Teeth Whitening in Cambridge, ON
Coffee, tea, wine, and years of daily use gradually change the colour of your teeth. By the time most patients notice, store-bought strips have already proven themselves inadequate. The problem is that over-the-counter products use lower concentrations of bleaching agent than professional treatments. The results reflect that.
At Cambridge Centre Dental Care, general dentist Dr. Marwan Elaraby and our cosmetic dentistry team offer professional in-office teeth whitening and custom take-home whitening trays. In-office treatment uses ZOOM, a light-activated whitening system. Most patients see a noticeable change in a single appointment. We have been whitening teeth for patients in Cambridge, Galt, Preston, and Hespeler for over 25 years.
We are open seven days a week at 355 Hespeler Road inside Cambridge Centre Mall, with free parking outside.
Book a teeth whitening appointment. Call 519-624-4640 or book online
What causes teeth to stain?
Tooth discolouration falls into two categories: surface stains and internal discolouration. Professional whitening works well on surface stains. It has limited effect on internal discolouration caused by certain medications (like tetracycline taken in childhood), trauma to the tooth, or fluorosis during development. Your dentist will assess which type of staining you have at your consultation.
Surface stains (extrinsic)
These develop on the outer layer of enamel from food, drinks, and tobacco. Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark sauces are the most common culprits. Tobacco is particularly aggressive because nicotine and tar bond to the porous surface of enamel. Surface stains respond well to professional bleaching treatment.
Internal discolouration (intrinsic)
This type occurs inside the tooth itself. The causes include certain antibiotics, trauma that caused internal bleeding in the pulp, past root canal treatment, or natural aging as the enamel thins and the yellow dentin beneath becomes more visible. Professional whitening can sometimes lighten intrinsic discolouration, but veneers or crowns may produce more predictable results in severe cases.
Your dentist will tell you at the consultation which category applies and which treatment option is appropriate for your teeth.
Treatment options at our Cambridge clinic
In-office ZOOM whitening
ZOOM is a peroxide-based whitening gel applied to the teeth and activated with a specialized light. The procedure takes approximately one hour. Your gums and lips are protected with a barrier before the gel is applied. The gel sits on the teeth in 15-minute intervals, typically three cycles per session.
Our teeth whitening room at 355 Hespeler Road has dimmed lighting and music during treatment. Most patients find the process comfortable. Some experience mild sensitivity during the session, which usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours. We discuss sensitivity management options with you before you start.
ZOOM is suitable for most adults with healthy teeth and gums. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it is not appropriate for patients with significant untreated decay or gum disease; those conditions are addressed first.
What whitening cannot fix
Professional whitening works only on natural tooth enamel. It does not change the colour of existing crowns, veneers, bridges, or composite fillings. If you have visible dental work in your smile and are considering whitening, talk to your dentist first. In some cases, whitening the natural teeth and then replacing old restorations to match is the right approach. See our dental restorations page for more on crowns and restorations.
Questions about whether whitening is right for you? Call 519-624-4640 for a consultation.
Why choose Cambridge Centre Dental Care for teeth whitening
Dentist-supervised treatment using professional-grade products
The difference between professional whitening and drugstore kits is the concentration of the active ingredient. Professional-grade hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels are significantly stronger and produce more consistent results. Because a dentist oversees the application, sensitivity and gum exposure are managed throughout the session.
ZOOM system with designated treatment room
Our in-office whitening uses ZOOM, the light-activated whitening system. The treatment room at our Cambridge clinic is set up specifically for whitening visits, with dimmed lighting and music. It is a different environment from a standard dental operatory.
Digital scanning for accurate take-home trays
Custom trays are only as good as the fit. We use three intraoral scanners on-site: the Trios 6, Trios 3, and iTero Lumina. These produce precise digital impressions. Trays fabricated from accurate scans fit better, waste less gel, and are more comfortable to wear.
Open seven days a week
Whitening appointments are available Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM by appointment. Evening and weekend availability means you do not need to take time off work for a whitening appointment.
Part of a full cosmetic treatment plan if needed
Some patients come in wanting whitening and discover at the consultation that their goals are better met by a combination of whitening and another treatment: bonding to fix a chip, or Invisalign to close a gap. Our general dentists can discuss all options in one appointment. See our cosmetic dentistry page for the full range of treatments available.
