A Caring & Kind Kid’s Dentist

Child Dentistry

OptiSmile offers exceptional quality when providing professional and friendly care for your children’s teeth. Our qualified staff use the latest dental technology to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatments tailored to your child’s needs. Not only do we strive to manage your child’s overall dental health, but we are also determined to create a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment that puts children at ease. With OptiSmile, you can be sure of an excellent first dentist experience for you and your child. 

Why Use Optismile As Your Paediatric Dentist

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A gentle first experience

Your little one will be exposed to a gentle first dental experience, including the chair, the equipment, the smells, the sounds and the friendly faces that will be greeting them each time. 

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Setting up good oral health habits

As dentists we are compassionate about oral health, so during your child’s first visits, we will be focused on teaching the importance of proper oral health and teaching good brushing and flossing techniques for strong, healthy teeth. 

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Tailored payment options

OptiSmile understands that each customer’s financial needs are unique, which is why we provide a variety of payment options for our customers. Additionally, our policy of providing cost breakdowns prior to services allows customers to plan with certainty and strategically allocate their funds according to their personal financial situation. 

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A friendly environment for your child

The Sea Point office of our dental practice is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the world: Cape Town’s stunning Atlantic seaboard. From the office’s windows, your child can relax with panoramic views across the coast – a pleasant distraction during treatment that can help ease anxious children. 

Don’t take our word for it. See what our clients say.

