The OptiSmile Podcast 45: Cosmetic Dentistry for Yachties – Bleaching & Bonding

OptiSmile Podcast 45: Cosmetic Dentistry for Yachties – Bleaching & Bonding

Join Dr Clifford Yudelman and Eon Engelbrecht for an insightful discussion on enhancing smiles with teeth whitening and bonding, specifically tailored for yachties and their unique lifestyle needs.

Chapters:

1. Why is a Bright, Confident Smile Important for Yachties?

[01:51 – 02:54]

In the luxury yachting world, appearances are as important as skill. Dr Clifford Yudelman explains how a radiant smile boosts confidence, elevates professionalism, and ensures positive interactions with high-profile guests. Yachties with a healthy, confident smile can leave lasting impressions and enhance their career prospects.

2. What is the ABC Approach to Cosmetic Dentistry?

[02:54 – 04:52]

Dr Yudelman outlines OptiSmile’s signature ABC method: Align, Bleach, and Composite Bonding. Whether it’s Invisalign to straighten teeth, professional whitening to brighten them, or composite bonding to fine-tune their shape, this approach offers tailored solutions for yachties looking to enhance their smiles efficiently.

3. What Makes Composite Bonding Ideal for Yachties?

[07:05 – 08:47]

Composite bonding is a minimally invasive, cost-effective way to correct chips, fill gaps, or refine tooth edges. Unlike veneers, it requires no drilling or lab work, making it perfect for yachties with tight schedules. The natural, polished look achieved in just one appointment enhances both confidence and appearance.

4. How Does In-Chair Whitening Compare to At-Home Whitening?

[05:07 – 06:48]

OptiSmile combines in-chair whitening for immediate results with at-home trays for long-term maintenance. Yachties stopping over in Cape Town can complete their whitening in as little as one session, while at-home kits allow flexibility for touch-ups during charters.

5. How Does Injection-Moulded Bonding Compare to Veneers?

[07:05 – 08:47]

For those seeking subtle cosmetic improvements, injection-moulded composite bonding offers a faster, less invasive option than veneers. It avoids the need for extensive drilling while still achieving beautiful, natural results. Bonding is also easier to repair, making it a practical solution for active yachties.

6. Can Whitening and Bonding Work with Existing Dental Work?

[09:02 – 10:16]

If you have older crowns, fillings, or veneers, OptiSmile ensures treatments blend seamlessly for a cohesive smile. Dr Yudelman explains how whitening is carefully planned to avoid mismatched shades, and composite bonding can often be used to refresh the look without fully replacing restorations.

7. What’s the Treatment Timeline for Yachties on Tight Schedules?

[10:31 – 12:51]

Yachties passing through Cape Town can benefit from flexible scheduling at OptiSmile, including same-day consultations, cleanings, and whitening sessions. Bonding is typically done a week later to ensure optimal colour matching, with results tailored to fit their charter schedules.

8. What Habits Should Yachties Avoid During and After Treatment?

[13:04 – 14:37]

Dr Yudelman shares practical tips for maintaining results after whitening or bonding, including avoiding staining foods and drinks like red wine or coffee in the first 24 hours. Long-term care involves good oral hygiene, avoiding hard objects like ice, and regular check-ups to keep smiles in top shape.

9. Why is a Phased Approach Recommended for Whitening and Bonding?

[14:52 – 15:39]

To achieve a natural and uniform smile, OptiSmile often recommends a phased approach. Whitening is completed first to allow the shade to stabilise, followed by bonding or other restorative work. This method ensures yachties get the best results without compromising on quality or timing.

10. How Can a Brighter Smile Boost a Yachtie’s Career?

[16:59 – 18:30]

A confident smile is a valuable asset for yachties, boosting guest perceptions and opening doors to new roles or promotions. Dr Yudelman discusses how a bright, professional appearance can elevate career prospects and ensure a polished, lasting impression on board.

Full Transcript

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (0:07 – 0:48)
Welcome to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth. It’s the go-to podcast where curiosity meets dentistry straight from the experts. I’m Eon Engelbrecht, and I’m joined again by Dr. Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile. We’re ready to take a deep dive into the world of dental care from a consumer’s perspective. If you’re looking to brighten your smile or maybe protect your wallet, we’ve got you covered with practical advice and the latest insights. So stick around and join us as we uncover the secrets to maintaining both your dental health and your finances.

Dr. Yudelman, welcome back. I see we’re still with the yachties.

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (0:49 – 1:27)
Yes, we had such a good response to our yachty podcast, with so many yachties coming from Cape Town and visiting OptiSmile. They’ve requested that I do a couple more. So we did the Invisalign episode for yachties, and something we do at OptiSmile a lot is teeth whitening and bonding.

