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.

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Sean G.
4 days ago
I was very impressed with Optismile in general and will definitely give them five stars. The whole approach from reception to dentistry is very professional and efficient. The work that was conducted was excellent and to my satisfaction and the friendliness and service from the particular Dentist who assisted me, Dr Juanette Du Toit, is certainly appreciated. I would recommend the dentistry and this particular dentist.
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E C.
3 weeks ago
Highly recommend this practice! Dr. Clifford and the entire team were incredibly friendly, informative, professional, patient, and so much more. My older sibling recommended this practice to me and said it was even better than the dental offices we visit in the U.S., as we are visitors to CPT. She was absolutely right! This has become my favorite dental practice, and with my frequent visits to CPT, it will definitely be my go to office moving forward. Dr. Clifford carefully reviewed everything that had been explained to me by my U.S. dental provider and quickly recognized that I was being recommended treatment that were not needed and that they were trying to take advantage of me. The technology at OptiSmiles is far more advanced than what I have experienced at many dental practices in the States. Communication is also excellent! You’ll receive responses quickly, and the team is always willing to help. I have complete confidence in OptiSmiles and highly recommend them to anyone looking for honest, high-quality dental care. They are not focused on upselling services or taking your money. Instead, they genuinely care about your dental health, your smile, and providing the best care possible.
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Rita C.
4 weeks ago
An exceptional experience from start to finish. My journey was a year long & covered replacing old fillings on numerous teeth, Invisalign, cleaning, crowns & injection moulding for that perfect smile. Dr Clifford & Dr Harris are two gentlemen that take the utmost pride in their jobs & attention to detail is key for them. No amount of time spent with them is too long & they never rush you, they answer the same questions over & over with clarity. They make you feel comfortable & that your journey matters, you are not just another client. All the staff are so in sync & as you move from one step to the next all are ready for you. The detailed reports you receive, the reminders for appointments, their equipment & programs used along with the friendliness of all make this journey a pleasant one for a process that usually is not. I can only highly recommend this practice for ALL your dental needs & thank all involved for the exceptional treatment & service!
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Dale Y.
4 weeks ago
I had an excellent experience at OptiSmile. My appointment with Aaqilah , the hygienist, was outstanding. She took the time to listen to my concerns and carefully explained every step of the process, which immediately put me at ease. OptiSmile’s new Swiss-made AIRFLOW machine made the cleaning experience remarkably gentle and comfortable. I walked out with a huge smile and noticeably cleaner teeth. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a modern, professional, and genuinely caring dental experience.
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Sharon M.
1 month ago
Very professional and welcoming. I felt like I was in safe hands. My treatment options were explained fully and I feel confident that I will receive the best possible care. So pleased to have found OptiSmile.
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Marie L.
2 months ago
Fabulous experience with Dr Ruan and the Optismile team. Dr Ruan is calm, very professional, and very talented. My treatment went smoothly and provided excellent results, beyond expectation. I fully recommend Optismile.
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Gareth Van W.
2 months ago
Amazing service and expertise
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gregory G.
2 months ago
Excellent professional and friendly service
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Claris A.
2 months ago
A very welcome place, clean environment and good results for good smile 😃.
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Tatenda G.
3 months ago
My 2 year old got injured on his front teeth during the festive season and there were not alot of paedi-dentist on-call. Struggled to find anyone available until I bumped into optismile website and contacted Dr. Yudelman. He was very hands on with giving us referrals and assisting with what we need to do in the mean time as we looked for someone available. I am forever grateful for him taking his time and always following up on us. Thank you so much Doc, God bless.
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Hans V.
3 months ago
Juanette takes time to explains what need to be done. She proposes crowns but also respect patients who choose for repair of fillings. I like that approach. I am in the dentists hands but can make my own choice! This was my 3rd visit and I will ask next time for her again.
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Eden A.
3 months ago
I had the opportunity to spend time at OptiSmile as a dental student visiting from the United States, and I can confidently say it was one of the best shadowing experiences I’ve had. Although I was not a patient, Dr. Yudelman and the entire staff were incredibly kind, welcoming, and professional from the moment I arrived. Dr. Yudelman went out of his way to make me feel included and truly immersed in the practice, taking the time to show me everything they had going on and allowing me to observe different aspects of the clinic. What stood out most was how intentional he was about teaching and sharing his knowledge. It was clear that he genuinely cares about mentorship and creating a positive learning environment. The entire team also contributed to making the experience so comfortable and enjoyable. On top of that, the office itself is absolutely beautiful—modern, well-organized, and very patient-centered. I’m very grateful for the experience and would highly recommend OptiSmile, both for patients and for students seeking meaningful exposure to dentistry.