Danielle S.
Danielle S.
Dr. Clifford is amazing! I came from the states to do injection molded bonding. I also had my teeth cleaned and whitened. The whole team is friendly, the office is beautiful, and the result is better than I could have imagined. Thank you so much to Dr. Clifford and team 🙌🏼 Highly highly recommend
Bettie C.
Bettie C.
Pure magic. That is my experience Dr Clifford Yudelman and Siwe his assistant saving a most important tooth today. Without one moment of fearing the usual anxiety a visit to a dentist meant in my young days. None of the "what-ifs" that could happen during a 2 hour long reparation of a cracked tooth with ancient silver filling from long ago. None of the fear of what could happen should I not be able to swallow and saliva could smother me in the upside down position in a dentists chair! Not once did I experience that anxiety with Siwe sucking all my fear away. And then watching the artist/computer geek, Dr Clifford creating a new ceramic tooth, as if creating a 3D sculpture in photoshop! Then sending his design via internet to a machine that carves my new ceramic tooth as I watch it happening!Thank you Team Clifford/Siwe for what is not the regular "dentist-fear but an experience of wonder at modern technology performed by Magicians.
Anika K.
anika K.
The team at optismile has changed the way I look at dentistry. I use to fear going to the dentist, they make you feel so comfortable and welcomed.They are not just your regular “reactive” dentist, a full assessment prior to your consult ensures a proactive approach to your dental health.All the expertise you need in one place.I now smile with confidence thanks to them!!Friendly professional service.I cannot recommend them enough.The only thing I regret is not getting to them earlier.
Stephanie F.
Stephanie F.
I could not recommend Optismile enough! The reception staff are always so friendly & helpful, the practice environment is so clean & beautiful with amazing views, and the dental experts are, in my opinion, absolutely world class! I switched to Optismile when I wasn't happy with what was supposed to be the end result of my Invisalign treatment with another provider... Dr Smeyatsky was phenomenal, and he immediately understood why I wasn't yet satisfied & made a plan for me. The final result was exactly what I had always envisioned! Upon his advice, I also had some composite bonding done on two of my teeth after my treatment, which elevated my smile even further, while still looking natural & not giving that "overly done" look. Optismile has given me so much confidence in my smile. I'm so happy I chose this practice & every year without fail when I visit home from the UK, I go back for oral hygiene & a dental check-up to maintain the smile I now have. Every visit continues to be a delight!
Melanie S.
Melanie S.
Hallo zusammen ,Ich war im Dezember in Kapstadt im Urlaub als ich dummerweise über Nacht heftige Zahnschmerzen bekam. Die Praxis in Seapoint wurde mir von Freunden empfohlen und ich habe sofort einen Termin bekommen. Das ganze Team hat sich super um mich gekümmert und Dr. Ruan ist ein super einfühlsamer Arzt der sich viel Zeit nimmt und alles genau mit mir besprochen hat.Auch nach der Behandlung wurde sich noch des Öfteren per WhatsApp nach meinem Wohlbefinden informiert.Ich kann die Praxis nur empfehlen !!!Liebes OptiSmile Team : nochmal vielen vielen Dank für eure schnelle Hilfe. Macht weiter so . Ihr seid einfach super !!Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland. Melanie
Max W.
Max W.
Best dentist's in the world, bar none. Trust me.
Marysia A.
Marysia A.
Cozy and friendly environment with superb service. Melany, the hygienist was extremely personable and very gentle. Probably the best cleaning I have ever had.
Andreas L.
Andreas L.
I have been at many tooth doctors around the globe but the services especially Invisalign is unique in terms of quality, price and the human factor. Thank you 🙏
Laure P.
Laure P.
I met Dr Clifford with the dream of having a beautiful smile that I wouldn't be ashamed anymore, as well as fixing few issues. Very quickly, within the first appointment, he had my trust. Despite being scared of not looking like me anymore, he and his team made sure that I was looked after during the few weeks leading to the big day. Now, after working on more than 8 teeth, doing the bonding, I have so happy and can't stop smiling!!! He gave me back my confidence and I also feel more confident that the issues I had, are now dealt with. All without damaging or removing any of my teeth. I am very grateful and can't recommend them all enough!!!!!
Jasmine H.
Jasmine H.
The team at Optismile is always so warm and welcoming. The receptionists are rock stars and are always on the ball when it comes to scheduling appointments. The dentists and their assistants are also so friendly and make me feel right at home when I arrive. I highly reccomend them, their services are 10/10!
Ophir S.
ophir S.
Fantastic experience. The staff are excellent and very professional. I love my results!🙌
Terri S.
Terri S.
I have never been more impressed with a dental practice in my life. Melanie, the hygienist was patient and kind, and even gave a massage to my jaw at the end!! (Major brownie points in my book as I have never experienced this at any other dental offices). Dr Clifford and his staff are excellent!! Thank you for the amazing experience!
Bonny B.
Bonny B.
The best everything, from making your first appointment right through to aftercare for your procedure. Highly recommend.
Bonnie L.
Bonnie L.
