eRadio SA

Can Your Body Corporate Cut Off Your Electricity Over Unpaid Levies? We ask Merilynn Du Plessis of Hahn & Hahn Attorneys. Legal Talk is aired every Wednesday morning at 10:00 on eRadio SA and available as a podcast thereafter.

Welcome back to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth. In the previous episode, Eon Engelbrecht and Dr Clifford Yudelman looked at 4D printing and shape memory aligners. This episode stays with clever materials, but turns to the ones that go inside the tooth itself: bioactive materials that release minerals, fight acid and claim to help a tooth protect itself.They cover what "bioactive" really means, whether a filling can help a tooth heal, how MTA can protect a nerve and avoid a root canal, why the edges of a filling matter so much, and what is real versus marketing in "self-healing" fillings. They also discuss whether bioactive fillings last longer than ordinary white fillings, who benefits most from these materials, how they look compared with composite or porcelain, how they fit into a save-your-money approach, and the questions patients should ask their dentist, along with how these materials are used at OptiSmile.10 Questions and Summary Answers[1:18] What exactly is a bioactive material? Dr Yudelman explains that "bioactive" is a word marketing departments love and use loosely. Strictly speaking, it means a material that interacts with the tooth, releasing calcium, phosphate or fluoride and encouraging the tooth to respond. The top composite bonding materials used day to day at OptiSmile, such as G-ænial Universal Injectable, are not bioactive; they are valued for their strength, handling, wear resistance and the seal they form to enamel and dentine. Genuinely bioactive materials are a much smaller group, used mostly deep down near the nerve, underneath a normal composite. He warns that some biologic dentists place proprietary "natural mineral" materials, and that he has seen these fail badly, cracking and wearing, sometimes leading to root canals or tooth loss.[5:36] Can a filling material actually help a tooth heal itself or even grow new dentine? Enamel never comes back, but the living tooth underneath can respond. Calcium silicate cements such as MTA, originally derived from Portland cement, can encourage the nerve to lay down a fresh bridge of hard tissue over itself, and even a nerve that bleeds during preparation can settle and heal under MTA. This only works on a healthy nerve; lingering pain to cold of more than 20 seconds or spontaneous pain points to a root canal instead. Modern guidelines also say the dentist does not need to scrape every last bit of soft decay off the nerve, as long as the edges are cleaned thoroughly and the tooth is properly sealed. Dr Yudelman describes the glass ionomer approach he uses, where decay sealed under glass ionomer in a symptom-free tooth was later shown to harden up.[9:36] Why do the edges of a filling matter so much? Most fillings do not fail because they break; they fail because decay creeps back in at the edges. Glass ionomer releases fluoride when it is hit by acid, like a sprinkler that switches on when there is smoke, and actively fights decay. It is useful in the elderly, in root cavities, in children and where moisture is hard to control, and it is the basis of the ART technique used in countries with little access to care. Dr Yudelman does not generally use glass ionomer for permanent fillings in adults, as fillings he sees placed this way may not decay but wear badly and do not look good.[11:10] Some materials claim to self-heal tiny gaps. What is real and what is marketing? According to the research, self-healing fillings are not real yet, although the idea is promising for the future. Dr Yudelman explains that a strong, solid, ceramic-like composite that bonds to the tooth cannot at the same time leach chemicals and deposit minerals. For now, patients should not worry about self-sealing fillings.[11:57] Do bioactive fillings actually last longer than ordinary white fillings? No; this is where the marketing gets ahead of the evidence. Dr Yudelman notes that one well-known material sold as bioactive failed at about ten times the rate of an ordinary composite in a clinical trial. In a glass ionomer sandwich, he keeps the glass ionomer closest to the nerve and makes sure none is exposed at the edges, because it can wash out. Newer resin-modified glass ionomers are light cured and behave much like composites, but they release very little fluoride outside the laboratory.[13:26] Who benefits most from these materials? Patients at very high risk of decay benefit most: older patients with decay on exposed roots, frail or nursing home patients where a sensitive tooth affects quality of life, and patients with no saliva after radiation treatment. Dr Yudelman likes glass ionomer for children because it bonds well, and wear matters less on baby teeth that will be lost anyway. He prefers glass ionomers to resin sealants, based on research he was exposed to by Professor Laurence Walsh in Australia. These materials have their place, but it is limited.