Cost and insurance for teeth whitening in Cambridge
Teeth whitening is classified as a cosmetic procedure. Most private dental insurance plans do not cover it. The Canada Dental Care Plan does not cover whitening. You pay out of pocket. For full details on treatment costs specific to your smile, requests your appointment today.
What to expect: your whitening appointment step by step
Step 1: Initial assessment
Your dentist checks your teeth and gums before treatment begins. Active decay or gum disease is treated before whitening. This is not a formality. Whitening gel on an unhealthy tooth can cause significant pain. We also assess the type of staining to confirm whitening is the right treatment for your situation.
Step 2: Pre-whitening photograph
We photograph your teeth against a shade guide so you have a reference point for the change. This also helps if you return for touch-up treatment later and want to match your previous result.
Step 3: Gum protection and gel application
For ZOOM treatment, a barrier is applied to your gums and lips before the gel goes on. The gel is applied to the teeth and the ZOOM light activates the bleaching agent. This runs in three 15-minute cycles.
Step 4: Post-treatment review
After the session, your dentist reviews the result and checks your teeth and gums. We discuss aftercare: what to avoid for the next 24 to 48 hours (coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, highly pigmented foods), how long results typically last, and when to schedule a touch-up if you want one.
How long do whitening results last?
That depends on your habits. Coffee and tea drinkers will see results fade faster than patients who mostly drink water. Tobacco accelerates staining significantly. Most patients who maintain good oral hygiene and limit heavily staining food and drinks see results last six months to a year before a touch-up is needed. Some patients book a take-home kit for periodic maintenance after an initial in-office session.
Touch-up sessions with take-home trays are generally shorter and less intensive than a full initial treatment. Keeping your custom trays from your first visit means you only need to purchase the gel for future touch-ups.
Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening in Cambridge
Yes. Professional whitening using peroxide-based gels under dental supervision is safe for healthy teeth and gums. The concentration is higher than over-the-counter products, which is why it works better, but the application is controlled. Your gums are protected during in-office treatment. Sensitivity is the most common side effect and typically resolves within a few days. No. Professional whitening agents work on the organic colour compounds inside the enamel, not on the enamel structure itself. Studies on professional whitening systems have not found evidence of enamel erosion when treatment is used as directed. Overuse of at-home kits is where damage can occur, particularly with ill-fitting trays that allow gel to contact the gums. Custom-fitted trays from a dental office reduce this risk. Sensitivity after whitening is common and temporary. The bleaching agent temporarily increases the permeability of the enamel, which can cause a response to temperature changes or air. This usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Using a toothpaste formulated for sensitivity in the days before and after treatment can help. Let us know if you have existing sensitivity issues before your appointment and we will discuss options. Whitening gel does not change the colour of porcelain crowns, veneers, or composite fillings. If you whiten your natural teeth and have visible restorations, those restorations may no longer match your teeth after treatment. This is worth discussing with your dentist before you start. In some cases, patients choose to replace older restorations after whitening so everything matches. See our dental restorations page for more. In-office professional whitening once or twice a year is generally appropriate for most patients. More frequent treatment is not recommended because repeated exposure to high-concentration gel without adequate recovery time can cause sensitivity. Touch-up sessions with lower-concentration take-home gel can be done more frequently. Your dentist will advise on an interval that fits your situation. Whitening works well on surface stains from food, drinks, and tobacco. It has limited or no effect on intrinsic discolouration caused by tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood, fluorosis, or trauma. If your staining does not respond to whitening, veneers or bonding may produce better results. Your dentist will tell you at the consultation which approach fits your case. No. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by private dental insurance plans or the Canada Dental Care Plan. You pay out of pocket. We accept all major payment methods including credit, debit, cash, and iFinancing.
Ready to book? Call 519-624-4640 or book online. Open 7 days a week at 355 Hespeler Road, Cambridge.
Book your teeth whitening appointment in Cambridge
Cambridge Centre Dental Care is at 355 Hespeler Road, Unit 218, inside Cambridge Centre Mall. We are accepting new patients. Free parking is available directly outside the mall entrance.