Conservative Aesthetic Patient Case

Teeth Whitening with ICON Resin Infiltration

A staged approach to developmental enamel discolouration

A 19-year-old patient attended with concerns about the mottled, patchy and stained appearance of their teeth. Examination identified generalised developmental enamel defects, including diffuse white or cream opacities, localised yellow-brown intrinsic discolouration and areas of reduced enamel thickness, surface irregularity and pitting. There was also mild incisal-edge irregularity, spacing and an anterior open-bite tendency. The patient wanted a brighter smile and less visible patches while avoiding crowns or veneers if a more conservative option was suitable.

A conservative two-stage plan was agreed. The overall tooth shade was lightened first to reduce contrast, followed by resin infiltration to help mask remaining enamel patches while preserving tooth tissue.

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Clinical case photographs

Patient case photographs. Appearance and treatment response vary between individuals.

Assessment and planning records

Clinical evaluation of the colour, depth and distribution of enamel defects
Digital dental radiographs to assess the dental pulp and tissues around the roots
Clinical photography to record the baseline shade and patch boundaries
Assessment of tooth-surface texture, alignment and smile-line proportions

Clinical Evaluation and Conservative Planning

Radiographic assessment did not identify signs of disease affecting the dental pulp or tissues around the roots of the teeth being considered for treatment.

The distribution and apparent depth of the enamel defects were assessed. As the proposed treatment focused on the enamel surface, it offered a conservative alternative to ceramic restorations for this patient.

Stage 1: Professional Teeth Whitening

The patient completed a supervised three-week home teeth-whitening programme using the Enlighten system.

Whitening was completed first to lighten the overall background shade and reduce the contrast between the surrounding enamel and the developmental patches.

Stage 2: ICON Resin Infiltration

After an appropriate shade-stabilisation period, ICON resin infiltration was carried out to target the remaining white and brown enamel patches. The affected enamel was conditioned before a low-viscosity resin was applied according to the clinical protocol.

The resin enters microscopic porosities within the affected enamel and changes how light passes through the area. This can reduce the contrast of suitable defects without drilling the tooth for a conventional restoration.

Review of the Aesthetic Change

For this patient, the combined approach produced a lighter overall shade and reduced the contrast of the white and brown patches. The teeth were reviewed after treatment to assess the response and discuss any remaining colour or surface differences.

Post-Treatment Support and Maintenance

The patient received individual home-care advice, including daily plaque control and routine dental and hygiene reviews.

Advice also covered strongly staining foods and drinks, clinician-directed whitening top-ups where appropriate, avoiding heavy biting on hard objects and reporting new or persistent sensitivity.

Clinical limitations and maintenance considerations

Response varies: The effect of whitening and resin infiltration depends on the depth, colour and density of each enamel defect. Resin infiltration may reduce contrast without eliminating every patch.
Structural limits: Resin infiltration changes optical properties; it cannot replace missing enamel or fully correct deep hypoplasia, marked pitting, spacing or jaw alignment.
Sensitivity and colour change: Temporary sensitivity or gum irritation can occur during whitening. Tooth colour can change over time, and further whitening or restorative treatment may later be considered following reassessment.

About this patient case

This page describes one patient's assessment and treatment. Suitability, sensitivity, maintenance needs and aesthetic response vary. It does not guarantee that another patient will be suitable for the same approach or experience the same result.