The Future Of Dentistry - Digital Smile Design (DSD)

Digital Smile Design

Looking to achieve the perfect smile? Complete smile makeovers have historically been reliant on artistic ability and technical skill. But now, with Digital Smile Design (DSD), there’s an efficient way to provide consistent results of outstanding quality. The system allows patients to see how their transformation would look before making any commitments – like taking a test drive! With DSD, your dentist or technician will know what size, shape and colour to use to create that beautiful new smile you desire.

What Clients Are Saying About OptiSmile

gregory G.

4 days ago

Excellent professional and friendly service

Claris A.

1 week ago

A very welcome place, clean environment and good results for good smile 😃.

Tatenda G.

4 weeks 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.

Hans V.

1 month 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.

Eden A.

1 month 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.

Elsabe van H.

2 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!

johannes P.

2 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.

Adrian E.

2 months ago

Professional,honest care.

Martin F.

2 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.

Alex B.

2 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.

Roast C.

2 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.

David S.

2 months ago

Amazing experience yesterday. Tremendous care and time given to my Teeth Whitening. His service was truly amazing given in very professional surroundings.

Anthony P.

3 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!

Chelsea

3 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.

Ladina R.

3 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☺️

Kieran B.

4 months ago

Easily the best dentist in Cape Town. The practice, people and overall experience was superb.

Andrew S.

4 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.

Carol M.

4 months ago

Fabulous experience at OptiSmile, would fully recommend. I will return

Carolyn

4 months ago

Dr Ruan was exceptionally kind and made the entire experience of extraction/implant/bridge as easy as it possibly could have been

Anastacia S.

5 months ago

I’m incredibly grateful to OptiSmile and Dr. Harris for giving me the smile I’ve always dreamed of. My teeth were in such difficult condition that several orthodontists with braces didn’t even want to take me as a patient — but Dr. Harris saw potential where others didn’t. In just a little over a year, he transformed my smile to absolute perfection. His skill, care, and attention to detail are unmatched. I couldn’t have asked for a better doctor and a better clinic. If you’re looking for the best place to change your smile and your confidence, OptiSmile is the one. Truly life-changing!

Familie B.

5 months ago

We come to Cape Town every year, and a dental check-up and cleaning for the whole family is always a fixed appointment on our calendar. The entire staff is warm, welcoming, and efficient, and it truly shows how much they care about their patients. They operate at the highest standards, utilizing the latest technology and modern methods, which gives us great confidence in their care. Booking and communication via WhatsApp are incredibly easy and seamless. The experience feels almost like a spa treatment! They really take their time and never suggest any unnecessary procedures. We are already looking forward to our next visit. If you’re looking for a dentist who genuinely cares, go to OptiSmile.

Julian B.

5 months ago

I came to Optismile during my stay in Capetown as one of my tooth broke out. The service was top notch. Everybody working there is an absolute Professional, which is also felt in the quality of work that my dentist Cara has done on my teeth. I can recommend also the teeth whitening there - definitely gave me 2-3 shades lighter teeth in one go.

Joan B.

6 months ago

Top kliniek. Vriendelijk en zeer deskundig personeel. Nieuwste en meest geavanceerde apparatuur. Een aanrader wat mij betreft. Ik kan weer breeduit lachen.

Janine L.

6 months ago

Dr Clifford is an amazing attentive dentist. His attention to detail, and the willingness to tell u what he is doing step by step in your mouth whilist he is working is reassuring and very calming.

Yolanda W R.

6 months ago

I can’t recommend Dr. Cara and her team enough. I’ve struggled with dental issues for a long time and was always terrified of going to the dentist, but everything changed when I visited OptiSmile and met Dr. Cara. She has an incredibly gentle approach and explains everything clearly, which is truly comforting. The entire staff is warm, welcoming, and efficient, and it really shows how much they care about their patients. Zanele is also exceptional when it comes to updating me with my appointments which I am grateful for. If you’re looking for a dentist who genuinely cares, go to OptiSmile—they are the best.

Digital Smile Design Process

Digital Smile Design (DSD) is how we at OptiSmile work with our patients to improve the appearance of their teeth. We use this technology in particular when working extensively on creating the best possible dental design for each client, but also for more minor dental solutions, such as if a crown needs replacing. Digital Smile Design considers the current condition of your teeth, your expectations and the capabilities of the dental technology available to produce a tangible representation of your new smile. DSD, in essence, allows you to become the co-creator of your new smile.

