SHN Orthodontics
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
SHN Orthodontics
I am truly blessed to be an orthodontist! I work with a wonderful staff and I interact with amazing patients everyday. We are here to support our patients and help them better themselves in functional and aesthetic capacities. I love interacting with patients of all ages and I enjoy seeing the beneficial changes that our treatment brings into their lives.

I have grown up in this office; My first job as a teenager involved mixing cement and sterilizing instruments for my Dad, Dr. James Hilgers. I am a third-generation orthodontist and I feel very honored to carry on the family tradition. I am a local product of St. Margaret's in San Juan Capistrano. After high school I headed north to Santa Clara University where I received my B.S. in Psychology.
Services
Shannon Hilgers Nissen Orthodontics provides a variety of dental and orthodontic services, both from a perspective of aesthetics and functionality. From braces and retainers to Invisalign, we have solutions and methods that will make a strong positive impact. Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics were the first specialty created in the field of dentistry.
The cost of your orthodontic treatment may vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan. Janice, our Financial Coordinator, will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each of your available payment plan options, so that you are able to make the best choice for you, and your smile.
We look forward to meeting you to discuss the needs and options for your orthodontic treatment. In advance of your consultation, would you be so kind to download the pdfs in the right margin and fill them out. If you are unable to fill them out in advance then you can always do the paperwork during your first visit.
Reviews (22)
Stephen L.
Stephen L.
Sep 10, 2024
Report
Dr. Nissen and her team are exceptional! Over the past two years, they have skillfully managed my orthodontic treatment in collaboration with my oral surgeon for jaw surgery. Dr. Nissen's dedication to perfection ensures my teeth are moving precisely as needed, all while prioritizing my comfort. The office atmosphere is fantastic, thanks to her wonderful staff—Lenna, Monica, Paloma, and Natalie—who have shown incredible generosity and care throughout my journey. I am truly grateful to them for their exceptional support.
Raquel B.
Raquel B.
Dec 21, 2021
Report
My kids love Dr. Nissen. The staff is always very kind, friendly and helpful. They explain what they are doing so the kids aren't surprised and are very at ease. Such a great experience.
Barbara B.
Barbara B.
Dec 14, 2021
Report
I can't say enough good things about this amazing office, doctor and staff! They make you feel at home, are so friendly with parents and children. My kids never fight a visit with Shannon Hilgers Nissen Orthodontics. We will be back for many years to come.
Jessica Povey
Jessica Povey
Nov 17, 2021
Report
We couldn’t be happier with Dr. Nissen and her entire team.
They are friendly, accommodating and really care about their families. We literally drive the extra miles because they are so wonderful to work with.
Janet A.
Janet A.
Nov 04, 2021
Report
The doctor and her staff are so friendly and knowledgeable. If your looking for a great orthodontist this is the best place for braces.
Thank you for taking great care of my daughter.
I'm so happy I picked this doctor to take care of my child.
Josh Calen
Josh Calen
Oct 19, 2021
Report
We love Dr Nissen and the entire team! Dr. Nissen is a great orthodontist, my son’s teeth look FAB! He’s happy and so am I!
We highly recommend Dr. Nissen. I also yelped them!
Niki N.
Niki N.
Sep 30, 2021
Report
Both my children have seen Dr. Nissan. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The doctor is super kind and knowledgeable. We’ve had the best experience and recommend her to friends all the time.
Michael Lam
Michael Lam
Sep 18, 2021
Report
Everyone was nice and friendly. The office is immaculately clean and the atmosphere feels open and airy. Great experience!
Stacey S.
Stacey S.
Jul 19, 2021
Report
I CANNOT say enough good things about this office! OUR family has been a part of THEIR family since Dr. James Hilgers was in practice when I was a kid-over 40 years ago (gasp!). So, when my kids needed braces, we of course turned to this office. My girls were fortunate to start their journey with Dr. Hilgers, and then transition their treatment time with Dr. Hilgers-Nissen. And now, as I have needed braces again as a "mature" adult (to correct bite issues that have developed with age), there was no question where I would turn. It felt like I was coming home! ALL of the staff is kind,
Kate C.
Kate C.
Jul 13, 2021
Report
What can I say about Dr. Hilgers Nissen and her entire staff?! We were referred to her office by our pediatric dentist and from the moment we walked in, we were treated like family. Both of my daughters have gone through phase one with SHNO and all of us look forward to their appointments.

