Business Details
41 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Orthodontic Care for All Ages in Mission Viejo
At SHN Orthodontics, we are proud to continue a legacy of excellence that began over 40 years ago with Dr. James Hilgers' founding of our practice. As a third-generation, family-owned business led by Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen, we combine decades of accumulated expertise with cutting-edge orthodontic technology to deliver personalized care that prioritizes both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Our approach emphasizes early intervention for children while offering comprehensive solutions for adults, addressing everything from airway development to smile alignment. We maintain a patient-centered philosophy that values clear communication, compassionate treatment, and empowering patients through education about their oral health. Our team's extensive experience, including specialized training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, ensures that every treatment plan incorporates the latest advancements in the field.We demonstrate our commitment to quality through our use of modern techniques like self-ligating braces, Invisalign, and customized growth modification appliances. Our practice's longevity and reputation in Mission Viejo reflect our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care while adapting to evolving patient needs. We measure our success through the positive transformations we witness in our patients' lives, from improved oral health to increased confidence. Transparency in treatment options and costs, along with our flexible payment plans, ensure patients receive accessible, ethical care. This combination of heritage, expertise, and innovation establishes us as trusted leaders in orthodontic care.
Services
Airway Assessment
Invisalign Treatment
Self-Ligating Braces
Phase 1 Orthodontics
Clear Braces
Wild Smiles Braces
Tongue Thrust Therapy
Space Maintenance
Growth Modification
Retainers
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of combined orthodontic expertise through our third-generation family practice.
- Our team utilizes cutting-edge technology including self-ligating braces and digital treatment planning.
- We specialize in early intervention orthodontics to prevent future dental complications.
- Our practice provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
- We maintain a patient-centered approach with transparent communication and flexible payment options.
Services
Airway Assessment
Our specialized airway assessments identify anatomical and functional imbalances affecting breathing patterns. We address mouth breathing, sleep disturbances, and developmental issues through orthodontic interventions that improve overall health. Early detection helps prevent complications like speech impediments and compromised immune function.
Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign offers discreet teeth straightening using custom thermoplastic aligners. This treatment corrects misalignment without traditional brackets, allowing removable wear for eating and oral hygiene. Our specialists create personalized digital treatment plans for optimal results.
Self-Ligating Braces
These advanced braces use specialized mechanisms instead of elastic ties, reducing friction and improving comfort. They allow easier cleaning and potentially fewer adjustments while maintaining effective tooth movement through precision bracket design.
Phase 1 Orthodontics
Interceptive orthodontics for children aged 7-10 addresses developmental issues through palatal expanders and growth modification appliances. This early intervention guides jaw development and creates space for permanent teeth, preventing more complex treatments later.
Wild Smiles Braces
Custom-shaped brackets featuring designs like hearts, stars, and sports motifs make orthodontic treatment exciting for children. These colorful options maintain clinical effectiveness while allowing personal expression through the braces themselves.
People
Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen
Orthodontist
Third-generation orthodontist with a Master's in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University. Specializes in airway-focused treatment and early intervention. Provides personalized care combining family tradition with modern techniques.
Lenna
Lead Clinical Assistant
Danish-born dental professional with expertise in orthodontic assistance. Passionate about patient care and tennis. Brings international experience to our clinical team.
Paloma
Treatment Coordinator
Brazilian native fluent in Portuguese and English. Coordinates patient treatment plans with cultural sensitivity. Enjoys yoga and dance while bringing warmth to patient interactions.
Monica
Clinical Assistant
Certified RDA with over 30 years' experience. Spanish-fluent specialist in orthodontic assistance. Combines technical expertise with personal warmth developed through years of international experience.
Annalisa
Scheduling Coordinator
Organizational expert managing patient appointments with efficiency. Pursuing healthcare law while ensuring smooth patient scheduling and office operations.
Questions
What orthodontic services do you offer for children?
We specialize in early intervention orthodontics including airway assessments, Phase 1 treatment with expanders, space maintainers, and growth modification appliances for children aged 7+.
Do you provide Invisalign treatment for adults?
Yes, we offer Invisalign clear aligner therapy for adults seeking discreet teeth straightening solutions. Our specialists create customized digital treatment plans for optimal results.
What payment options are available?
We provide flexible payment plans and work with patients to find affordable solutions. Our treatment coordinator will explain all financial options during your consultation.
Are emergency orthodontic services available?
We offer emergency care for orthodontic issues including broken brackets, wire irritation, and appliance adjustments outside regular treatment appointments.
What makes your practice different from other orthodontists?
As a third-generation family practice with over 40 years' experience, we combine heritage with innovation, offering personalized care using the latest orthodontic technologies and techniques.
Do you treat patients with special needs?
Our team has experience adapting treatments for patients with unique requirements, including behavioral considerations and physical limitations, through specialized appliances and modified treatment approaches.