[15:18] Do they actually look as natural as white fillings or porcelain? Absolutely not. Glass ionomer has a very opaque look, although newer resin-modified versions are more translucent, and MTA is grey, almost black, so it must be well hidden under the filling. MTA is also very expensive, so these materials are placed close to the nerve and covered with composite or a ceramic inlay or onlay, with crowns avoided unless absolutely necessary. Many dentists use them along the gum line, where fillings are hard to keep in place, and Dr Yudelman suggests a future refresher episode on gum line fillings.[16:49] They cost a little more. How do they fit into the save your money philosophy? Cheap dentistry that fails early is expensive dentistry; if an MTA pulp cap keeps a nerve alive and avoids a root canal and crown, it saves thousands of rands. Cochrane reviews found no proven benefit to placing these materials routinely under every ordinary composite, so patients who see a pulp cap on a quote can ask whether it is truly needed, since no one can check once it is under the filling. At OptiSmile, if a filling turns out deeper than expected and needs an unquoted pulp cap, it is normally done at no charge rather than upcharging after a quote. Where a pulp cap is quoted, the fee of just over a thousand rand reflects the extra time and care to remove decay carefully and avoid a root canal, not just the material.[20:22] What should patients ask their dentist? Dr Yudelman suggests three questions. First, if the decay is deep, can the nerve be protected rather than removed with a root canal; if the dentist has not heard of MTA, a second opinion is worthwhile, especially if cold sensitivity fades within about ten seconds. Second, am I at high risk of decay, and would a fluoride-releasing material help, for example after radiation treatment or with dry mouth from Sjögren's syndrome. Third, if a bioactive filling is being sold as a premium upgrade or promoted on Instagram or TikTok, be sceptical.[20:22] How are these materials used at OptiSmile? Most fillings at OptiSmile are ordinary, best-in-class composite that is well bonded to the tooth. If the nerve is exposed, it is capped with MTA. If the cavity is deep or the patient is at high risk, glass ionomer goes under the composite. Dr Yudelman sums it up by saying the smartest dentistry is the quiet dentistry that lasts.OutroThe takeaway from this episode is that "bioactive" is more marketing term than miracle. Strong, well-bonded composite remains the workhorse filling, while genuinely active materials such as MTA and glass ionomer earn their place deep near the nerve and for high-risk patients, where they can save a nerve, a root canal and a great deal of money.Dr Yudelman closes by saying that the smartest dentistry is the quiet dentistry that lasts. Next week: laser dentistry.Further ResourcesHow to Spot Dental Upselling (Episode 129, production dentistry): https://optismile.co.za/blog/how-to-spot-dental-upselling/Root Canal Treatment at OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/root-canal-treatment-cape-town/Restorative Dentistry at OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/restorative-dentistry/Dental Bonding at OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/dental-bonding/Injection Moulding Technique at OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/injection-moulding-technique/Dental Inlays and Onlays at OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/dental-inlays-overlays/Paediatric Dentist at OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/paediatric-dentist/GC (makers of G-ænial and Fuji): https://www.gc.dental/Cochrane: https://www.cochrane.org/OptiSmile Podcast Series: https://optismile.co.za/podcasts/OptiSmile YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OptismileZa-dentist-cape-townContact OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/contact-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 o

Are you spending more than you earn? In this episode of Your Money Maument, Mauritz Oberholzer shares practical tips on managing your money, controlling expenses and making smarter financial decisions. Discover how living within your budget can help reduce financial stress and build a more secure financial future.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/

We have a double dose this week - Firstly we speak to Hahn & Hahn's Thabiso Tshukudu about what makes a customary marriage valid and then the firm's Janusz Luterek joins us to talk about a recent court ruling in favour of a restaurant involving a needle in a burger. Legal Talk is aired every Wednesday morning at 10:00 on eRadio SA and available as a podcast thereafter.