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Elsabe van H.
4 months ago
Highly recommend! I've been a patient with Dr Cara for almost 1.5 years and have been consistently impressed with the excellent service and friendly care. The dentists and all the admin staff are knowledgeable and professional! A top-notch dental experience!
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johannes P.
4 months ago
Had an outstanding experience. Dr. Harris and Dr. Clifford were incredibly friendly and professional throughout. My teeth were slightly angled inward, so they treated it with a short course of Invisalign, followed by bleaching and bonding. The final result lools brilliant. So happy woth my new Smile.
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Adrian E.
4 months ago
Professional,honest care.
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Martin F.
4 months ago
Dr. Cara and the Optismile team is simply the best dental experience I’ve had; including having lived in London and NYC for most of my adult life. The Optismile service is second to none and Dr. Cara’s clinical advice and work, great. I had multiple complicated dental issues, all of which were solved painlessly, quickly and efficiently. The consulting rooms are awesome as are the support team, billing process and very easy parking/access. March 2026. Update. Just visited Cape Town from NYC in order to be cleaned and checked up by Dr. Cara. I would only switch to another dentist if she was proven dead. Please don’t die Dr. Cara. Optismile is amazing because of you.
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Alex B.
4 months ago
Without a doubt, the best dental practice. I initially came for an Invisalign consult and Dr Clifford gave me excellent advice about the pros and cons for my situation. Since then, I will only come here for my dental work. Dr Cara has become my regular dentist and I’ve never had such confidence in the state of my teeth. She is meticulous and takes exceptional pride in her work. Professional, friendly and always on time. They’ve done an outstanding job on a tricky front tooth veneer and addressed all my concerns. Similarly, the front desk are welcoming, responsive and always ‘on it.’ Your teeth are an investment and this is the place to do it.
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Roast C.
5 months ago
Cannot thank Optismile enough. I've lived with a chipped tooth since my early teens, have had two dental visits in my life (before now), I'm now middle aged and can now remember how I looked (bar the couple decades😉) without a chipped tooth. Got my chipped tooth sorted, full clean and polish. Everything about the experience (not dental appointment/visit, "experience") was world class. From the location( sea views👌🏻), the tour of the practice (in a league of its own), the tech (again world class and in a league of its own) and most importantly the people (your good vibes kept me upbeat for the rest of the day😄). I left with an even bigger better smile, more informed, super super grateful and dumb founded at how a dental appointment could be an "experience". Super pleasant experience, thanks again.
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David S.
5 months ago
Amazing experience yesterday. Tremendous care and time given to my Teeth Whitening. His service was truly amazing given in very professional surroundings.
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Anthony P.
5 months ago
I had to have an urgent cosmetic repair before leaving South Africa and I cannot speak more highly of the professionalism of everyone at the Optismile clinic! Truly world-class communication, diagnostics and dental work -- my smile is back and I couldn't be more thankful! Truly world class Dr. Clifford -- thank you so much!
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Chelsea
5 months ago
Many thanks to Dr. Ruan and his team for a wonderful check up appointment and crown replacement. The office is state of the art. I have decades of dental visits under my belt and this was by far the most thorough and thoughtful. It’s so comforting to have every step explained in detail. HIGHLY recommend.
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Ladina R.
5 months ago
Mein Freund und ich sind aus der Schweiz und waren im Dezember bei Dr. Clifford in Kapstadt in Behandlung. Wir waren äusserst zufrieden. Die Praxis ist sehr modern, hervorragend ausgestattet und extrem hygienisch. Man fühlt sich vom ersten Moment an gut aufgehoben und professionell betreut. Dr. Clifford und das Team waren freundlich, kompetent und haben sich viel Zeit genommen. Wir können die Praxis uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen! Vielen Dank, wir werden wieder kommen☺️
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Kieran B.
6 months ago
Easily the best dentist in Cape Town. The practice, people and overall experience was superb.
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Andrew S.
6 months ago
Many thanks to Dr Clifford and the team at Optismile in Seapoint for giving me a truly five star experience from start to finish. I landed at Cape Town airport with tooth pain, and was seen promptly, with treatment the next day. Everything was delivered with compassion and gentleness, and backed up with the highest level of technology and expertise - and I say this as a dentist myself! I would highly recommend OptiSmile for all your dental needs, both as a visitor or a local.
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Carol M.
6 months ago
Fabulous experience at OptiSmile, would fully recommend. I will return

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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