Some of my favorite aspects of this practice:

1. Parents are always invited to sit with their child(ren) during their appointments. Great for nervous patients and for the little ones.

2. The staff is always, always, always excited to see us and remembers all the little details about our family, pets
Miha S.
Miha S.
Jun 24, 2021
Report
We love Dr. Nissen. She's knowledgeable, gentle and so kind. Everyone in the office is super nice and we've been coming here for so long( two children who needed orthodontics) that is feels like family. I've recommended them to family and friends and everyone has been very happy with their results.
Marcela J.
Marcela J.
May 26, 2021
Report
Dr. Niessen and her team are very welcoming, warm, and easy to work with. Dr. Niessen is very knowledgeable and explains the treatment or procedures very clear and easy. The fact that I walked out from her office clearly knowing what the treatment for my son will be and why she was taking that approach made me very comfortable in getting her services done (compared to other orthodontists I visited and didn't provide this information as clearly and politely).
Kaz Honda
Kaz Honda
May 25, 2021
Report
Four of five family members have been seen by Dr. Nissen. Our baby girl will be going to see her next week. They are the best, timely appointments, happy staff, straight teeth, great smiles:)
Inge M.
Inge M.
May 24, 2021
Report
Highly recommend Dr. Nissen and her staff. Both my kids went through this office for their braces and now it's my turn. Very professional, talented, always up to date on the new technology and extremely friendly.
Robin K.
Robin K.
Apr 29, 2021
Report
Dr. Nissen and her team are amazing! Both of my sons have been patients of hers for the last 3 years and we have always been treated like friends, rather than just patients. Getting an appointment at the last minute when needed is easy too. They're always willing to squeeze us in. Highly recommend Dr. Nissen!!!
Sherri B.
Sherri B.
Apr 27, 2021
Report
I love this office! I can not say enough good things about the entire staff. To be honest I'm kind of sad my braces are off, I'm going to miss the office staff. As an adult I was hesitant about who I went to for my braces. After numerous consultations, I'm so glad I chose Dr Nissen. They're kind and compassionate and truly gave me an amazing smile. I wasn't sure I'd ever have nice teeth and now I do.
During COVID and still now, I feel completely comfortable going into the office knowing how clean and thorough they are cleaning. They have more than enough air purifiers
Ami Foster-Defries
Ami Foster-Defries
Mar 20, 2021
Report
Dr. Nissen is the most honest and trustworthy orthodontist I have experienced. She has the most friendly office, and they run so perfectly on time and efficientcy.
Stacey Simmons
Stacey Simmons
Jan 06, 2021
Report
Could not be happier with my experiences at this practice. From my time as a child with Dr. James Hilgers, to my time as a parent with both Drs. Hilgers and Hilgers-Nissan. And now, as a more “ mature” patient with Dr. Nissen. They are professional, punctual, accommodating , and friendly. I have never felt “pressured” into any service, and they clearly communicate the course of treatment and the cost. For over 40 years, this office has had my unwavering recommendation.
Yvonne Rahim
Yvonne Rahim
Nov 22, 2020
Report
Our experience with Dr. Nissen has been incredible! Not only is she an amazing orthodontist but she is professional and caring. She pays careful attention to every aspects of her patients care. As a parent I really appreciate all the time she took to explain the different aspects of my daughters treatment and how she answered all my questions. Her staff is more than competent and goes above and beyond to ensure that each patient has as an great experience at each visit. My daughter just got her braces off and already says how much she will miss seeing the staff. I can’t say enough about Dr. NIssen
Tammy R.
Tammy R.
Nov 17, 2020
Report
We LOVE Dr Nissan and her whole staff! They are professional, kid-friendly, kind and efficient! They operate out of integrity and have our children's best interest at heart. We can't say enough great things about this orthodontist!
Alisha M.
Alisha M.
Jul 18, 2019
Report
Dr. Nissen and everyone in the entire office is wonderful! There isn't enough space on Yelp for me to list everything I love about Dr. Nissen's office. Every.single.person is happy, helpful and caring.
We are on our 3rd family member to receive braces and I recommend the office to everyone that I can!

Thank you for everything!! :)
Susan H.
Susan H.
Dec 31, 2017
Report
We are on our third set of braces with Dr
Nissen. During this time she and her staff have taken a personal interest in each of us and made the journey quick and as painless as possible. Each case was different and she's in the business for the long haul with each patient.