Dr. Nease was born in Parrottsville, TN (pop 110), a small town in East Tennessee that has the distinction of being the 3rd oldest town in the state of Tennessee. His passion for orthodontics started when he was 14 years old. His orthodontist was Dr. Joe Henley in Greenville, TN. Dr Henley was a great mentor, and after seeing how orthodontics changed his own smile and life, as well as others around him, he knew he wanted to be part of that profession.
He graduated as Valedictorian from Cocke County (TN) High School in 1988 and graduated from the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!) in 1992. He then attended the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, TN, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree as Valedictorian of his graduating class in 1996. He remained at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry for his orthodontic training, and received his Master of Dental Science (MDS) degree in June of 1999. He immediately joined the practice of Dr. Phil Higginbotham in Spartanburg, beginning a wonderful professional relationship and friendship that endures today.
They have four adult children (Sydney, Cameron, Ansley and Reagan) in various stages of higher education that keep them very busy! They also have one dog (Charlie), and a cat (Lucy). Dr. Nease is a lifelong sports enthusiast, and has been active either playing or watching sports his entire life. He is the #1 Tennessee Volunteer fan in SC (self-proclaimed), and attends Carolina Panthers (Keep Pounding!) and Charlotte Hornets (Bring Back the Buzz!) games as often as possible. He golfs, hunts, and goes snow skiing when the powder is right!
She called Atlanta home for the first 16 years of her life up until she moved to a small town in northern Virginia named Middleburg, aptly named for its location halfway between Washington DC and Winchester, VA.
From the time she could crawl, she has been an equine and animal enthusiast. This passion initially inspired her to pursue a major in Animal and Veterinary Science at Clemson University, and she also minored in business administration. It was not until the spring of her senior year, having already been accepted into vet school, that some sincere soul searching led her to explore other professions.
A visit to the dentist in Clemson peaked her interest in dentistry, and after a semester of shadowing at his office, it was clear where her new path would lead her. Dentistry became her passion and purpose and while in dental school she decided to pursue specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
She graduated high school from the Foxcroft School in Middleburg VA in 2006 and completed her Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University (Go Tigers!) in 2010. She attended theMedical University of South Carolina (MUSC)in Charleston, SC for dental school where she graduated top of her dental school class for clinical excellence and number two overall.
In June of 2019, she completed her residency in orthodontics at the University of Michigan, one of the countrys top residency programs. During her time at the University of Michigan, Dr. Thomas was class president of her residency class, chief resident, co-organizer of the national conference GORP, the resident director on the board of directors for theAmerican Association of Orthodontists Foundationand she received her Master of Orthodontics degree (MS). Upon graduation, she immediately joined the incredible team constructed byDr. Eric NeaseandDr. Phil Higginbothamat Nease and Higginbotham Orthodontics in Spartanburg, Gaffney, Duncan and Union South Carolina.
They have two wonderful four-legged kids, a black lab, Belle, and a beagle, Beau. Raised in a family of all girls, she was her dads boy and shares his love of the outdoors. As a family, they enjoy all outdoor activities and are excited to explore all the upstate has to offer. Dr. Thomas and her family love horses, shooting sporting clays, bird hunting, any and all things fitness and a little fine dining along the way. They are looking forward to being back in the South and being closer to family as well as playing an integral part of Nease and Higginbotham Orthodontics, their church and their community. Alex and Zack are also looking forward to diving back into Clemson athletics! Go Tigers!
Dr. Higginbotham was born and raised in Crossett, Arkansas. Upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of Arkansas (Go Razorbacks!). He attended dental school at the University of Tennessee at Memphis, where he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Navy as a dentist,spending three years in the Philippines. He traveled extensively throughout the Far East to Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and India. After his military service, he attended St. Louis University School of Orthodontics, receiving a Master of Science in Orthodontics in 1972.
Dr. Higginbotham has maintained membership in various professional organizations throughout his career. He was also one of the first members of the prestigious Schulman Study Group, a nationally recognized association of prominent orthodontic practices. Dr. Higginbotham estimates treating over 15,000 plus patients through the years.
Dr. Gary Horvath is a graduate of Dorman High School. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Wofford College in 1983. He then attended the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, graduating with very high distinction with a DMD degree in 1989.
To further his education, Dr. Horvath received his Masters degree and orthodontic specialty certificate in 1992 from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. He is involved in several professional organizations including the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Piedmont District Dental Society and the Spartanburg County Dental Society. He is a member of the Episcopal Church as well as several other local, regional and international charitable organizations.
In Dr. Horvaths spare time he enjoys playing guitar, traveling, photography, reading, along with studying scripture and theology. He is a technology enthusiast and enjoys supporting the technology needs of several local churches, participating in mission work and most of all, gathering with family and friends.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 40 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAmy Workman
2 years ago
Both of my kiddos just got their braces off! Nth Degree has been so wonderful to them. I have appreciated their kindness and level of professionalism!
Katherine Nestberg
2 years ago
Just signed up for our 4th time and am here excited about it than ever! For my first kid, I shopped around and found that all treatment plans and cost were basically the same, so I chose a practice based on convenience. Over the 8 years we've been with this practice, it has grown tremendously and I became concerned we'd lose the personal touch we'd grown to enjoy. But today was the best experience ever. From the scheduler, to the financial office, to the treatment plan, to the orthodontist, we received exceptional care and consideration. I walked out knowing we were valued and they wanted the best for me and my family. Highly recommend!
