Board Certified Chicago IL Orthodontist

Dr. Emilia Taneva Favicon

Board Certified Orthodontist
Chicago, IL
Dr. Emilia Taneva

Born in the beautiful medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria, Dr. Taneva’s journey to Chicago, IL, has been one filled with adventure, discovery, and the pursuit of a passion for helping people achieve the smile of their dreams.

When Emilia began her academic career in Sofia, moving there to study dentistry.

During her time there, she served as President of the European Dental Students’ Association. As an educator and lifelong student, she has traveled to more than 40 countries across 5 continents, attending and presenting at dental conferences in Egypt, Singapore, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Norway, Finland, Poland, and Romania.

While her dentistry training (and travel bug) began in Sofia, Dr. Taneva ultimately completed her residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Afterward, Dr. Taneva began practicing at offices throughout Chicago, as well as mentoring orthodontic residents at UIC as an assistant professor in their College of Dentistry until 2018. Dr. Taneva was honored by the American Dental Association as the first recipient of the Robert H. Ahlstrom Investigator Award for Dental Informatics Research.

Dr. Taneva is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

She is among a small percentage of orthodontists in the US to earn this distinction of recognized excellence in her specialty. As an orthodontist and educator, she is experienced in early diagnosis and treatment planning; adult braces and clear aligner treatment; interdisciplinary dentistry; Invisalign; Incognito™ Hidden Braces; temporary anchorage devices (TADs); craniofacial anomalies; orthognathic surgery cases; 3D imaging; and 3D printing.

When she’s not helping patients achieve beautiful smiles and improve self-esteem through the art and science of Orthodontics, she is a wife, mother to two beautiful children (and her fur baby Max, a beagle) and world traveler who is always searching for her next big adventure.

Our Team

Agnes

Agnes is a key part of Dr. Taneva’s team, providing essential support in insurance billing, front desk operations, and administrative tasks at the Midway/Archer and Palos Heights locations. She takes great pride in helping patients get their claims processed and ensuring they receive the benefits they’re entitled to.

Born and raised in Chicago, Agnes comes from a proud Polish family and is fluent in Polish. She shares a lovable dog, Badislav, with her boyfriend, and they enjoy spending time together along with friends and family.

When she’s not at the office, Agnes stays active with yoga and pilates, finding balance both physically and mentally.

Her favorite braces ligature color? A sleek and stylish silver!

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Diana

Diana Bickford is a Dental and Orthodontic Assistant at Dr. Taneva’s Frankfort, IL location, bringing over 20 years of experience in the dental field. She enjoys the hands-on nature of orthodontics, continuously learning new procedures, and connecting with patients to make their experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Diana comes from a big family—she is the oldest and the only girl among four siblings. She and her husband have two wonderful sons, now 24 and 26 years old, and their home is also filled with love from their two 9-year-old cats, Bailey and Sam, who are brothers.

Outside of work, Diana stays active by going to the gym and indulges in her passion for quilting and sewing, which has become one of her favorite creative outlets.

Her go-to braces ligature color? A deep and elegant navy blue!

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Emilia

Emilia is a dedicated Dental and Orthodontic Assistant at Dr. Taneva’s Lincoln Park location, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring the office runs smoothly. In addition to assisting with patient care, she manages supply orders, trains new assistants, tracks lab and ortho cases, and coordinates maintenance and repairs to keep everything operating efficiently.

Her favorite part of the job? Helping patients feel better and seeing their big smiles as they leave the office. She loves being part of their transformation and takes pride in supporting her team—whether it’s assisting doctors, fellow assistants, or the front desk staff.

In her free time, Emilia enjoys spending time with her family and cooking delicious meals. While she doesn’t have pets, she has a big soft spot for cats and loves their playful nature.

Her favorite braces ligature color? A classic and sophisticated burgundy!

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Jenna

Jenna Wardzala is an Orthodontic Assistant at Dr. Taneva’s Frankfort and Loop/Downtown locations. She enjoys working with her hands and building strong connections with patients, making their orthodontic experience comfortable and positive. Her favorite part of the job is seeing the transformation in each patient’s smile and confidence.

Originally from Wisconsin, Jenna now calls Palos Hills home. She comes from a big family and values the importance of strong family bonds. A true animal lover, she and her husband always have a variety of pets. Right now, their household includes four ducks, three dogs, and a hedgehog!

Outside of work, Jenna stays busy with religious volunteer work, running a crafting business, and spending time with her furry family. She also has a love for video games, a fun hobby that keeps her engaged and competitive.

Her favorite braces ligature color? A fun and unique glow-in-the-dark blue!

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Kat

Kateryna, known as Kat, was born in Ukraine and grew up in Niles, IL. As the Operations Manager at Dr. Taneva’s practice, she plays a crucial role in helping patients navigate their insurance plans, ensuring they receive the best orthodontic care while maximizing cost savings. She finds great fulfillment in making the treatment process smoother and more accessible for every patient.

