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Micro-abrasion of white spots for an even smile

February 09, 2021

JC 21.2.20 white spots

 

Mr C had white spots on his teeth and wondered if Icon treatment would remove them. He had researched Icon treatment, which involves using a resin infiltration to camouflage aesthetically disfiguring white spots. He saw Cathleen Perrin at Elmsleigh House Dental Clinic for a cosmetic consultation to determine the best way forward.

 

Cathleen assessed the white spots on both of Mr C’s upper incisors and on one lower incisor, and determined that Icon treatment wouldn’t be the best option due to the depth of the white spots.

 

She discussed the pros and cons of other treatment options, including whitening, micro-abrasion (fine abrading to remove the affected enamel), cosmetic bonding with or without removing the affected tooth structure, veneers or crowns.

 

Cathleen advised to whiten his teeth first to reduce the contrast of the white spots against the natural colour of Mr C’s teeth, and then evaluate. She first checked that Mr C had good oral health before continuing with the optional cosmetic treatment.

 

JC 28.8.20 whitening spots

 

Cathleen took impressions of Mr C’s teeth, and whitening trays were made to fit his teeth precisely. He was shown how to apply whitening gel to the trays and fit them in place. He took home the

trays and sufficient whitening gel to wear the trays for 2–3 hours a day (or overnight) until he achieved the brighter shade desired (in around 2–3 weeks).

 

Mr C returned to see Cathleen after whitening, which was very successful overall but the white patches could still be seen. Cathleen discussed the options and decided that the next least invasive treatment would be micro-abrasion, as Icon treatment was still unlikely to work. Also, micro-abrasion could be done in stages with the result evaluated after each application. This was in keeping with the minimally invasive treatment plan, as Mr C definitely did not want crowns or veneers and was hoping to avoid any significant removal of tooth structure to gain the result he wanted.

 

JC 4.9.20 whitening spots

 

Micro-abrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that uses hydrochloric acid and pumice to gently remove thin layers of tooth enamel, gradually removing spots and stains. Cathleen completed four micro-abrasion sessions, and each one helped to fade the white spots further. She also replaced the cosmetic bonding on the previously small upper lateral incisor, as the whitening meant that this previous treatment no longer matched Mr C’s newly brightened teeth.

 

JC 25.9.20 whitening spots

 

Cathleen was able to nearly eradicate most of the white spots on both of Mr C’s upper incisors and on one lower incisor.

 

Mr C was so pleased with the result of this relatively non-invasive treatment that he did not want to pursue any further treatment.

 

At Elmsleigh House our dentists offer an extensive range of treatments to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy and you are confident in your smile.

 

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