Brande Adams
2 years ago
Every employee is absolutely wonderful here. They have taken such great care of my son and his teeth have made a total transformation. I'm so glad we chose them for orthodontics.
Kailee Hickum
2 years ago
I love the girls so much! They always interact with me when I come in, ALWAYS ask me about my daughter & make sure I feel welcome! I have went to 3 offices & everyone has been a great experience!
Amy Self
2 years ago
Absolutely love the staff! My daughter was 7 when we first started going here & they have been nothing but patient with her! They have eased all mine & her fears. Because of them my daughter has a beautiful smile & is a lot more confident! I am always super impressed with the staff, they are very personable & make you feel welcomed no matter what office we have gone to!
Lisa Harris
2 years ago
Always a wonderful experience! I've used this practice since I was a teen myself, my son, daughter and now my grandson & granddaughter. Would never use anyone else!
Amy Smith
2 years ago
Both Dr. Nease and Dr. Thomas cared for my daughter and her smile is now absolutely incredible! All the staff has been great and made our experience the best. I highly recommend this practice.
Nicole Parris
2 years ago
We have been very pleased with the service they have provided our daughter. They thoroughly explained her treatment plan and answered all our questions and concerns. I would definitely recommend this office for all your orthodontic needs.
Jessica Morris
2 years ago
Me and my daughter love it here. They have my daughters best interests at heart. So welcoming!
Crystal Moody
2 years ago
We absolutely love Dr. Nease and his staff. Super sweet and accommodating. We have enjoyed our experience and so happy to be brace free! Thank you for giving my baby girl a beautiful smile . We can't say enough about you and your amazing staff!
Shuntai Lewis
2 years ago
The staff is very nice and they know us by our names.. They let you know everything that is needed to know and walks my child through every step of the procedure.. I think I made the best choice in choosing them!!
nhan nguyen
2 years ago
The workers are kind, and as soon as you walk in the office it feels very comfortable. Thank you for all the help for my daughter, she's been doing great after her appointment!
Vivian Means
2 years ago
Yesterday was my consultation visit. I was very impressed with the warm, welcoming atmosphere! The staff answered my questions and addressed my concerns. I was able to meet Dr. Thomas and Susan who displayed a great deal of kindness, excitement and much respect towards me! I look forward to working with them in the near future!
J Odom
2 years ago
My third child has finally started treatment at Nth Degree. My other 2 kids have million dollar smiles, thanks to Dr. Nease! The staff is amazing, and we have always had a great experience! Highly recommend!
Zaina Greene
2 years ago
We LOVE Nth degree orthodontics!!! Myself and both of my children have seen them for our orthodontic needs and we have loved the care and attention to detail they provide! We HIGHLY recommend them!!!!
Jessica Hamby
2 years ago
This orthodontist office has been nothing short of amazing, ever since my consultation all the way up until now almost 2 years later. All the staff is super friendly and uplifting. I love the ladies at the Duncan office they always make me feel welcomed and included. They're always giving compliments and making a girl feel good! All the employees are always so happy and bubbly, and it makes me happy when I'm there. Even though I kind of rushed them a little bit with my plan because I want the braces off before my wedding, they have been nothing short of accommodating and happy to do it for me. Dr. Nease has been super friendly, encouraging and supportive the whole process. He's a great orthodontist. very happy with my experience here!
Rebecca Mockalis
2 years ago
The location has been perfect for us. Dr. Nease and the staff are friendly. Dr. Nease's treatment plan balanced both parent and child's needs! Thank you!
Todd Abblett
3 years ago
We cannot express enough how grateful we are to Dr. Nease and the entire staff. For all they have done for our daughters and soon our son! Especially, how they are handling the current Covid situation. Everyone is very professional and the procedures set in place, have made it so easy to navigate. The simple text to let them know we are at the office, ready and waiting to the very end of the appointment, when they walk out to update us on the progress. I know this is not ideal (for them or the patient) and they tell us each time how much they miss us not being inside with them. I can only imagine how inconvenient it can be to have to walk outside after each patient and explain what has happened or what's upcoming. They handle it like pros they are and we love you guys for it! Thank you so much for giving our children amazing smiles! Grateful parents, Todd and Chanteau Abblett
Rebecca Mockalis
3 years ago
The location has been perfect for us. Dr. Nease and the staff are friendly. Dr. Nease's treatment plan balanced both parent and child's needs! Thank you!
Jessica Hamby
3 years ago
This orthodontist office has been nothing short of amazing, ever since my consultation all the way up until now almost 2 years later. All the staff is super friendly and uplifting. I love the ladies at the Duncan office they always make me feel welcomed and included. They're always giving compliments and making a girl feel good! All the employees are always so happy and bubbly, and it makes me happy when I'm there. Even though I kind of rushed them a little bit with my plan because I want the braces off before my wedding, they have been nothing short of accommodating and happy to do it for me. Dr. Nease has been super friendly, encouraging and supportive the whole process. He's a great orthodontist. very happy with my experience here!
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