eRadio SA

The OPTISMILE Podcast 87 - Understanding Your Bite - Beyond Straight Teeth

Introduction In this episode of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, Eon Engelbrecht and Dr Clifford Yudelman dive deep into a topic often overlooked in favour of aesthetics: your bite (occlusion). While many strive for a perfectly straight smile, the way your teeth fit together is the true foundation of oral health, comfort, and longevity. Dr Yudelman explains why a "good bite" is about more than just looks—it's a biological system involving muscles, joints, and nerves. 10 Questions with Dr Clifford Yudelman 1. What does "bite" actually mean in dentistry? Bite, or occlusion, is a complex biological system involving teeth, jaw joints, facial muscles, and nerves working together, capable of generating massive force (over 250kg/cm²). 2. Why should the average person care about their bite if they aren't in pain? Even without pain, a poor bite influences chewing efficiency and tooth survival. Uneven loads cause fractures, gum recession, and abfractions, leading to higher long-term costs. 3. Is having straight teeth the same as having a good bite? No. Straight teeth are cosmetic; a functional bite is mechanical. You can have visually straight teeth (social six) but still suffer from poor force distribution and bite problems. 4. What are the most common signs that someone's bite is not ideal? Common signs include chipped front teeth, worn edges, teeth appearing shorter, cracked fillings, and fillings that constantly fall out due to uneven pressure. 5. Can someone damage their own bite without realizing it? Yes, through habits like clenching during exercise, nail-biting, and nocturnal grinding (bruxism), as well as acid erosion which softens enamel and accelerates bite collapse. 6. What happens during a bite assessment at OptiSmile? It involves a digital scan to visualize contact points in 3D (identifying heavy hits), checking for joint sounds (crepitus), assessing muscle tenderness, and analyzing wear patterns. 7. Can a poor bite really cause headaches and facial pain? Absolutely. Excessive muscle contraction due to a bad bite leads to fatigue, tension headaches, migraines, and chronic facial pain, which often resolves once the bite is corrected. 8. What are the treatment options if someone has a bite issue? Treatments range from selective contact adjustment (filing high spots) to restoring worn teeth with ceramic onlays or injection moulding, and using clear aligners to reposition teeth. 9. Where do clear aligners (like Invisalign) fit into functional bite treatment? Premium aligners like Invisalign allow precise control (0.2mm movements) to correct deep bites, open bites, and crossbites, while also acting as a protective barrier against clenching. 10. What is the most important message for listeners? Your bite is a complex system protecting your teeth for life. Early diagnosis via a digital bite assessment prevents long-term damage, fractures, and costly dental work. Further Resources OptiSmile Bite and TMJ Solutions: https://optismile.co.za/blog/relief-and-recovery-managing-bruxism-and-tmj-disorder/ [https://optismile.co.za/blog/relief-and-recovery-managing-bruxism-and-tmj-disorder/] Invisalign at OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/invisalign-cape-town/ [https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/invisalign-cape-town/] Injection Moulded Composite Bonding: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/injection-moulding-technique/ [https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/injection-moulding-technique/] OptiSmile YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OptismileZa-dentist-cape-town [https://www.youtube.com/@OptismileZa-dentist-cape-town] OptiSmile Podcasts: https://optismile.co.za/podcasts/ [https://optismile.co.za/podcasts/] Contact the Best dentist in Cape Town [https://optismile.co.za/] Book your next Dental Checkup with OptiSmile [https://shared.8px.us/book-appt/V2?license=YmFhZTAwNGYtNzhiZS00YTdiLWI4YTItYzNmNDYw] Follow OptiSmile on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/OptiSmile.Dentist.Cape.Town/] 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.

Your Money Maument with Mauritz Oberholzer - The gift of financial freedom

This week, financial advisor Mauritz Oberholzer discusses the gift of financial freedom. Your Money Maument is aired on eRadio SA every Thursday and available as a podcast afterwards. For more information visit https://www.mauritzoberholzer.co.za/ [https://www.mauritzoberholzer.co.za/]

LEGAL TALK with Hahn & Hahn Attorneys: Company Liquidation Explained

In this week’s Legal Talk, Boitumelo Mokone from Hahn & Hahn Attorneys joins Eon on eRadio SA to explain everything you need to know about the liquidation of a business. Legal Talk is aired every Wednesday morning at 10:00 on eRadio and available as a podcast thereafter.