Outside of work, Kat cherishes time spent with her family and friends. She enjoys playing tennis and experimenting in the kitchen, always trying new recipes. A proud milestone in her life—she officially became a U.S. citizen in June 2021!

Her favorite braces ligature color? A classic and timeless navy blue.

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Kathy

Kathy is a dedicated Dental and Orthodontic Assistant at Dr. Taneva’s Frankfort, IL location. Her favorite part of the job is making patients feel comfortable and getting to know a little bit about them—she loves building connections and making each visit a positive experience.

Originally from Chicago, Kathy is a proud mom of two amazing children and a loving grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren. When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her close friends and keeping up with her energetic grandkids, who always keep her on her toes! People are often surprised by just how active she is, no matter her age!

Her favorite braces ligature color? A classic and elegant deep purple!

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Maria

Maria is an Orthodontic Assistant at Dr. Taneva’s Frankfort, IL location, where she brings fun and positivity to every patient’s experience. She especially loves working with kids, helping them feel comfortable, and making their orthodontic journey enjoyable. Her warm personality and caring nature help patients of all ages feel at ease during their visits.

Originally from Mexico, Maria now calls Illinois home. She is a proud mom of two and a loving grandmother to two wonderful grandkids, cherishing every moment she gets to spend with them.
When she’s not at work, Maria is all about family time. Whether it’s a simple gathering or an outing, she enjoys every second with her loved ones. Known for always bringing good vibes, Maria keeps the office energized with her love for music—she’s always playing something fun wherever she goes!
Her favorite braces ligature color? A lively and upbeat neon pink!

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Nancy

Nancy is the Office Manager at Dr. Taneva’s Frankfort, IL location, where she ensures everything runs smoothly while creating a warm and welcoming experience for patients. Her favorite part of the job is meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their unique stories—it’s what makes each day exciting and meaningful.

Born and raised in Chicago, Nancy moved to Plainfield about 15 years ago. She and her husband have been together for over 24 years and share a wonderful life with their 23-year-old son and their beloved five-year-old dog, Grizzly.

Outside of work, Nancy enjoys spending time with friends, getting creative with crafting, and competing in her bowling league—a hobby she absolutely loves.

Her go-to braces ligature color? A fun and energetic hot pink!

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Sharon

Sharon Hofling is the Office Manager at Dr. Taneva’s Lincoln Park location, where she ensures everything runs smoothly for both staff and patients. She takes great pride in supporting her team so they can provide the best possible care and experience for every patient who walks through the door.

A Chicago native, Sharon is happily married and a proud mom of two. Her family also includes a lovable 7-year-old dog and a newly adopted kitten, making life at home even more exciting!

Outside of work, Sharon stays active by playing volleyball and spending plenty of time shuttling her kids to their various sports activities. A fun fact? She’s an excellent swimmer—just one more way she stays on top of her game!

Her favorite braces ligature color? A refreshing and vibrant aqua blue!

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Sirena

Sirena is a front office coordinator and treatment plan specialist at Dr. Taneva’s Archer/Midway and Palos Heights locations, and she occasionally assists at the Lincoln Park office as well. She wears many hats, handling treatment plan presentations, patient check-ins and check-outs, training new front desk staff, verifying insurance, and managing pre-authorizations to keep the doctor’s schedule full.

Sirena also helps patients navigate billing and treatment concerns, always striving to provide excellent customer service. She takes pride in knowing many of the patients personally, making every visit feel welcoming and familiar.

Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Sirena is a proud mother of three—two daughters and a son—who bring joy and excitement to her life. She also shares her home with two beloved cats and has been with her supportive partner for 16 years, who encourages her in everything she does.

When she’s not working, Sirena loves spending time with family and planning parties and gatherings for every holiday—she’s the go-to event planner in her circle! She also has a passion for traveling and exploring the world, always looking for new adventures.

Her favorite braces ligature color? A bold and adventurous red!

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Stacey

Stacey is a dedicated orthodontic and dental assistant at Dr. Taneva’s Frankfort, IL location. She finds immense joy in her work, especially in helping patients transform their smiles and, in turn, change the way they see themselves. Seeing that boost in confidence is what makes her job so rewarding.

Originally from Tinley Park, IL, Stacey is a proud mom to her wonderful 3-year-old son. When she’s not at work, you’ll most likely find them at the library—his absolute favorite place to explore. She also shares her home with two lovable dogs, Mia and Mondo, who complete their little family.

Her go-to braces ligature color? A cool and calming teal!

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Stephanie

Stephanie is a bilingual Orthodontic Dental Assistant at Dr. Taneva’s Archer/Midway and Palos Heights locations, and she occasionally assists at the Lincoln Park office as well. She takes pride in educating patients about oral hygiene and orthodontic care, ensuring they understand how to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile throughout their treatment.

Stephanie believes incorporating oral health education into every visit leads to the most optimal treatment outcomes.