OptiSmile is absolutely amazing! Professional, friendly, and incredibly skilled—they truly offer the full package. The team makes you feel welcome and comfortable from the moment you walk in. Their attention to detail and genuine care set them apart. Highly recommend for anyone looking for exceptional dental care!
Dominique L.
Dominique L.
10 star service at OptiSmile! Can highly recommend 😊 Dr Harris is the best!
Charity H.
Charity H.
I highly recommend OptiSmile .The service received from the reception , communication to dentistry and everything is amazing.We had a very pleasant experience with Dr Ruana and her staff.My 7 year old daughter was very anxious about the appointment but Dr Ruana was very patient with her.Thanks to Lauren for spending a lot of time with my daughter trying to calm her down and thank you for the special gift.Thank you OptiSmile.
Ray W.
Ray W.
One of the best dental practices I’ve ever visited! The staff are incredibly friendly and professional, and the practice is equipped with the latest technology. The stunning sea views is a bonus. Would highly recommend.
Matt S.
Matt S.
For the first time in my life I have a smile to be proud of!Working with OptiSmile over the past 7 months has been nothing short of incredible. The entire team is warm, welcoming and they take the time to make sure the plan they create is suited to your goals. In just 7 months I have gone from having chipped, yellow and misaligned teeth to a clean white smile!A special thank you to both Dr Harris and Dr Cara. Dr Harris was responsible for getting my teeth into the correct positions and Dr Cara is an artist for what she has done to create my smile! I will be eternally grateful to both, and the entire team for what they have achieved.If you are looking for a highly skilled and passionate team to help you get the smile you've always wanted, OptiSmile is the way to go.
Keegan W.
Keegan W.
Such a great place! Everyone that works there makes it such a pleasant experience! Dr Keira & Dr Clifford are geniuses and so professional in every aspect of what they do! Definitely the best place to go if you need any work done on your teeth! 🙂
Chantelle S.
CHANTELLE S.
Thank you from the bottom of our heartsFor giving Xander such a beutifull smile.Today was his matricball and he was smiling like a celebrity.
Brent B.
Brent B.
OptiSmile offers a professional and modern environment with exceptional service from Melany and the team. The results from the in-chair tooth whitening were fantastic, and the friendly service combined with great value for money made for a wonderful experience. Highly recommend!
Scott C.
Scott C.
Ruan and assistant Busi are a caring an competent team.Thank you for everything you did to restore my smile.
Gilles C.
Gilles C.
I have a dentist phobia and always avoid it at all cost, fortunately for me Dr Keira T. was extremely helpful and gentle! I went for Teeth cleaning and whitening and the results were instant which was a very nice surprise. Very professional and I would totally recommend the place. My go to dentist from now on.
Luc R.
Luc R.
The best. All that needs to be said. Kindest, most professional, caring, most fun.
Nataliia K.
Nataliia K.
Great service and very professional doctors. Highly recommend!
Andreya J.
Andreya J.
Dr. Clifford and his extended team are true masters. They lead an exceptional state of the art practice with passion and utmost dedication to their clients. I have had some extensive work done by Dr. Clifford, where he did a collaboration with my dentist from the United States, he went above and beyond to repair a very tricky situation and I could not be happier. There is no other dental practice that I would recommend with such confidence. Thank you to Dr. Clifford and everyone at Optismile for your impeccable care.
Mark N.
Mark N.
Would definitely recommend. Extremely helpful and professional.
Samantha M.
Samantha M.
I have walked a long journey with Dr Cara and she has been a rockstar: kind, patient, understanding and accommodating of someone who has dental anxiety and just so thoughtful in her interactions with me and working through identifying the need for a root canal and finalising it all with an inlay/crown.I appreciate your patience Dr Cara, and the super high tech equipment you used to get me my night guard ASAP and diagnosing my TMD and sending me to a specialist physio (instead of pulling out my tooth like I was insisting on 😂) and getting me to smile at the end of a dental appointment - not my usual vibe believe me. Thanks to everyone at @optismile I’ll see you guys in 6 months for a check up ❤️ love, @sammikoalareads
Fiona M.
Fiona M.
My invisalign experience with Optismile was amazing! Fantastic results! Best 50th birthday present to myself! 😁5 star experience from 1st appointment until my last. Professional caring staff made for a great overall experience.Dr Harris Smeyatsky is the best!
Tiphaine G.
Tiphaine G.
Dr Keira is one of the best dentist I have ever had. I came in July with my partner and we had the best treatment. She is passionate, professional and really takes the time to explain you what she does and how to improve your teeth and gum. The whole team is very friendly and professional, you can also hear nice music and have a view on the ocean while you are having your appointment!I had to come back a month later for a small emergency, Dr Keira made space right away, helped me sort it out and did not let me pay. I really recommand you to go there if you are looking for Dentistry. I come from France and I can tell you this is really really a next level experience!
Katie F.
Katie F.
