Shannon Hilgers Nissen, DMD, MS
Welcome to our Orthodontic practice!
I am truly blessed to be an orthodontist! I work with a wonderful staff and have the privilege of interacting with amazing patients every day. Our goal is to support our patients in improving both function and aesthetics, helping them achieve their best smiles. I love working with patients of all ages and enjoy witnessing the positive changes our treatments bring into their lives.
I was happy to get my diploma from St. Margaret’s in San Juan Capistrano because I’m a native. I went up to Santa Clara University in the north after high school, where I graduated with a B.S. in psychology. After that, I finished my Doctor of Dental Medicine at Boston’s Tufts University, where I was given the Pierre Fauchard Award for Dental Excellence. Afterward, I returned to Southern California and earned my Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Loma Linda University.
This office is where I grew up. When I was a teenager, my dad, Dr. James Hilgers, hired me to mix cement and sanitize equipment. Continuing the family heritage as a third-generation orthodontist gives me great honor.
You will receive excellent orthodontic treatment, open communication, and a welcoming, expert environment as my patient. Having two young boys of my own, I know how important it is to treat your kids with kindness and gentleness so they may enjoy their orthodontic experience.
In the Office
Orthodontics is a serious business in our practice, but it should also be enjoyable! Our doctor is a humorous person, and our staff is friendly and inviting. We treat our chairs with affection because we enjoy what we do. We truly love what we do and the environment in which we work, which makes our team unique. We’re like one big family—many of our employees have been with us for more than fifteen years! We take great satisfaction in providing our patients with dental care and education.
Family Life
It was during my time at Santa Clara University that I met my spouse, Andrew. After finishing our graduate studies in Boston, we both went back to California, where we were married in 2005. Andy is a Laguna Niguel lawyer. In addition to being a die-hard baseball fan, Andrew likes to hone his abilities as a homebrewer. We have a golden retriever named Gus and two amazing sons, James and John. My hobbies include working out, playing golf, riding, hiking, reading, doing yoga, and knitting when I’m not working at the office.
Professional Affiliations
I am proud to be a member of the Orange County Dental Society and the American Association of Orthodontists.
Welcome to SHN Orthodontics, your family’s trusted home for specialty orthodontic care. Located in the heart of Mission Viejo, our woman-led third generation practice combines decades of expertise with a warm, welcoming environment. Dr. Shannon Hilger’s. Nissen carries on her family’s 40 year legacy with advanced treatments and a commitment to your comfort. At SHN Orthodontics, we make every visit feel like home while delivering the exceptional care you deserve.
