eligible for White Spot Treatment
- What should I do if I live far away?
- We have many patients who travel from other regions and request same-day treatment. Email consultation before your visit is also available, but an in-person visit is required for an accurate diagnosis. Please feel free to contact us.
- Is Icon not approved in Japan?
- Icon is not covered by the health insurance system in Japan, so this treatment is provided as a private treatment. However, Icon is widely used clinically overseas and has been evaluated in many countries, including by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Numerous reports regarding its safety and effectiveness have been published. At our clinic, we provide white spot treatment based on clinical reports and evidence from Japan and overseas, ensuring thorough explanation and consent.
