It is very humbling to be asked to provide care for so many patients. Allowing me to improve peoples health, function, and appearance, and therefore their quality of life, is incredibly fulfilling. I have always considered providing orthodontic care to be a special invitation to participate in peoples lives for a short period, as we work together on the shared goal of a healthier, more attractive smile.

I find it rewarding to help people resolve their orthodontic issues. Treatment can be life-changing for many. Whether working with an adult who has reached a point where they can address something that has bothered them for years, or seeing a child come out of their shell and transform into a mature, confident young adult, I find joy in being part of the process.

My initial professional interest was in treating complex Craniofacial Anomalies and birth defects through a combination of orthodontics and surgery. This interest was confirmed during a summer fellowship at Southwestern Medical Center/Childrens Hospital in Dallas, after my third year of dental school.

I desired an orthodontic residency based in a large medical center, where I would have the opportunity to be part of life-changing treatments. In 1993, I arrived at Vanderbilt Medical Center, where the Orthodontics Division was within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Section of Surgical Sciences. Vanderbilt had a very active Craniofacial Team which treated the most complex syndromes to the simpler cases of Cleft Lip and Palate.

After completing my residency, I was generously offered a full-time faculty position, which allowed me to continue this work. Concurrently, I was teaching orthodontic biomechanics, diagnosis, and treatment planning to the training residents and fellows.

I have exclusively practiced orthodontics for 27 years and have operated my own practice, Hillsboro Orthodontics, since 1998. At some point, I would like to return to teaching the next generation of orthodontists.

The ongoing technology revolution in orthodontics is fascinating and keeps me engaged and excited to keep current on the newest innovations. By staying abreast of the latest developments, I can incorporate proven new options into the practice and patient care.

Being able to treat people quicker and more comfortably, and to offer more patient-friendly treatment options, is important. Today, orthodontics is more of a digital platform than at any time in the past. With intraoral scanning, digital radiography, and clear aligner therapy, my team and I are at the forefront of these technologies.

These organizations provide many avenues for continuing education: lectures, seminars, meetings, and numerous journals, to name but a few. I actively seek out ways to learn from the leading practitioners and researchers, as well as my peers.

Raised in Williston Park, Long Island, New York, I have lived with my family in Franklin, Tennessee for over 27 years. My high school sweetheart, Dina, has been my wife for over 25 years and we have two sweet, kind daughters, Ava and Mia. We also have a great running companion in Cody, a German Shorthaired Pointer. Frankie, our Mini Dachshund, decidedly does not run and definitely does rule the house!

My greatest passion within orthodontics is rooted in my desire to connect with others and build relationships with patients and their families. Nothing is more exciting than unveiling a new smile that makes a patient truly proud. It is a privilege and joy to be a part of this journey with patients toward a beautiful and healthy smile.

I am committed to the highest standard in quality of care in our office. However, it is not just about straightening teeth, but about your overall experience. I am dedicated to making every visit an enjoyable part of your day.

My initial interest in the oral healthcare field, and specifically orthodontics, was my experience with my own orthodontist as a patient in my teenage years.I still remember the incredible feeling of getting my braces off and that feeling left an impression on me. I thought it would be a remarkable profession to be able to have this impact on people each and every dayand it has been!

I am committed to lifelong learning and regularly participate in continuing education to stay informed about the latest advances in orthodontics and dentistry. My goal is to maintain a tradition of excellence in service to patients and exceptional orthodontic care.

Outside of the office, I primarily enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. During the spring, you can find me at the baseball fields cheering on our oldest two children. During the summer, we love spending time on Kentucky Lake and Smith Lake with our family. We also love traveling to new places and cheering for the UK Wildcats!

I am also an active member at Southpointe Community Church in Nolensville for several years and regularly participate in fellowship groups and outreach programs/activities organized by the church.Being an active part of my community has always been important to me. A community is only made great by people who deeply care and actively participate to constantly make it better, and I love being a part of that movement.

Charlotte has been with Dr. Sjursen since 2000. Her favorite thing about orthodontics is the hands-on experience she has every day:working with each patient, and knowing the outcome and smile will be tailored just for them. Her patients are great because they know their orthodontic treatment is going to provide a wonderful outcome. Charlotte is here to help them through the process and is able to get to know every one of them and their family. An added bonus is to see their wonderful smiles when the treatment is complete. That is why she does this job and loves it!

Charlotte is a native of Franklin. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1997. Charlotte and her husband have two children, which keeps them busy with many of their activities.She also scrapbooks and travels.

Melanie has had the pleasure of being in orthodontics since 2001 and was excited to join Dr. Sjursens team in 2010. The most rewarding part of her day is watching the changes of childrens smiles and seeing the confidence they gain once their braces come off.

Shelby is registered as a dental assistant through the State of Tennessee 6th District Dental Association. She currently works part-time on our Spring Hill location, where she plays an integral role in creating beautiful smiles. Shelbys favorite part of her work is the happiness on a patients face when they see their new smile for the first time.

Shelby lives on a small 17-acre farm in Columbia, where she has three dogs and a lot of chickens. She enjoys tending to her fruit trees, having a garden, and planting lots of flowers in the summer time. Shelby also enjoys baking and making jams and jellies. She has been married to her husband Trey for seven years and they have a baby boy named Colt.

Christy graduated from registered dental assisting school in 2012 and worked for a cosmetic dentist for eight years before joining Dr. Sjursens team. Always wearing a smile, Christy helps each person feel safe and at home in our office. She enjoys seeing the perfect smiles we create for each unique patient. Christy like each member of our team has a passion for dentistry and our patients that you will notice from the moment you walk into our office.

Chasten was born and raised in the dental field:both of her parents are in orthodontics. She came to us as a licensed dental assistant with more than ten years of experience in orthodontics, general dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics. Now a part of Hillsboro Orthodontics, Chasten welcomes new patients to our office and reviews their treatment options. She enjoys meeting new people and building relationships with them as they grow throughout their orthodontic journey.

Outside of work, Chasten enjoys shopping, good food, and spending quality time with her family, which includes her husband Tyler, their new baby girl Graylyn, and two fur babies, Axel and Kila. They love to play and take family walks in the park!

Gina graduated from RDA school in 2015 and has worked at the front desk and in the clinic in the orthodontic field ever since. As she meets with new patients, Gina explains their options to determine the best financial plan, all while building trusting relationships with the entire family. She relishes seeing how our patients smiles improve and change throughout their treatment.

Gina and her husband were married in 2010. They have two young daughters who love the summertime and being outdoors, whether theyre going on vacation at the beach or just to the pool. On weekends, Gina enjoys working in the yard and going for a walk.

The Hillsboro Orthodontics team has more than 100 years of combined orthodontic experience and has easily been involved in the care of more 10,000 patients! That is a lot of great smiles! We deliver the highest quality of orthodontic care in a kind, compassionate environment.

The technology revolution in orthodontics is fascinating and keeps this profession interesting after decades of practicing. We are able to treat people more quickly and comfortably, and offer them more patient-friendly treatment options, whether they desire aligners or conventional braces.

We stay current with the constantly evolving field of digital technologies as well, which facilitate more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for our patients. Orthodontics is more of a digital platform today than it has ever been, with intraoral scanning, digital radiography, and clear aligner therapy, and we are on the forefront of these technologies in our office.

We are lucky to have the most exceptional, compassionate, and committed staff. They are focused on performing the highest quality of work and making our patients feel welcome, appreciated, and comfortable.