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Stephanie is a proud mom of three—her 12-year-old daughter, 9-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter—who keep her life busy and full of joy. She describes her life as chaotic in the most beautiful way.

When she’s not in the dental office, Stephanie is a dedicated cheer and soccer mom, supporting her kids in their activities. She’s also working toward her dream of becoming a dental hygienist, currently enrolled at a City of Chicago college to further her career.

A fun fact? Stephanie was Dr. Taneva’s orthodontic patient and absolutely loves her smile!

Her favorite braces ligature color? A bright and cheerful coral!

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Tracy

Tracy is the Patient Care Coordinator at Dr. Taneva’s Frankfort, IL location. She finds great fulfillment in helping patients get the care they need—whether that means guiding them through treatment options or connecting them with the right resources if their needs extend beyond the office. She takes pride in ensuring each patient feels supported throughout their orthodontic journey.

Having spent most of her life in the southern Chicago suburbs, Tracy has built a warm and lively home with her mother, four daughters, her boyfriend, and his two kids. Their household is always bustling with activity, especially with their beloved pets—a dog, four cats, a bearded dragon, and a tank full of fish.

When she’s not at work, Tracy enjoys playing games with the kids, getting lost in a good book, and tending to her plants. She also loves visiting museums and theme parks whenever the family gets a chance to explore.

Her go-to braces ligature color? A deep forest green—just like her love for plants!

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Valentina

Valentina is a Dental and Orthodontic Assistant at Dr. Taneva’s Archer/Midway and Palos Heights locations. She finds joy in learning new things every day, educating patients on proper oral hygiene, and seeing them leave happy and satisfied with their smiles. One of her favorite aspects of her job is building strong friendships with her coworkers, making every day at the office enjoyable.

Born and raised in Burbank, IL, Valentina grew up in a tight-knit Italian household filled with love, support, and, of course, lots of delicious food! Family means everything to her, and she cherishes the strong bonds she shares with her parents, siblings, and grandmother.

Recently, Valentina welcomed a 7-month-old puppy named Izzy into her life, and she adores every moment spent with her furry companion. Outside of work, she dedicates her time to coaching a cheerleading team for a nonprofit organization in her town, giving back to her community through her passion for the sport. She also makes it a priority to spend as much time as possible with friends and family.

Her favorite braces ligature color? A vibrant and cheerful yellow!

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Yolanda

Yolanda is one of the Lead Dental Assistants at Dr. Taneva’s practice, where she plays a vital role in managing the dental assistant staff, ordering supplies, overseeing inventory, checking cases, assisting doctors, handling sterilization, and taking x-rays, impressions, and scans. Her favorite part of the job is continuously learning new things and making a difference in patients’ lives by helping them achieve their best smiles.

Born in Durango, Mexico, Yolanda moved to Chicago with her family when she was 11 years old. She grew up in the Pilsen neighborhood, later settling in Gage Park for 20 years after marrying her husband, Antonio, in 2002. Recently, they purchased a home and now live in Burbank, IL. She and Antonio have two wonderful children, Jared and Violet, along with two beloved cats and a turtle.

Outside of work, Yolanda enjoys running and hiking with her family, reading books, and watching horror movies. She also loves spending time with friends. A passionate animal lover, she has been a vegetarian since she was 14 and has embraced a fully vegan lifestyle for the past eight years.

Her go-to braces ligature color? A vibrant and bold emerald green!

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Dr. Taneva has treated both me and my son…

And I wouldn’t trust anyone else with our smiles. The staff at the Archer location is incredibly patient with kids, making every visit enjoyable. Yolanda made my son feel comfortable throughout his braces journey, and now he loves his smile. The team is amazing at explaining every step, making sure both parents and kids feel confident in the process. If you need orthodontic care for the whole family, this is the place to go!

Sarah P.

Dr. Taneva and her team at the Archer office are simply amazing!

From the moment I walked in, Stephanie made me feel at ease, explaining every step of my treatment in detail. The process was smooth, the office was welcoming, and the results? Incredible! My teeth have never looked better. If you’re looking for a phenomenal orthodontist in Chicago, look no further!

Melissa R.

I was nervous about getting braces…

But the entire Archer team made the experience painless. The office is so clean and inviting, and Stephanie took the time to explain everything. My teeth moved faster than I expected, and now I love my new smile!

Emily W.

Awards

Special Award
7th Congress of European Dental Students, 2008

1st National Award Dental Student of the Year
Issued by Colgate and Bulgarian Dental Association, 2007

Robert H. Ahlstrom New Investigator Award for Dental Informatics Research
Issued by American Dental Association, 2015

In The News

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Invisible Braces — Pros, Cons, and a Braces Survey, 2019

Five Things Your Teeth and Gums Are Telling You About Your Overall Health, 2019

Teledentistry and Clear Aligners: What You Can Expect, 2021

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Board Certified Orthodontist
Chicago, IL
Dr. Emilia Taneva

When Emilia began her academic career in Sofia, moving there to study dentistry.

Dr. Taneva is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.