IntroWelcome back to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth. In the previous episode, Eon Engelbrecht and Dr Clifford Yudelman looked at how to spot dental upselling and protect yourself from production dentistry. This episode turns to genuinely new technology: clear aligners printed directly from shape memory materials, sometimes called 4D printing, and how to judge them without getting swept up in the hype.They cover what 4D printing actually means, how a directly printed aligner differs from a conventional vacuum formed one, how shape memory materials apply force, and which companies are making these aligners, including where Invisalign is heading. They also discuss what printed aligners can do that conventional ones cannot, whether printed resin is safe to wear all day, what is changing for children, who these aligners suit, whether they will make treatment and retainers cheaper, and whether patients in South Africa should be asking for them now.10 Questions and Summary Answers[1:16] What on earth is 4D printing in dentistry? 3D printing describes the shape of an object, and the fourth dimension is time: how the object is designed to behave after it is made. In dentistry this mostly means aligners printed from a shape memory material that holds its programmed shape. Instead of going slack, the aligner keeps pushing gently on the teeth. Dr Yudelman calls 4D partly a marketing word and says the more accurate phrase is direct printed shape memory aligners.[2:04] What is the difference between a directly printed aligner and the conventional kind most people have worn? Conventional aligners, including genuine Invisalign, are made by printing a model from a scan and vacuum forming a heated plastic sheet over it, much like cling film stretched over a bowl. The plastic thins unevenly as it stretches, and every stage leaves models that go in the bin. A directly printed aligner skips the model, so the thickness sits exactly where it is intended, with less waste and a more precise fit. Same-day aligners may become possible, though Dr Yudelman says waiting a few weeks matters little over a 6 to 12 month treatment. He links this to the previous episode's warning about pressure to start treatment today.[5:00] How does a shape memory aligner move teeth differently, and is it true that heat changes its shape? Dr Harris's visit to an Invisalign factory in Poland, where every case produces dozens of models that cannot be recycled, prompted OptiSmile to look at printed aligners. With many conventional aligners, especially generic ones of unknown material, most of the push happens in the first day or two before the plastic relaxes and the force fades. Shape memory materials are designed to give a lighter, more continuous force, closer to a good orthodontic wire. They soften in hot water and return to their programmed shape at body temperature, so they keep pushing. Independent studies have yet to show that one approach works better, much of the research is manufacturer funded, and teeth cannot move faster than bone can safely remodel.[7:43] Who is actually making these aligners, and is Invisalign heading the same way? Graphy from Korea is credited with pioneering the shape memory resin, and LuxCreo from California had the first FDA cleared direct printed aligner system, selling the printer, software and material as a package. The large Chinese company Angel Aligner, which Dr Yudelman has not used but would try if it were available in South Africa, has reportedly invested in LuxCreo. Invisalign's parent company has bought an Austrian 3D printing company with the stated aim of printing aligners directly. Invisalign tends to move slowly, but environmental pressure over plastic waste is pushing the whole industry in this direction.[9:56] What can a printed aligner do that a conventional one simply cannot? Because it is printed rather than stretched, an aligner can be thicker where more force is needed and thinner at the gum line for comfort. Bite ramps can be built into the aligner instead of bonded onto the teeth, and a solid replacement tooth can be printed into a gap. Thickening parts of the aligner can reduce or remove the need for attachments. Conventional brands are also advancing: Spark, which OptiSmile uses alongside Invisalign, now builds hooks for elastics into its aligners, and some systems integrate the roots from a 3D x-ray.[11:31] Is it safe to wear printed resin in your mouth 22 hours a day? Cleared materials have passed toxicity testing, but printing, washing and curing must be done perfectly, and there is very little margin for error. Resins can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions in some people, and Dr Yudelman has heard of several cases where the lab apparently followed every step. Practices printing in-house often rely on a trained dental assistant rather than a technician, which he sees as a grey area. OptiSmile completed a course on printing its own aligners but chose to hold back. Patients should report any irritation, burning or swelling, and practices should introduce the technology carefully.