Meet Your Cincinnati Orthodontist
Dr. Jim Thacker’s commitment to creating healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime began with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ohio State University in 1978, followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1982. Upon completion of a two-year graduate residency, he was awarded his degree in Orthodontics from Boston University in 1984.
Dr. Jim is a Board Certified Orthodontist, a designation that is held by only 30% of orthodontists. He is also a member of the following professional organizations:
Dr. MaryEvan Thacker is a native of Cincinnati and has always wanted to be a doctor. She worked as a chairside technician at Thacker Orthodontics during her high school and college years before joining the team full-time as an orthodontist in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University in 2009, majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Medicine, Health, and Society. She next earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, finished third in her class and was elected to membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Honor Dental Society, for her exceptional academic performance. In 2014, Dr. MaryEvan completed a one-year Craniofacial Biology program at the University of Kentucky in their Department of Orthodontics. She graduated with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Orthodontics and a Masters of Science in Dentistry from Boston University.
Why an Orthodontist in Cincinnati? Orthodontist vs. Dentist
An orthodontist is a dentist, but a dentist is not an Orthodontist. Not every dentist is qualified to be an orthodontist, even though every orthodontist starts as a dentist. Dr. Jim Thacker and Dr. MaryEvan Thacker, like all orthodontists, had to continue their education for 2 or 3 additional years before receiving the necessary license and certification. Dr. Jim Thacker and Dr. MaryEvan Thacker have spent years studying nothing but how and why to move teeth, as have all orthodontists. This includes what to do, how to plan, and how to execute the necessary treatment plan for you.
Why does it matter if you see your Cincinnati Orthodontist?
Dentists receive basic orthodontic training so they can perform root canals, extract wisdom teeth, and treat young children who do not yet need to see an orthodontist. Specialists, on the other hand, receive additional training to give them the skills needed to deal with more difficult orthodontic problems.
Seeing a specialist like a Cincinnati orthodontist may change your braces experience by:
- Providing more treatment options, with a variety of braces or therapies to choose from
- Having personal experience treating multiple cases that share your unique concern and anatomical characteristics.
- More efficient treatment and visits, because it is the office’s focus area of care.
- Knowing that you’ll receive the best possible outcome on your treatment plan, especially if you have severe bite discrepancies that need to be addressed.
- Being seen more quickly, as a family dentist will be focused on longer patient cases or emergencies throughout the day.
While some individuals may think it’s easier to have their orthodontic work completed by their dentist, convenience shouldn’t be a barrier to seeing a specialist. You will only be stopping by your Cincinnati orthodontic offices every six to eight weeks.
And don’t let price be a problem either! Thacker Orthodontics is proud to provide affordable treatment in the Cincinnati area.
Testimonials from our patients
Thacker Orthodontics is wonderful. They have great hours and the staff is always friendly, helpful and professional. We really appreciate his conservative approach to treatment. He followed the kids' progression for years before the braces were applied. Our kids were never rushed into braces. Other than adding a new face(s), he has had the same staff since we started seeing him almost 10 years ago. That is a sign of a good work environment. I highly recommend Dr. Thacker. -Sharon
I was first introduced to Dr. Thacker’s practice many years ago when my son required orthodontia. I was impressed with the care he received. More recently my teeth began shifting. In addition to orthodontia, I also needed jaw surgery. Dr. Thacker and his staff provided comfort and much-needed reassurance during the 2-year process. Dr. Thacker and his staff were professional, courteous, kind and always greeted me with smiles. Their concern for my dental health was genuine. My questions were answered thoroughly and with patience. I was treated with respect and always felt at ease. I continue to visit Dr. Thacker’s office for check-ups. I remain confident that I am receiving the best care available and highly recommend Dr. Thacker’s practice. - Marty
I couldn’t ask for better customer service. They have the friendliest staff and doctors. I really appreciate the personal call from Dr. Mary Evan checking on my daughter after getting her braces put on. Very impressed with this practice! - Kimberly