DMG Introduces New Clinical Protocols for Icon Resin Infiltration

 

Minimally invasive dentistry is a hot topic.  Doctors know that nothing works better in the environment of the oral cavity than the original structures that nature put there.  Discovering and implementing ways to remove as little natural tooth structure as possible saves more tooth structure for later.  I wish I could remember who told me this (unfortunately I can't) but years ago someone called this concept "tooth bank dentistry" which implied it is "banking' more natural enamel and dentin for the future".  I love that analogy and use it frequently when talking about minimally invasive procedures to both doctors and patients.  

One of the ways to perform minimally invasive procedures is with a concept called "resin infiltration".  This is a process where a tooth is etched and then thin, flowable resin is applied to the area.  This thin resin penetrates the microscopic porosities in the lesion and is then photo-polymerized with a curing light.  The resin reinforces the area while also sealing it from breakdown.   

One of the best products for resin infiltration is Icon from DMG.  It's especially helpful in conservatively treating 'white spot lesions' on anterior teeth.   I've worked with the material and have been really impressed with the results.  I've also worked with the team at DMG on several projects over the last few years and I can tell you from personal interactions, they are a great group of people.  I love it when good products come from great people.  It always makes my work a little easier.

I have to offer kudos to the folks at DMG for the hard work they've done on Icon.  The kudos are especially appropriate today as DMG has announced a new "decision tree" that doctors can download and use to make Icon usage easier.  

There are a few quotes below from Dr. David Rice, who is a terrific guy.  If you'd like to learn more from Dr. Rice, here is a link to an interview I did with him for The Technology Evangelist Podcast.

All the info & details from DMG are below...

Protocols improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and esthetic outcomes

Dental professionals across North America now have access to updated clinical protocols for micro-invasive Icon® resin infiltration. These new protocols from DMG incorporate enhanced diagnostic techniques, optimized infiltration timing, and structured treatment guidance designed to improve predictability and outcomes for patients with early enamel lesions and opacities.

The updated approach is the result of DMG’s commitment to clinical research and integrates transillumination-based diagnosis, extended infiltration times, and new pre-treatment strategies, alongside a newly-developed clinical decision tree that helps guide dental professionals through case selection and treatment pathways.  Resin infiltration represents a cornerstone of modern minimally invasive dentistry, enabling clinicians to intervene early and preserve healthy tooth structure while addressing patients’ esthetic concerns. 

With the addition of improved diagnostics, refined protocols, and structured clinical guidance, the updated Icon approach aims to help dental professionals achieve more predictable, conservative, and esthetic treatment outcomes.  

Enhanced Diagnostic Protocol: Transillumination

One of the most significant updates to the clinical workflow is the incorporation of transillumination as a diagnostic and monitoring tool that improves case selection and reduces the risk of misdiagnosis or unnecessary invasive treatment. It is also helpful during treatment to assess lesion dehydration and infiltration progress. 

This diagnostic enhancement allows practitioners to better differentiate:

• White spot enamel lesions and opacities
• Early carious lesions
• Developmental defects such as fluorosis 

Optimized Infiltration Protocols

The updated protocol also emphasizes longer infiltration times, allowing deeper penetration of the low-viscosity resin into porous enamel.  “Over the years, I’ve found that success with Icon resin infiltration isn’t just about the material—it’s about refining the protocol,” said Dr. David Rice, a recognized dental industry key opinion leader and founder of igniteDDS. “By incorporating transillumination for better diagnosis and allowing more time for resin penetration, we’re seeing more predictable outcomes and significantly improved esthetic results. It’s a meaningful step forward in how we manage white spot lesions without drilling.”  Longer infiltration periods can improve diffusion of the resin into hypomineralized enamel structures, increasing the masking effect and enhancing lesion stabilization. 

Expanded Pre-Treatment Strategies

The new protocols also incorporate pre-treatment methods designed to produce predictable, esthetic outcomes, including:

• Microabrasion to remove resistant enamel layers and improve access to the lesion body
• Pre-whitening or bleaching protocols in certain cases to reduce contrast between affected and healthy enamel prior to infiltration

Introducing the Icon Clinical Decision Tree

To support clinicians in implementing these updated protocols, a new Icon Clinical Decision Tree has been introduced.

The decision tree provides a structured pathway to help dental professionals:

• Evaluate lesion etiology and severity
• Determine whether infiltration is appropriate
• Identify when additional pre-treatment steps may be necessary
• Select the correct treatment protocol based on lesion characteristics

The tool simplifies clinical decision-making and promotes predictable treatment planning for white spot lesions, fluorosis, and early caries lesions.

Clinicians can access the decision tree here:

https://drilling-no-thanks.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DMGA_Icon_Decision-Tree_2026.pdf

About Icon Resin Infiltration

Icon is a micro-invasive treatment designed to halt early enamel caries and improve the appearance of white spot lesions without drilling. By infiltrating a low-viscosity resin into the lesion body, the  technique arrests lesion progression and restores the natural optical properties of enamel.

About DMG 

DMG manufactures and distributes a full range of market-leading dental materials and  equipment that are internationally recognized for their quality and innovation. Known for its breakthrough dental technology – including flagship products like Luxatemp® and LuxaCore® Z Dual, the revolutionary Icon® caries infiltrant, LuxaCrown® long-term crown and bridge material, and new additions such as Ecosite restorative composites, and DentaMile® 3D printing solution, complete with software, hardware and resins – DMG is committed to helping provide holistic solutions and streamlined workflows for dental and lab professionals to meet their needs through innovation, collaboration, and dedication. 

For more information about DMG products, or to find a sales representative, please visit online at www.dmg-america.com, or call 800-662-6383.

Together, we’re looking ahead: A smile ahead together