[14:03] What is changing for children, now that a printed expander is replacing the old metal ones overseas? Invisalign now makes a directly printed palatal expander: a series of removable trays that widen the jaw step by step, replacing a cemented metal device turned with a key each day. It is in use in America, Europe, the UK and Australia but not yet in South Africa, where children still need traditional expanders. Spark Junior, from Ormco, offers a two-phase system for children under 13 that can pause while the child grows, with BiteSync to bring forward a lower jaw that sits too far back. Dr Yudelman says OptiSmile plans to use it, and notes that no locally made aligners offer anything for children. For parents, this means no metal, fewer emergency visits and treatment that works with growth.[16:58] Who are printed aligners suitable for, and who should stick with conventional aligners or braces? Dr Yudelman expects a long crossover between conventional and printed aligners. LuxCreo's built-in ramps and printed features excite him, though the system is not directly available in South Africa. Much of the current evidence comes from key opinion leaders who receive products for free, so he wants proper university studies and says a slightly sceptical dentist is a good thing. He believes printed aligners will eventually work better than vacuum formed ones, but not yet in South Africa with what is available.[18:30] Will it make straightening teeth cheaper, and can it help with retainers? Costs may fall in the long term as waste drops and printing becomes simpler, but for now printers are expensive and a bottle of resin costs around 20,000 rand, more than conventional plastic sheets. Dr Yudelman printed retainers for himself from a retainer resin, was unimpressed and never used it for patients, and the 15,000 rand bottle has since expired. OptiSmile uses Zendura A, a high-end sheet material that is vacuum formed and stays clear, smooth and stain resistant, with retainers still looking good after a year. Printed appliances are porous because they are built in layers, and a LuxCreo trial case worked but stained yellow within days. For retainers, he thinks printing still has a way to go.[21:37] Is this available now, and should patients be asking for it? The technology exists, but South Africa often waits longer for new developments, as it did for television in 1976. Dr Yudelman expects the best options to reach South Africa once they are proven. For now, he would not recommend that patients seek printed aligners out specifically, and he advises asking questions. He sees the episode as a look at where orthodontics is heading, with more episodes to come on new developments in dentistry.OutroIf there's one thing to take from this episode, it's that new aligner technology is genuinely exciting but should be judged on independent evidence, not marketing. Directly printed shape memory aligners promise a better fit, less waste and built-in features, yet questions remain about resin safety, staining and cost, and many of the options are not yet available in South Africa.Dr Yudelman recalled South Africa's late arrival of television in 1976, complete with Pop Shop and the test pattern, as a reminder that the best technology does eventually reach South Africa. Until it does, ask your dentist questions and be wary of anyone rushing you to start.Further ResourcesHow to Spot Dental Upselling (Episode 129): https://optismile.co.za/blog/how-to-spot-dental-upselling/Invisalign vs Other Clear Aligners (Episode 27): https://optismile.co.za/blog/invisalign-vs-other-clear-aligners/Understanding Clear Aligners (Episode 26): https://optismile.co.za/blog/clear-aligners-benefits-duration-success-stories/Why Teeth Shift as Adults (Episode 64, retainers and shape memory aligners): https://optismile.co.za/blog/why-teeth-shift-as-adults/Invisalign at OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/invisalign-cape-town/Clear Aligners at OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/clear-aligners/Invisalign First for Children: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/invisalign-first/LuxCreo 4D Aligner: https://luxcreo.com/4d-alignerSpark Clear Aligners and Spark Junior (Ormco): https://ormco.com/en-us/spark-clear-alignersZendura A Retainer Material: https://www.zenduradental.com/pages/zendura-a-propertiesOptiSmile Podcast Series: https://optismile.co.za/podcasts/OptiSmile YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OptismileZa-dentist-cape-townContact OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/contact-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 o