A white spot on the enamel (white spot lesion) is often the first sign of caries. At this stage the enamel has already lost some minerals but has not yet broken down. This is exactly where drill-free methods come in.

Icon (Infiltration Concept) by DMG is a caries infiltration method. It was developed at Charite University Hospital in Berlin and has been used in Germany since 2009. The principle is simple: a special resin penetrates the demineralised enamel and seals the pores, stopping caries progression.

How Icon works

The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes and requires no anaesthesia. The dentist applies hydrochloric acid (Icon-Etch) to the affected area for 2 minutes to open the enamel pores. The area is then dried with ethanol (Icon-Dry). Finally, a liquid resin (Icon-Infiltrant) is applied, which penetrates the micropores and is light-cured.

The result: the affected area becomes hard, acid-resistant, and visually indistinguishable from healthy enamel. The white spot disappears.

When Icon works

Initial caries (stage D1-D2): demineralisation limited to the enamel, no cavity.

Proximal caries: detected on X-ray but not yet reaching the dentine.

White spots after braces: a common issue after removal of orthodontic brackets.

When Icon is not suitable

If the caries has already formed a cavity (cavitation), reached the dentine, or is causing pain, the Icon method is not appropriate. In these cases, standard treatment with removal of decayed tissue and a filling is necessary.

Other drill-free methods

Fluoride remineralisation: at the initial stage, the dentist can apply a fluoride varnish (e.g. Duraphat) or prescribe a toothpaste with a higher fluoride concentration (5,000 ppm). Fluoride helps the enamel restore its mineral balance.

Ozone therapy: ozone kills bacteria in the affected area. Some practices use it as a complement to remineralisation, though its effectiveness is less well studied than Icon.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF): used mainly in paediatric dentistry to temporarily arrest caries. SDF stains the affected area black, so it is rarely used on permanent teeth in the smile zone.

Insurance coverage

The Icon method is considered a Privatleistung (private service) and is not part of standard GKV coverage. Some statutory insurers partially reimburse the procedure as part of prevention programmes. It is best to check with your insurer in advance.

With a Zahnzusatzversicherung, the procedure may be fully or partially covered depending on the tariff.