We’ve done special episodes on these topics before, but there are specific considerations for yachties. So today, we’re focusing on that, and next week, we’ll wrap up the yachty series with an episode about emergencies and other topics specifically for yachties.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (1:27 – 1:51)
Okay, so today we’re talking about cosmetic dentistry for yachties, which includes bleaching and bonding. Dr. Yudelman, why is having a bright, confident smile so important for yachties in frontline guest service roles, and how does it tie into professionalism on board?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (1:51 – 2:54)
That’s a great question, thank you. A confident smile sets the tone when you first greet your guests. People immediately notice the positive energy and professionalism, and in a luxury environment like yachting, appearances often matter as much as your skills.

A bright smile can boost both your self-assurance and the guest’s experience. It’s not just about aesthetics; good oral health means fewer issues mid-charter, so you can focus on providing top-tier service. We’ve had crew members enhance their smiles and tell us they feel much more at ease interacting with yacht owners and prestigious guests on board.

It can truly elevate the yacht’s reputation and overall guest experience. And, it’s not even just about “perfect” smiles—it’s about feeling confident when you smile.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (2:54 – 3:11)
Could you briefly outline the ABC approach—align, bleach, and compensate (bond)—and explain how bleaching and bonding fit for those who either don’t need alignment or have already completed Invisalign?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (3:11 – 4:52)
At OptiSmile, we refer to the process as ABC: align, bleach, and compensate. Aligning is about getting your teeth into an ideal position, typically with Invisalign. We also briefly discussed braces, which aren’t ideal for most yachties. You can go back and listen to last week’s episode for more on that.

After alignment, we brighten the teeth with bleaching, using professional teeth whitening techniques. We’ve covered this in-depth in previous episodes. Finally, we fine-tune the shape with composite bonding. At OptiSmile, we use injection-moulded composite bonding, which works incredibly well.

Some yachties come to us with straight teeth, having had braces or Invisalign earlier in life. In those cases, we jump straight into whitening and bonding, skipping alignment. Not everyone needs all three steps—sometimes it’s just one or two. For example, if your teeth are already straight or you’ve whitened them before, you might only need bonding to achieve a complete transformation.

Composite bonding is often the finishing touch—it can correct minor chips, fill gaps, and reshape edges for a uniform, polished look. It creates a very natural result, unlike the overly white, “Hollywood” smile veneers sometimes deliver.

For a natural and confident smile, composite bonding allows your teeth to look the way they’re supposed to.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (4:53 – 5:06)
What are the main differences between in-chair whitening and at-home whitening kits, and how can a yachtie decide which option suits their busy rotation best?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (5:07 – 6:48)
In-chair whitening is faster. Many yachties only have a short stopover in Cape Town, often needing both bonding and whitening in the same visit. In these cases, we combine in-chair whitening with take-home trays for a boost.

For yachties with more time or those who aren’t in a rush, I often recommend at-home whitening to save money. However, many yachties prefer starting with an in-chair session because it’s instant.

We always provide an at-home whitening kit as part of the treatment. You can use it on board for touch-ups or when travelling. The whitening achieved with in-chair and at-home options is similar, but the timeline differs.

We tailor treatment to each person’s needs—some just need a refresh, while others go for a comprehensive approach. Many yachties, after promotions or salary increases, choose to invest in improving their confidence.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (6:48 – 7:03)
How does injection-moulded composite bonding differ from veneers or traditional bonding, and why might it be more appealing for yachties looking for efficient, minimally invasive enhancements?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (7:05 – 8:47)
Great question. Injection-moulded bonding is a very streamlined technique—less drilling, and in many cases, no drilling at all. It also doesn’t require anaesthetic and involves fewer appointments.

With veneers, you often need multiple appointments, and they require drilling away part of the tooth. Veneers are also much more expensive because of the lab work involved. For example, a veneer from a top lab might cost R12,000 to R15,000 per tooth, while injection-moulded composite bonding costs about R6,000 per tooth.

Bonding is done in one session, making it ideal for yachties with tight schedules. The material we use is strong and can be easily shaped or polished for a natural look. If it chips, it’s much simpler to repair than a veneer.

This approach is perfect for closing small gaps, evening out tooth edges, or correcting subtle cosmetic imperfections quickly—without the need to file away large amounts of tooth structure. Many patients aren’t aware of how much drilling traditional veneers require until it’s too late.

We’ve covered “turkey teeth” in previous podcasts, and this is a great alternative for those seeking natural, minimally invasive results.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (8:48 – 9:01)
If someone has older fillings, crowns, or other existing dental work, does it complicate bleaching and bonding procedures, or can these new treatments blend seamlessly with the old ones?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (9:02 – 10:16)
Great question. We assess all dental work first to ensure colour consistency when whitening. For example, old fillings might need updating, as crowns and veneers won’t whiten like natural teeth.

If someone has a crown on a front tooth and wants to whiten their teeth, we always plan ahead to ensure the crown doesn’t stand out. If needed, we’ll replace crowns or veneers to match the new shade.

