Latest From Our Blog

At SHN Orthodontics, Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen is known for combining artistry, innovation, and efficiency in orthodontic care. Many patients from Laguna Hills are discovering that self-ligating braces offer a fresh alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment—one that’s sleeker, more comfortable, and surprisingly smart. Whether you’re exploring options for your teen or considering adult orthodontics for […]

At SHN Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, California, Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen specializes in guiding children’s dental development to ensure healthy, confident smiles. One key tool in pediatric orthodontics is the use of space maintainers, such as the Nance appliance and the Lower Lingual Holding Arch (LLHA). When a child loses a baby tooth too soon, […]

If you’re exploring Invisalign to achieve a straighter, more confident smile, you likely have a few questions about how the process works. At SHN Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, California, Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen offers expert Invisalign treatment tailored to your lifestyle. Here are the most common questions patients ask about getting started with Invisalign.

Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen of SHN Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, California, is dedicated to assisting patients in maintaining the beautiful outcomes of orthodontic treatment. Whether you’ve completed your journey with braces or clear aligners, the final and crucial phase involves wearing a retainer to ensure your teeth remain in their new, optimal positions.  Here are […]

Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen of SHN Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, California, is committed to making orthodontic treatment fun and confidence-boosting, especially for young children. She proudly offers Wild Smiles brackets, a fun and fully functional twist on traditional braces. These unique brackets come in various cool shapes, allowing kids and teens to express themselves while […]

Crooked teeth can mess with your confidence and make everyday things like smiling or speaking uncomfortable. If that hits close to home, you’re not alone. At SHN Orthodontics, Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen helps folks feel good about their smiles again by using clear braces for their teeth. Whether you’ve been putting off treatment or didn’t […]

Looking for a more efficient and comfortable way to straighten your smile in Mission Viejo, California? Self-ligating metal braces offer a modern alternative to traditional braces by using a specialized clip system instead of elastic bands. At SHN Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide advanced self-ligating metal braces that reduce friction, speed up treatment, and make […]

Straight teeth take effort. Time in braces. Tightening wires. Weekly aligner swaps. And when it’s finally over, you expect that perfect smile to stick around. But here’s the part many people don’t see coming: teeth move. On their own. Quietly and slowly. That’s why the final step—wearing a retainer—matters as much as the first. At […]

Do you want straighter teeth—but not the metal brackets and wires? Not so much. Invisalign makes getting the smile you’ve always wanted easy without drawing attention to the process. Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen at SHN Orthodontics offers Invisalign as a comfortable, discreet alternative to traditional braces. With custom-fitted aligners and a personalized plan, your journey […]

If your child has tongue thrust, it can disrupt their life significantly. Not only does it interfere with speech and swallowing, but it can also cause orthodontic problems. Fortunately, tongue thrust therapy provided by Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen at SHN Orthodontics can be a solution to restore your child’s proper oral function. What Is Tongue […]

At SHN Orthodontics, Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen is committed to supporting young smiles’ healthy growth and development. In Mission Viejo, California, SHN Orthodontics offers advanced orthodontic solutions, including space maintainers like the Lower Lingual Holding Arch and The Nance Appliance. While baby teeth are temporary, their role in […]

At SHN Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, California, Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen is dedicated to helping patients maintain their beautiful smiles long after orthodontic treatment. One common tool for this purpose is the Hawley retainer, a durable and adjustable appliance designed to retain teeth in their newly achieved position. If you’ve never heard of a Hawley […]