Dr Keira Tularam was excellent, very patient with me as a nervous patient, gentle and kind, I’d highly recommend her.
Sharon M.
Sharon M.
Dr Clifford Yudelman makes going to the dentist almost fun😄 Great conversation & music throughout the session. My treatments have been pain free and Optismile offers an impressive level of in house technology. Everyone from reception to dental assistants to dentists is professional and friendly.
Sharron B.
Sharron B.
Red carpet VIP treatment and Excellent Consultation from Beginning to End, Thank You👌
Shiraan F.
Shiraan F.
Dr Clifford is a legend. They do great work and if you are not happy Dr Clifford will assit until you are 100% happy and give them this 5 star rating.
Luke D.
Luke D.
Dr Harris and Dr Cara are both phenomenal. I was told by other dentists I had to have an operation to correct my underbite. With their experience and Invisalign it was quick, painless and overall a very pleasant experience. If you want the very best dental care, Optismile is the place. Thank you Dr Harris and Dr Cara! 🙂
Andre N.
Andre N.
Very friendly and thorough. Makes a dentist appointment very enjoyable
Neve I.
Neve I.
Very good!
Jade H.
Jade H.
The Optismile establishment as a whole is very impressive. So much care is taken to cater for the comfort of patients, from a beverage to a blanket, not forgetting the decent, genuine conversation that comes from the staff. Personally, Dr Yudelman ensured my dental emergency was handled swiftly, and to the utmost degree of efficiency, without even knowing me. I was reassured from the moment I sat in the chair.As I do not stay in The Western Cape full time, it was a concern that I might not find a professional who could understand my previous difficulties/history and thoughtfully make informed decisions for the steps to follow. He was kind and described the procedures, so I could understand what exactly would result from my appointment. No less, he helped me on very short notice, even staying after hours to ensure I received the help I needed.Thank you Dr Yudelman and Optismile for offering a service that is worth every minute and penny.
Kelly F.
Kelly F.
I went to OptiSmile initially to get a broken tooth fixed, and find out more about Invisalign. I was experiencing jaw pain and had been told I could expect more chipping and breaking of my molars unless I addressed the root cause of crooked bottom teeth in particular. I ended up spending seven months with Louis, Harris, Clifford and their assistants, who worked out a complete dental plan for me and then repaired and straightened my teeth but also so much more. And Verona, who checked in with me at every appointment. It's the most relaxed yet professional and adept dental practice I've been to, with the latest technology and dental advancements. I no longer worry about teeth breaking and my jaw pain is gone. Louis and Clifford were also happy to work without anaesthetic when I said I'd prefer not to have it. Everyone in the practice is down to earth and friendly, and it creates a welcoming environment where you feel you're in safe hands. I'm confident now that my teeth are strong and fit for purpose for years to come. Thanks to all of you for such a comfortable and seamless experience.
Lyndon B.
Lyndon B.
OptiSmile, Dr Louis, Clifford & the amazing dental assistants saved my smile.This is the best dentist in the world in my opinion after visiting veneer specialist dental clinics around the world and having a rough 2 year journey of trying to re-correct my original veneer work which I had done in the UK, Dr Louis, Clifford and OptiSmile saved me and have changed my life especially my mental health.I came to Optismile originally just for them to stick back on my veneer which had been falling off for the last two years, I really was hopeless and Clifford offered me a treatment plan which would re-correct the full veneer work with even more veneers included and also fix my bite which I had struggled with intense pain and regular headaches with.I ended up going for it, I trusted my instincts as not only you can see how professional they are but also friendly and the clinic is very modern with the latest technology.I had a full makeover and life changing smile all within 3 months, not to mention a very reasonable price for the highest quality.Dr Louis was in charge of my treatment and he allowed me to WhatsApp him with any concerns throughout, he’s become a good friend and I am so grateful.Thank you to everyone at Optismile, everyone on reception who are friendly, the dentists who are clear professionals, the assistants who are kind and gentle and everyone who made this journey so easy for me.Best,Lyndon.
Seán H.
Seán H.
Excellent experience as usual! I had an overlay replaced, it was placed and fitted with machine-like precision. And the whole procedure was very comfortable. Thank you Clifford definitely the best dentist in Cape Town.
Peter M.
Peter M.
I had the pleasure of being treated by the world class dentists at Optismile, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Dr. Cara did a fantastic job adding bridges, and Dr. Steyn was amazing with the implants. Their expertise and professionalism truly stand out. The entire experience was seamless, and they made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. Thanks to their excellent work, I now have a smile I'm proud of. Highly recommend these talented dentists to anyone in need of dental care!
Kate L.
kate L.
Dr Cara is so professional, she took me through the process step-by-step. The end result is so rewarding.
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About Paediatric Dentistry