It’s important to avoid places like beauty salons that offer whitening without considering the bigger picture. While you might save money initially, unexpected costs could arise when trying to match older restorations.

With bonding, we can often blend the composite seamlessly around existing dental work to create a uniform look without replacing everything. Communication is key, and we always tailor a plan to give you a cohesive, balanced smile.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (10:17 – 10:31)
For a yachtie with limited time in Cape Town—maybe just a quick turnaround between charters—what’s the typical timeline for combining whitening and bonding to get a camera-ready smile fast?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (10:31 – 12:51)
If someone’s new to OptiSmile, we can start with a free video consultation, even if they’re on board. We’ve done consults with people in engine rooms, on the bridge, or in their cabins. After the consultation, they can book online for a check-up, X-rays, cleaning, and take-home whitening trays—all in one session.

For yachties on a tight schedule, we can do a three-hour session that includes an examination, cleaning, and an in-chair whitening. Bonding is typically done a week later, after the whitening results have stabilised.

For example, earlier this week, I saw a woman from Seattle. We did her scans, arranged her bonding, and had the lab prepare her moulds, which she approved. She started with trays, saw the hygienist, and had an in-chair whitening. She’ll finish whitening tomorrow, and next Friday, we’ll do her bonding.

This staggered approach works well for yachties and visitors who are short on time but want stunning results. We’re also flexible with scheduling to fit around charter dates.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (12:51 – 13:04)
Which daily habits—like certain foods or drinks—should yachties modify during whitening or after getting composite bonding to ensure their results last?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (13:04 – 14:37)
The new composites we use for bonding are much more resistant to staining than older materials. Over the last five years, we’ve seen minimal staining, even from red wine or coffee.

That said, after an in-chair whitening session, we recommend avoiding foods like curry or drinks like black coffee, espresso, or red wine for the first 24 hours. With tray whitening, there are fewer restrictions.

For bonding, the main concern isn’t staining—it’s avoiding hard or damaging items like chewing on ice, crab shells, or lamb chop bones. Biting these can damage both natural teeth and bonded material.

Good oral hygiene is essential. Brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular cleanings will help maintain your results. We recommend check-ups and a polish every six months to keep everything looking great.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (14:38 – 14:51)
Doctor, do you recommend a phased approach—bleaching first and then bonding a few weeks later—to get the best colour match while accommodating crew schedules?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (14:52 – 15:39)
Absolutely. For bonding, we wait at least a week after whitening to allow the shade to stabilise. This ensures the best colour match.

In some cases, patients with darker teeth might need multiple whitening sessions before bonding. We’ll often do in-chair whitening, followed by take-home trays, and then proceed with bonding or replacing crowns during a later visit.

This staggered approach allows patients to get used to their whiter teeth before finishing with bonding. However, for those in a rush, we can sometimes do the treatments back-to-back if necessary.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (15:39 – 15:49)
How do you handle colour matching between bleached teeth and the new composite material to ensure the final smile looks natural and uniform?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (15:50 – 16:40)
We always wait for teeth to stabilise after whitening, which typically takes about a week. The composite material we use is highly translucent, blending seamlessly with natural teeth.

Before bonding, we test the shade directly on the tooth. I cure a small sample of the composite and discuss the shade with the patient to ensure they’re happy. Composite is also easy to tweak and fine-tune, giving us the flexibility to achieve a natural, uniform look.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (16:40 – 16:59)
Finally, for any yachtie on the fence about investing in bleaching or bonding, what’s the biggest benefit in terms of confidence and guest perception?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (16:59 – 18:30)
A bright, well-proportioned smile provides an immediate confidence boost, especially for those who’ve felt self-conscious in the past. In the yachting industry, where first impressions matter, a confident smile can elevate your professionalism.

It’s a minimally invasive way to enhance your appearance without the downtime of major procedures. Guests perceive a healthy, confident smile as part of the overall luxury experience, and it can help you stand out as an attentive, polished professional.

A great smile can also open doors to promotions, guest-facing roles, and better tips. And, as I’ve mentioned before, having a professional photo with a bright smile on your CV can give you the edge in this competitive industry.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (18:30 – 18:36)
Excellent! Dr Yudelman, thank you so much. What can we look forward to next week?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (18:37 – 18:47)
It’s a surprise, but we’ll focus on emergencies—preventing them and what to do in case of one.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (18:47 – 19:31)
Looking forward to it, Doctor. And that wraps up another edition of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth.

Thanks again to Dr Yudelman and, of course, to our listeners. Share this podcast with your family and friends, especially if they’re in the yachting industry. Remember, while we aim to provide valuable insights, always consult your own dental professional for advice tailored to your needs.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more discussions. Until next time, keep smiling and take great care of your teeth.

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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.

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