At Up ValleyOrthodontics we specialize in helping our patients achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile that will make a lasting impression. We provide comprehensive orthodontic treatment in our clean and comfortable facilities in St. Helena, California. Beautiful Smiles are our Specialty.

Improving a patients appearance is only one benefit of orthodontic treatment. Straightening crowded teeth and correcting the way your teeth and jaws fit together will improve your overall health. A healthy bite is as important at age 60 as it is at age 16. Our office atmosphere is fun, friendly, and relaxed. We have truly caring attitudes and strive to provide patient care that is second to none. Using state of the art appliances, technologies, and systems our orthodontist, Drs. Nichelini and Shanahan, can help you achieve the healthy bite and beautiful smile youve always wanted.

Our office is here to provide great orthodontic care to our patients. We care about each patient and treat you as a part of our family. Drs. Nichelini and Shanahan treats each person is a unique individual with unique orthodontic needs and plans treatment based on that philosophy.

If you reach our answering service and are not having an orthodontic emergency please leave us a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. If you are having an emergency you will be provided with further instructionsin which you can reach Drs. Nichelini and Shanahan or a staff member.

Dr. Shanahan, a fifth generationCalifornian, was born in Humboldt County in the town of Eureka. He attended UC San Diego where he earned his bachelors degree in cognitive science specializing in computation. He pursued his interest in traveling and the liberal arts when he chose to study abroad at the University of Oxford in England, during which time he met his wife, Alyson. He obtained his dental degree from the University of Southern California School Of Dentistry, from which he graduated in the top of his class.Dr. Shanahans interests in dental esthetics and developing beautiful smiles blossomed as a member of the exclusive USC Esthetic Dentistry Selective team.These experiences, plus his desire to work with both children and adults, led him to further his education at the Orthodontic Division at UC San Francisco, where he earned his Masters degree in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and his certification in Orthodontics.His training at UC San Francisco included an emphasis on care for children with craniofacial anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate, under the tutelage of notable leaders in the field.Dr. Shanahan also worked closely with the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UCSF in completing his masters thesis on the innovative use of 3D radiology in the virtual treatment planning of jaw surgery.

Dr. Shanahan is an active member within the following organizations: American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and the California Dental Association.

When not practicing orthodontics, Dr. Shanahan is an active father of his three children, Finnegan, Ivy and Ethan. He also has a wide variety of interests, including basketball, golf, hiking, traveling, and enjoying good meals with family and friends.

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patients mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patients diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.