The OPTISMILE Podcast 86 - Digital Smile Design and Emotional Dentistry – Beyond Aesthetics

In this episode of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, Dr Clifford Yudelman and Eon Engelbrecht explore how digital smile design and emotional dentistry are transforming patient experiences. They discuss how technology, empathy and personal story‑driven planning come together to create authentic, confidence‑boosting smiles. Modern tools like SmileCloud, 3DNA, high‑resolution 3D scans and 3D printing now allow patients to visualise their future smile before treatment begins, helping them feel informed, understood and emotionally connected to the process. 10 Questions with Summary Answers (0:03) What is emotional dentistry? It focuses on how a smile makes a person feel rather than how it looks, building confidence, identity and emotional wellbeing. (2:01) What is digital smile design? A technological workflow using 3D scans, facial photos and AI‑driven modelling to simulate a patient’s future smile before treatment. (4:03) Why is visualising the result so powerful? Seeing the destination removes fear and uncertainty, helps with trust, and motivates patients by showing a realistic preview of the transformation. (8:02) How do technology and empathy work together? Digital tools are combined with deep listening and understanding of a patient’s emotional story to shape a personalised, meaningful smile design. (9:22) What digital tools does OptiSmile use? High‑speed 3D scanners, a dedicated photo studio, SmileCloud 3DNA, 3Shape, and 3D printing for mock‑ups and accurate planning. (11:05) How do patients usually react to their digital preview? Many become emotional; some cry with joy, some laugh, others stand in disbelief as they see a version of themselves they’ve never imagined. (14:11) How does emotional dentistry affect the final outcome? Patients who feel heard and involved give better feedback, resulting in a smile that suits their face, personality and preferences. (16:58) Can you share a memorable transformation story? Recent cases show patients becoming emotional even before treatment begins, especially when digital tools help them visualise authentic changes. (18:57) Is emotional dentistry the future of cosmetic care? It is the present standard. Patients no longer want one‑size‑fits‑all smile makeovers; they want authentic, co‑created, personalised care. (20:38) What final message would you give someone considering cosmetic dentistry? Don’t chase perfection; chase authenticity. Modern tools help you safely co‑create a natural smile that truly fits you. Emotional dentistry reveals a patient’s best self by blending empathy, technology and artistry. With tools like SmileCloud, digital mock‑ups and AI‑powered previews, patients can make informed, confident decisions about their smile. Whether the goal is subtle refinement or a complete transformation, today’s dentistry is collaborative, predictable and centred on the individual. Further Resources Cosmetic Dentistry at OptiSmile https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/cosmetic-dentistry/ [https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/cosmetic-dentistry/] Teeth Whitening – In‑Chair and Take‑Home https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/teeth-whitening/ [https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/teeth-whitening/] Injection Moulded Composite Bonding https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/injection-moulding-technique/ [https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/injection-moulding-technique/] Invisalign Clear Aligners https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/invisalign-cape-town/ [https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/invisalign-cape-town/] Sensitive Teeth & Erosion – Blog Article https://optismile.co.za/blog/sensitive-teeth-erosion-detect-reverse-protect/ [https://optismile.co.za/blog/sensitive-teeth-erosion-detect-reverse-protect/] Contact the Best dentist in Cape Town [https://optismile.co.za/] Book your next Dental Checkup with OptiSmile [https://shared.8px.us/book-appt/V2?license=YmFhZTAwNGYtNzhiZS00YTdiLWI4YTItYzNmNDYw] Follow OptiSmile on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/OptiSmile.Dentist.Cape.Town/] 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.

Your Money Maument with Mauritz Oberholzer - How to make the most of your 13th cheque

If you’re fortunate enough to receive an annual bonus - often called a “13th cheque” - this year, it can be tempting to splurge. This week, financial advisor Mauritz Oberholzer offers practical tips on how to enjoy your bonus while still making smart financial choices. Your Money Maument is aired on eRadio SA every Thursday and available as a podcast afterwards. For more information visit https://www.mauritzoberholzer.co.za/ [https://www.mauritzoberholzer.co.za/]