Dr Yudith Kartiko

Dr Yudith Kartiko BDS Hons.(Usyd),FRACDS, PGDipDImplantology,Grad Dip(Ortho),GradDipClinDent(ClearAligner)FICCDE,FIADFE

Four inspiring days immersed in learning with Dr Steve Olmos, diving deeper into temporomandibular disorders (TMD), chro...
29/06/2026

Four inspiring days immersed in learning with Dr Steve Olmos, diving deeper into temporomandibular disorders (TMD), chronic pain, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and the autonomic nervous system.

This was my second time attending his Mini Residency (not counting the first course I did as a new graduate back in 2004!) and my second time completing Autonomic Motor Nerve Reflex testing. Every time I revisit this education, I leave with an even greater appreciation of how interconnected the human body truly is.

As dentists, we don’t simply treat teeth.

Every adjustment we make, every appliance we prescribe, and every bite we improve has the potential to influence far more than the smile—it can affect breathing, posture, muscle function, pain patterns, and overall wellbeing.

Likewise, we must first assess whether there are underlying injuries, functional imbalances, or compensations within the body before prescribing appliances or altering a bite.

I believe that good dentistry requires the ability to look beyond the teeth and see the whole person.

Collaboration between dentistry, medicine, and allied health is essential if we want to create meaningful, lasting outcomes for our patients.

Always learning. Always connecting the dots. Always treating the person, not just the teeth.

Expansion is only part of the puzzle 🧩This 4-month progress shows more than just changes in tooth position.At the start,...
10/04/2026

Expansion is only part of the puzzle 🧩

This 4-month progress shows more than just changes in tooth position.

At the start, this child presented with:
• Crossbite
• Functional jaw shift on closure
• Lip strain at rest
• Jaw tightness

When a crossbite is present, the jaw may adapt into a compensated position to achieve a more comfortable bite. Over time, this can influence symmetry, muscle activity, and resting posture.

After 4 months, we can observe:
✔ Improved upper arch form
✔ A more centred and symmetrical bite
✔ More relaxed lip posture at rest
✔ Reduced jaw tension

These changes reflect not only structural adaptation, but also early functional improvement.

However, treatment does not stop at expansion.

Long term stability is influenced by function, including:
• Nasal breathing
• Tongue posture
• Swallow pattern
• Chewing and diet consistency

👉 “Expansion creates space—but long-term stability is influenced by how that space is used.”

Current literature continues to explore the relationship between orofacial function, breathing, and craniofacial development. Integrating both structure and function is an important consideration in growing patients.

Fixed appliances used to be my main modality of treatment. Over time, I’ve found that clear aligners allow orthodontic t...
16/01/2026

Fixed appliances used to be my main modality of treatment. Over time, I’ve found that clear aligners allow orthodontic treatment to fit around busy lives, work commitments, and major life events.

With strategic and efficient staging—often supported by TADs—excellent outcomes can still be achieved. I now use fixed appliances primarily pre-clear aligner stage to reduce the complexity of aligner mechanics when needed.

I am trained in orofacial myology, so all my orthodontic treatment incorporates functional rehabilitation using myofunctional therapy.

Progress CBCT showed more symmetrical C1–C2 alignment, improved tongue posture, and increased airway space. These are observational findings, not direct treatment objectives.

Bonding, restoratives, and other finishing procedures will be completed later this year.







AirwayAware
ClearAligners
FunctionalOrthodontics
AdultOrthodontics
TADs

A newly published review from Dr Audrey Yoon’s group summarising the current knowledge on paediatric obstructive sleep a...
06/01/2026

A newly published review from Dr Audrey Yoon’s group summarising the current knowledge on paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea.

The paper outlines the multifactorial contributors to paediatric OSA, distinguishing between anatomical and non-anatomical phenotypes, and reviews contemporary treatment approaches aligned with specific craniofacial patterns.

A well-structured and thoughtful synthesis of current knowledge—and a reminder of the importance of continual learning to ensure our clinical decisions remain evidence-based and patient-centred, particularly in airway and functional care.




I am very touched and grateful for this sweet card and gift 💛. Thank you for letting me be a part of your smile journey,...
19/12/2025

I am very touched and grateful for this sweet card and gift 💛. Thank you for letting me be a part of your smile journey, Miss S.
Gentle care supporting healthy growth, function, and airway — always a privilege 🎄



SydneyDentist
PaediatricOrthodontics FamilyDentalCare

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MyDental Care. Shop 7. 5/11 Bay Drive, Meadowbank
Sydney, NSW

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 1pm

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