Paediatric dentistry is an age-defined speciality that provides primary, comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special needs. Children’s dentistry encompasses a variety of disciplines, techniques, procedures and skills that share a common basis with other specialities but are modified and adapted to the unique needs of children and teenagers.

While the initial visits to the dentist should not require treatment, future visits may involve fillings and fissure sealants. In cases where a lot of restorative work is needed, and your child isn’t able to sit still for long periods, we might recommend sedation or general anaesthetic to make the experience as untraumatic as possible. 

Paediatric Dental Treatments

Dental checkups

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Parents want their children to have the best oral health possible, including scheduling regular dentist trips. Children must get a dental checkup at least once a year to ensure optimal oral health. Dentists can spot early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other potential dental problems that could lead to more severe issues during these visits.

Dental cleanings

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Regular dental cleanings can help children avoid painful cavities and costly restorations in the future. During a dental cleaning, a professional hygienist gently removes plaque from teeth surfaces and floss between them; this helps remove bacteria that cause decay. Dental cleanings also allow an assessment of a child’s overall oral health and make recommendations for further care if needed. So make sure to schedule your little one for their next dental cleaning. 

Fissure sealants

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Fissure sealants are an effective way for children to protect their teeth from cavities. Sealants are a transparent plastic layers painted onto teeth to provide an extra barrier of protection against food particles and bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay. They help guard against cavities and are incredibly easy and relatively painless to apply, making them an ideal choice for young children. Fissure sealants can last up to 5 years, allowing your child’s teeth to remain safe throughout those crucial developing years. 

Children’s root canal (pulpotomies or pulpectomies)

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When it comes to root canal treatment, most people think of adult teeth. However, pulpotomies and pulpectomies are treatments that can help keep baby teeth healthy. These procedures involve removing the inflamed or infected nerve tissue from the inside of the tooth, avoiding extraction and allowing an eventual adult tooth to erupt. Although pulpotomies and pulpectomies can be more involved in baby teeth due to their larger diameter nerves and smaller crowns. Pulpotomies and pulpectomies remain key components in maintaining proper oral health in paediatric dentistry. In many cases, these simple procedures can keep primary teeth until they naturally fall out, allowing young children to confidently enjoy their favourite smile-inducing foods. 

Extraction of baby teeth

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Seeing a dentist for teeth extraction is sometimes necessary during childhood. Some families feel anxious about the experience, but there’s no need to worry as long as you pick a reputable, experienced dentist. With gentle care and attention, a skilled dentist can help make sure children get an efficient and comfortable treatment that helps pave the way for larger, healthier adult teeth. 

Fillings specific for baby teeth

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When it comes to your child’s dental health, it is crucial to think beyond regular brushing and flossing; fillings specific for baby teeth are often an essential part of the equation. The unique structure of baby teeth makes them more prone to decay than adult teeth, including that children can often have poorer oral health habits. Therefore, when cavities occur, your child must receive a filling. OptiSmile’s quality fillings are designed for maximum strength and minimal discomfort for your child; this ensures optimal dental health. 

Paediatric oral health education

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OptiSmile’s Dentists are an excellent resource for paediatric oral health education. We’ll offer comprehensive tips and tools to teach kids and their parents about dental hygiene habits, including brushing techniques and the prevention of cavities. We’ll also provide specialised instructions on proper flossing and the use of mouthwash to help keep young teeth healthy. With OptiSmile, parents can ensure that their children are armed with the skills needed to maintain optimal oral health from a young age. 

Orthodontic treatment

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Orthodontic treatment using Invisalign is an effective and healthy way to align children’s teeth properly. It is a revolutionary system of removable, clear aligners that provide comfort, and it’s tailored to the unique needs of each child. The aligners fit securely over the teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired positions over time. This process makes it possible to straighten teeth without requiring traditional metal braces with wires, bands and brackets, allowing kids to maintain their normal activities without risking damage or discomfort from the metal braces. Additionally, because the aligners are nearly invisible on the outside, children can feel confident about their smiles during treatment, aiding in the avoidance of bullying associated with conventional braces. 

Kid’s Dentist FAQs

Take a look at our most common questions about paediatric dentistry. If you have further questions, please reach out to us for help. 

We recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. 

Our pediatric dentists are experienced in dealing with children with anxiety and can explain treatment procedures positively and pleasantly to avoid negative feelings toward dentistry. Our doctors and staff will explain everything in detail and answer any questions you or your child may have. We advise parents to ask their children about their feelings and refrain from using words that could cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle” or “drill.” 

We will record your child’s dental and medical history, complete a comprehensive examination and discuss any findings with you. We will also review the importance of maintaining a good dental health program with you and your child to ensure a healthy and beautiful smile for life! 

Ensuring your children have healthy teeth and proper oral hygiene is essential to their overall health. To protect your children’s teeth, it is vital to establish good dental habits and visit the dentist regularly. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, replacing toothbrushes every three months, and eating foods that are high in calcium can help you keep your children’s teeth strong.

Additionally, it is important to limit sugary snacks and juices to reduce risking the development of decay. Also, avoid sharing utensils or cups with them as this could increase the risk of products like cold sores transferring between family members. 

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