"Hey, Dr. Nelson: What’s so special about an orthodontist?"

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Nelson started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Nelson decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. He was selected for one of six positions in the Orthodontic Specialty Program to become an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Meet Our Orthodontist

A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dr. Nelson has been practicing in dentistry since 1978, when he entered dental school at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston. His graduate thesis on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction continues to be a significant focus of our practice today. In 1982, he was selected by the Academy of General Dentists as the Outstanding Young Dentist of the Year. Since then, Dr. Nelson has continued to attend, participate in and instruct in all phases of orthodontic continuing education programs.

After completing his studies with honors, Dr. Nelson moved to Austin to open his private practice, where he now resides with his wife, Brenda, and his daughters, Jessica and Jayna. He and his family enjoy snow skiing, restoring classic cars, flying, and spending quality time together.