What are white spots?
White spots are areas of the enamel that are more opaque and lighter than the rest of the tooth, caused by a difference in mineralisation — not by surface staining.
Unlike a coffee or tobacco stain that settles on the tooth, a white spot comes from within the enamel: a more porous area scatters the light differently and appears white and chalky. It is most often a cosmetic concern, but one that can be bothersome day to day, especially on the teeth of the smile.
Where do white spots come from?
Several origins are possible; identifying them determines the treatment.
- Hypomineralisation (MIH) — a defect in the formation of the enamel during childhood.
- Fluorosis — an excess of fluoride during the formation of the teeth.
- Post-orthodontic demineralisation — spots that appear around the brackets after treatment.
- Early carious lesion — the very beginning of demineralisation, to be monitored.
The diagnosis of the origin and depth of the spot is made at the first appointment in Paris 8: it determines whether resin infiltration is indicated, or whether another approach is needed.
Resin infiltration (micro-invasive technique)
Infiltration draws a fluid resin into the porous enamel to mask the spot, without trimming the tooth and, most often, without anaesthesia.
The principle: the resin fills the micro-porosities of the white area and takes on a refractive index close to that of healthy enamel. The light then passes through the spot in the same way as the rest of the tooth, and the white area fades. The treatment is conservative: no drill, no loss of tooth structure, and it is generally carried out in a single session.
Indications & limits
Infiltration gives its best results on superficial white spots. It also has limits that it is only honest to set out from the start.
- Mild to moderate fluorosis and superficial hypomineralisation spots.
- Post-orthodontic spots that appeared after the removal of the brackets.
- Without trimming or devitalising the tooth, preserving the enamel.
Deep, brown or very extensive spots may not disappear completely and may call for another solution (micro-abrasion, composite, veneer). Infiltration is not a whitening treatment: it masks the spot, it does not change the overall shade of the teeth. Dr Saal assesses the realistic result before treating.
The treatment, step by step
Infiltration follows a short sequence, in a single session in most cases.
Diagnosis
Analysis of the origin and depth of the spot, reference photographs and confirmation of the indication.
Preparation of the enamel
Cleaning, isolation of the tooth and application of a gel that opens the micro-porosities of the white area.
Infiltration of the resin
The fluid resin penetrates the enamel and is then light-cured. The operation may be repeated to optimise the masking.
Polishing & check
Polishing of the surface and verification of the result under different lighting.
Clinical cases
In accordance with our professional code of conduct, these photographs do not represent a guaranteed result: results vary according to each clinical situation.
Result & longevity
The result is immediate and stable: the resin integrates with the enamel and the masking of the spot is long-lasting.
The treated area does not “re-stain” like a surface stain. A slight change in the shade of the teeth over the years remains possible; a regular check-up allows this to be monitored. Infiltration can also be combined with whitening, carried out beforehand, when the overall shade also needs to be lightened.
Treatment pricing & quotes
The treatment of white spots is a cosmetic treatment: it is not covered by the Assurance Maladie. The cost depends on the number of teeth involved.
Fees — Dr Laura Zeitoun Saal practice, Paris 8
A written, detailed quote is provided after the first diagnosis appointment, before any treatment.
Your white spots treated in Paris 8, avenue George V
Dr Laura Zeitoun Saal’s practice is located at 45 avenue George V, in the heart of the Triangle d’Or, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris — between the Champs-Élysées and the Seine.
By appointment, it welcomes patients from Paris 8 and across the Île-de-France for the treatment of white spots and cosmetic dentistry treatments. Direct access: George V station (line 1) a few steps away, and Alma–Marceau (line 9) nearby.
