“If you treat the people in your community well, the community will treat you well in return,” says Dr. Jacob Stadiem. “The best part of our days in the office is hearing about our patients, their lives, their families, and how they spend their free time.”
Dr. Stadiem, his wife Michaela, their two daughters and dogs live about a mile from downtown Loveland, having moved here in 2020. “We love the community and everything it has to offer,” he says. His Northeast Orthodontic Specialists care centers have locations in both Loveland and Blue Ash.
“Just as a pediatrician wants to see certain developmental milestones,” Dr. Stadiem says, “there are certain milestones an orthodontist wants to direct and guide when it comes to a patient’s mouth.”
Curious about the age a child should first visit an orthodontist? You’re not alone.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most children have their first orthodontic appointment and screening by age 7. “To be sure, most children don’t need treatment at that young of an age,” Dr. Stadium explains. “But there are developmental markers we monitor from that age in case early intervention is necessary. That’s because certain issues can be corrected early to prevent more complex treatment in the future, through surgery or adult tooth removal.”
If you haven’t experienced orthodontic care since your own childhood, you might be happy to learn that things have changed. “We no longer have to take goopy impressions of your teeth,” Dr. Stadiem smiles. “We use an intraoral scanner to take digital scans of your teeth, eliminating the need for those old-style impressions.” His office also uses 3D-printed brackets, which cut down treatment time significantly.
“I also take a conservative approach to treatment,” he says. “Just because we like to see kids at a young age, doesn’t mean we’re starting treatment then, too.”
Dr. Stadiem advises that, fortunately, the vast majority of patients aren’t ready for treatment at 7. Still, they should continue to check in at 6-month intervals to monitor growth and development. This also helps youngsters familiarize themselves with his team. “If and when the time comes to get braces, kids will already feel at home,” he explains.
According to Dr. Stadiem, common procedures for children at this age are palatal expanders, which widen the palate and help correct crossbite, and create extra room for adult teeth to come in. “Limited braces or aligners can also help make room for adult teeth to erupt.”
But one other concern for many parents is the effects of mouth breathing. “This can involve a lot of factors,” Dr. Stadiem says. “A palatal expander can sometimes help alleviate nasal constriction—which can lead to mouth breathing. Other issues may include enlarged tonsils and adenoids.” Dr. Stadiem prefers evaluating and referring to appropriate doctors, dentists and myofunctional therapists that he likes to work with in these cases.
That’s why, during new patient exams, his office asks a series of questions to help gauge if any breathing issues could exist and could benefit from intervention or a referral. And yes, that first consultation is always free.
Dr. Stadiem also points out—to the surprise of many—that his practice isn’t just limited to care for juveniles or young adults. “Often, braces and orthodontic treatment are just seen as something for kids,” he remarks. “But about half of our patient base is adults! It’s so rewarding when an entire family, both children and parents, trusts us with their care.”
Community well-being goes hand-in-hand with proactive health maintenance, and with neighbors like Dr. Stadiem and his family, we should all be aligned for success—and smiles—in the years ahead.
“As a Loveland resident myself,” Dr. Stadiem says, “I want to see our community succeed—not just our patients, but for their families, as well.” That’s a sentiment worth smiling about.
NosOrthodontics.com | 9380 Kenwood Rd, Blue Ash | 3284 Montgomery Rd, Loveland | 513.793.4770