Dr Yudith Kartiko

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

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

Just spent the past 4 days on a cadaver surgical course, picking up advanced tips and techniques that will help me treat...
07/09/2025

Just spent the past 4 days on a cadaver surgical course, picking up advanced tips and techniques that will help me treat my patients more holistically and effectively.

Had a lot of fun along the way — and no photos of the cadavers, of course, for privacy reasons! 🦷✨

Vale Prof John Mew, one of the most influential teachers I’ve ever had.
01/07/2025

Vale Prof John Mew, one of the most influential teachers I’ve ever had.

Could jaw expansion influence adenoid and tonsil size? I would like to share with you, the progress radiographs of the t...
21/06/2025

Could jaw expansion influence adenoid and tonsil size?
I would like to share with you, the progress radiographs of the three patients I saw this week.

These radiographs were taken approximately 12 months apart. None of these children had adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy . ENT collaboration was done from the beginning. Two are still under monitoring. None of the children had any steroid sprays within 1 month of radiographs being taken.

Treatment done was orthopaedic expansion, oromyofunctional therapy and dietary recommendations. None has had any tethered tissue releases yet.

Compliance with diet changes and oromyofunctional therapy were not always 100% but in general was good ( parents have a monthly chart that the sign. The score was on average 80% or above each month)

Age of patients : 7 -9 years of age

What we observed:
🔹 Reduced adenoid size in 2 cases
🔹 Reduced tonsillar size in 1 case

While this is not a controlled study, these findings echo existing research (Yoon et al., 2022; Villa et al., 2007) suggesting adenoids and tonsillar size reduction as one of the benefits of palatal expanders treatment .

Possible mechanisms include:
🌀 Increased nasal volume → less airflow resistance and lymphoid irritation
🫁 Improved nasal breathing → better nitric oxide delivery → fewer allergic/infective triggers
🌬️ Lower inspiratory pressure → less airway collapse and stress on lymphoid tissue

Clinical observation — not conclusion — but worth sharing with those curious about growth, function, and airway health.

I had the pleasure of attending the ASTOT 2025 Symposium this weekend, themed “Collaborative Conversations – Tongue Tie ...
18/05/2025

I had the pleasure of attending the ASTOT 2025 Symposium this weekend, themed “Collaborative Conversations – Tongue Tie and Other Oral Ties Across the Lifespan.”
⠀
It was an enriching experience connecting with healthcare providers from around Australia and around the world, all sharing knowledge and insights on oral restrictions in infants, children, and adults.
⠀
A lovely surprise was seeing some of my fellow Indonesians presenting their research—so proud to see their contributions on the international stage!

Every patient has their own journey. This patient specifically chose a bridge to restore her failing tooth, and she coul...
20/03/2025

Every patient has their own journey.

This patient specifically chose a bridge to restore her failing tooth, and she couldn’t be happier with the result!

The after photo was taken immediately after cementation, so you may notice some minor bleeding from where excess cement was removed.

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

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
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