DR YOANA FILEVA: THE TRANSFORMATION YOU NEED

Proper orthodontic treatment is the key to well-aligned teeth and a beautiful smile. For decades, braces were the only way to achieve this, but today, thanks to the efforts of companies and specialists around the world, patients have a convenient and effective alternative: aligners. This innovative method has enormous potential to create well-aligned smiles, especially when treatment is carried out by an experienced and dedicated professional like Dr Yoana Fileva. She is a leading Bulgarian specialist in aligner-based orthodontic treatments, a lecturer and clinical expert for Yellow Line Aligners, and an expert in the digital planning of orthodontic treatments with aligners using OnyxCeph. She graduated from the Medical University of Sofia in 2016 and has specialising in orthodontics at UCAM in Spain.

Why did you choose to specialise in orthodontics? What attracted you to this area of dental medicine in the first place?

Orthodontics gives me the opportunity to transform the entire smile and facial appearance of the patient, not just "to fix a tooth." Often, orthodontic problems and established harmful habits in children and teenagers lead to asymmetric growth and development of the jaws. This can sometimes result in overall facial asymmetry. With proper and timely orthodontic treatment we can align the teeth, correct the bite and normalise and improve overall jaw and facial growth.

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing how my patients' appearance and confidence change after treatment – they start to like their smile and become much more confident when interacting with others.

What can modern orthodontics achieve? Can aligners, which are becoming increasingly popular among patients, successfully address all orthodontic issues?

The capabilities of modern orthodontics are constantly expanding thanks to digital orthodontics and 3D treatment planning. Over 70% of orthodontic cases can be successfully treated with aligners. Aligner treatment is often faster than braces treatment, as each tooth movement is precisely pre-planned. Since aligners are also extremely aesthetic and comfortable, it is no surprise that they have become the most popular treatment option.

Which brand of aligners should patients choose?

As I always say: "The brand of aligners does not matter as much as who plans your aligner-based orthodontic treatment." Many large, popular companies use AI or technicians for treatment planning, and if the treating doctor lacks orthodontic experience or experience in aligner treatment planning, the treatment may be unsuccessful and the teeth may be moved into an unfavourable position within the bone. This can lead to gingival recessions and periodontal issues.

That is exactly why I personally plan all of my patients' aligner-based orthodontic treatments, choosing and placing all attachments and programming the exact tooth movements in each aligner to ensure the treatment is successful.

In 2024 and 2025, you won the international Smile of the Year competition in the "Aligner-Based Orthodontic Treatment in Children and Teenagers" and "Aligner-Based Orthodontic Treatment in Adult Patients" categories. What earned you these awards?

I am incredibly happy about these awards and grateful for the trust my patients place in me. I am glad I was able to demonstrate that proper 3D treatment planning is the most important element in aligner-based orthodontic treatments.

When the movements are planned correctly, the potential of aligners is great, even in extremely complex and challenging orthodontic cases. This year, we demonstrated this with the case that won in the "Aligner-Based Orthodontic Treatment in Adult Patients" category.

Are there age restrictions for aligner treatment?

No, there are no age limits to straightening your teeth and feeling comfortable and confident with your smile.

What has been the most challenging case in your practice?

Every case is a challenge because I understand how much excitement and emotion my patients invest in their treatment. Some of them have waited years before deciding to start their orthodontic journey.

Sofia, 8 Tri Ushi St
+359 887 695 630
www.dryoanafileva.com