The process is as follows

Initial consultation, during which photos are taken along with an iTERO^® 3D scan of the current shape of the teeth, we’ll also review the current condition of your teeth to talk about the very best options available to you at this stage.
Patient information and images are added to the software.
The software then allows our dentists to reshape, re-colour, and add missing teeth, addressing the patient’s needs.
The re-designed visuals are then reviewed with the patient, who can give feedback on the proposed new smile design.
Once the patient is thrilled with their new smile, the mould and new design will be passed to our dental laboratory and the mould taken.
The laboratory then creates a wax-up from which we create a rubber mould that can be placed in the client’s mouth to get a realistic feel of the results before starting any treatments.

Considerations Before Getting Started

A beautiful smile is more than just the number of teeth in your mouth. Strategic facial shape, tooth form, colour, size and even type create an individualised look. There’s no need to settle for one “smile style”. We’ll help you explore multiple smile types to find the perfect fit for your face.
A smile can transform one’s appearance, conveying emotions without a word. With so many smile types available, deciding which best suits your needs can be complex. Popular types vary from mature and youthful grins to dominant or enhanced smiles. We can guide you.
As we age, our smiles can take a dramatic turn – teeth grinding and wear cause yellowing and shortening of the teeth. Fortunately, these changes are easily correctable; by adding length to your worn-down smile, you instantly revive its youthful aesthetic appearance.

Why You Should Use Optismile

Advanced Dental Technology

OptiSmile stays up to date with the latest technology to ensure efficient and effective treatments for your smile.

Lifetime of Happy Smiles

OptiSmile offers quality, long-lasting dental treatments with state-of-the-art equipment.

Pain-free Experience

We use a numbing wand that reduces anxiety and delivers injections with minimal discomfort.

Early Prevention

OptiSmile uses a Leica Microscope to identify and prevent dental issues before they become problems.

Gentle and Tailored Care

OptiSmile provides gentle and individualised dental care to maintain the highest level of oral health.

Flexible Payment Options

OptiSmile offers transparent and agreed-upon fees before treatment, providing peace of mind and payment-friendly options.

DSD Before and After

Digital Smile Design FAQs

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

Benefits of Digital Smile Design?

The Digital Smile Design technology offers several benefits, including

Consistent results for patients with confidence and peace of mind in their desired outcome.
Systematic approach to diagnosis, communication, treatment planning, execution, and case maintenance.
High level of clinical quality control, reducing the potential for errors.
Patients can see a visual representation of their future smile before undergoing any dental treatments.
A focus on the entire dental structure and facial features for a natural-looking smile.
Dentists can recommend treatments based on individual needs and explore various options.
A co-design process that involves patient feedback for phenomenal results without surprises.

How much does Digital Smile Design cost?

The cost of Digital Smile Design can vary based on the personalised treatment plan for each patient. The cost will depend on the treatments and procedures required, which will be determined after a thorough planning process. A detailed breakdown of the costs will be provided once the process and estimated time have been identified.

What is Digital Smile Design - DSD?

DSD technology is the future of digital smile design! Our dentists use this technology to create a perfect simulation of your teeth, so you can see what your new smile will look like before you commit. We’re one of the few dental clinics in Cape Town that offers this service.

How can Digital Smile Design affect me?

Using sophisticated digital planning software creates a beautiful, genuine smile, especially for your unique facial features, proportions, and personality.
Digital Smile Design and procedures aid us in collaborating with you as a team to ensure that you are happy with the aesthetic result before any treatment begins.

Is Digital Smile Design minimally invasive, and will I save my enamel?

We are passionate about creating unique treatment plans for each patient that are minimally invasive yet powerful enough to produce stunning results. Enough to make people notice their amazing natural smiles.

How does the Digital Smile Design help ensure patient satisfaction?

It is an innovative new form of dentistry that focuses on your experience throughout the treatment.

What is Digital Smile Design?

Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a new way to design smiles using 3D simulations. With DSD, we can show you what your new smile will look like before treatment begins.

What are the Digital Smile Design protocols?

We digitally plan your treatment using intraoral 3D scans of your teeth, photos, and videos. This allows us to design your new smile in real-time, using 3D simulations of the latest dental design technology. Then, you can see your new simulated smile in your photos and videos and try it out with ultramodern temporary restorations. Achieving a beautiful smile right for you has never been easier or more convenient.