Chapters
Introduction
[00:00:05]
Welcome by Eon Engelbrecht and introduction of Dr Clifford Yudelman; framing the episode within the “Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth” podcast.
OptiSmile’s Digital Leadership
[00:00:41]
Dr Yudelman shares the motivation behind trademarking “Leading Digital Dentists” — underscoring a brand built around tech-driven care and better outcomes.
Improving Dentist-Patient Communication
[00:01:49]
3D scans offer real-time visuals for patients to understand their dental condition; screen-recorded video explanations via WhatsApp add a personal touch.
3D-Printed Restorations vs Traditional Materials
[00:03:38]
Advanced ceramic-filled 3D resins are stronger and thinner than Emax; better for tooth preservation and aesthetics.
Digital Workflows and Faster Recovery
[00:05:48]
CBCT and 3D-printed surgical guides ensure precision with less trauma, resulting in quicker healing and better outcomes — especially beneficial for dental tourists.
Invisalign Progress Tracking
[00:09:30]
Digital scans and AI tools assess progress mid-treatment, reducing delays and extra aligners; patients use a virtual care app for real-time feedback.
Time-Lapse Monitoring with Historical Scans
[00:12:45]
Overlaying old and new scans helps detect tooth wear, gum recession, and erosion; even allows for rebuilding original tooth shape.
Costs and Risks of Digital Dentistry
[00:17:54]
Technology investments are high for practices but patients benefit from transparent pricing — no extra cost for scans at OptiSmile.
Importance for Complex Cases
[00:21:53]
For implants, smile makeovers, or bite correction, digital planning ensures precise, stable, and aesthetic results.
The Future of Digital Dentistry
[00:24:07]
Exciting innovations ahead: AR-guided procedures, AI diagnostics without x-rays, cordless at-home scanners, and more personalised care.
Closing Remarks
[00:31:26]
Final thanks from Eon; encouragement to subscribe and consult professionals — reminding listeners to keep smiling.
Transcript
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA
(0:05)
Welcome again to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, the podcast where curiosity meets dentistry straight from the experts. I’m Eon, and once again joined by Dr Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile, ready to take a deep dive into the world of dental care from a consumer’s perspective.
Big welcome again Dr Yudelman — are you well?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile
(0:41)
I’m well, thank you! I’m very excited. We had a great response to our last two episodes on digital dentistry.
This is part 3 — and we’re going even deeper. Some of the questions might sound similar but people really want to know as much as possible so they can decide whether it’s worth seeking out a digital dentist.
We’ve even trademarked our tagline: Leading Digital Dentists. That’s how strongly we feel about this — it’s part of our name, part of our brand identity.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA
(1:35)
That’s brilliant. So, let’s start there — how does digital dentistry improve communication between me and my dentist?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile
(1:49)
It’s a game changer in two big ways.
First, instead of relying on complicated explanations or showing you a diagram, we scan your teeth, and then show you a 3D image of your mouth.
It’s visual — you can literally see where there’s decay, where the teeth are worn, or what needs attention. This builds trust because it’s not just me telling you — we’re looking at the screen together.
Secondly, I use a screen-recording tool called Vidyard. So, if I’m designing your smile or working on your veneers, I can record a video showing your scan, explaining what’s going to happen, and send it to you on WhatsApp. You can share it with your partner and rewatch it anytime.
That’s personalised digital dentistry.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA
(3:27)
Incredible. And are these 3D-printed restorations as strong as traditional materials — or stronger?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile
(3:38)
Great question — they’re actually stronger in many cases.
Modern 3D-printing resins are filled with 60–70% ceramic particles. They have better fracture resistance than older materials.
For example, traditional ceramic like Emax has been amazing since 2007 — but it requires more tooth removal because it needs thickness for strength.
With 3D printing, we can print restorations as thin as 200–300 microns — almost see-through — while still being incredibly strong.
The future Is about preserving your natural tooth as much as possible.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA
(5:34)
And what about big procedures like implants or root canals — how does digital dentistry speed up recovery?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile
(5:48)
This is where digital shines.
We take a 3D CBCT scan — like a mini-CT scan of your jaw. We combine that with a 3D scan of your teeth and plan everything on the computer.
Then we 3D-print a surgical guide — like a custom template that fits over your teeth. It guides the drill exactly where your implant needs to go.
This means:
Less trauma to the surrounding tissue
Faster healing
More precise placement
Better long-term outcomes
And if you’re visiting Cape Town as a dental tourist — we can design, print, and fit this guide while you’re in the chair.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA
(9:14)
Wow. And with Invisalign — can digital tech track progress in real time?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile
(9:30)
Absolutely. Invisalign has incredible tools for this.
We take a new scan around aligner number 9 or 10 — and it compares where your teeth should be with where they are.
It colour-codes everything so we can see if a tooth isn’t moving according to plan.
Plus, there’s a virtual care app — patients send us photos every time they change aligners, and the AI analyses tooth movement.
This reduces the need for additional aligners and keeps your treatment on track.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA
(12:45)
That’s amazing. And can you use previous scans to track changes in my teeth over the years?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile
(12:45)
Yes — and that’s one of the biggest advantages.
We can overlay your scans from 5 or even 10 years ago with your current scan.
The software creates a time-lapse showing areas of:
Tooth wear
Gum recession
Erosion from acid (like lemon water habits)
This means we can catch problems before they become serious.
We’ve even rebuilt teeth to their exact previous shape using these old scans.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA
(17:42)
Are there any risks or downsides with digital dentistry?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile
(17:54)
The main downside is the cost — for the dentist!
These machines are expensive — CBCT scanners cost around R1.5 million. Intraoral scanners around R800,000.
Software licenses, cloud storage, training — it all adds up.
At OptiSmile, we’ve invested in all of this because it benefits our patients. We don’t charge extra for scans — it’s included in your initial consultation.
But the result is more accurate, transparent, and comfortable dentistry.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA
(21:40)
And for complex cases — does digital dentistry really make a difference?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile
(21:53)
Yes — the more complex the case, the more essential digital tools become.
When placing multiple implants, designing a full smile makeover, or managing worn-down teeth — precision is everything.
Digital planning ensures:
Correct bite alignment
Long-term stability
A natural-looking final result
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA
(23:57)
Looking ahead — what’s the future of digital dentistry?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile
(24:07)
Augmented reality is coming — where a dentist wears smart glasses and sees your scan overlaid onto your real teeth during treatment.
AI will improve diagnostics — potentially eliminating the need for x-rays by using hyperspectral imaging.
And scanners will get smaller, faster, and even more accurate.
We’re already seeing cordless scanners and apps where patients can scan their own teeth at home and receive a full diagnostic report.
It’s an exciting future!
Closing Statement
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA
(31:26)
Thank you, Dr Yudelman. This has been mind-blowing.
And thank you to our listeners for joining us on Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth. Remember to consult your own dental professional for personalised advice.
Don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and we’ll see you next week.
Until then — keep smiling and take great care of your teeth.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, “Save Your Money Save Your Teeth” on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations.Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns.The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.
