Orthodontist The Woodlands TX
At Showtime Orthodontics our board-certified orthodontist and team go above and beyond to make sure our patients and their families have a great experience from the moment they walk through our door! We have convenient late weekday and Saturday hours! Why miss school or work if you don't have to?! Also, Dr. Shao is one of the four board-certified orthodontists in The Woodlands TX! He is also one of the few orthodontists to provide Harmony® System lingual, hidden braces (braces behind your teeth) for the ultimate aesthetics! Dr. Shao and Team Showtime take pride in our untraditional, fun, and outgoing approach to orthodontics!
Showtime Orthodontics
At Showtime Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages! It's never too late to get the smile of your life! What are you waiting for? Call us now for your FREE consultation and FREE records! Proudly serving The Woodlands, Spring, Magnolia, Conroe, and North Houston area!
You deserve a beautiful smile
We’re committed to building lasting relationships with families while delivering exceptional orthodontic care in a friendly, supportive environment. Our mission is to help every patient, from growing kids to busy adults, feel confident, informed, and cared for throughout their orthodontic journey.
Our skilled team doesn’t just straighten teeth—we closely monitor bite alignment, jaw development, and overall smile progression at every stage of life. Using advanced tools like digital imaging and 3D scanning, we create personalized, gentle treatment plans designed for optimal comfort and lasting results.
Patient education is at the heart of everything we do. Dr. Jeff Shao DDS takes time to explain your or your child’s orthodontic needs in detail, guiding you through every option with clarity. Depending on age and goals, treatment may include early interceptive care, space maintainers, braces, or clear aligners.
We’re proud to provide a positive orthodontic experience that empowers both kids and adults to achieve confident, healthy smiles for life. Contact our The Woodlands TX office today to schedule your FREE consultation—we’d love to be part of your smile story.
The importance of orthodontic care
Orthodontic care is about more than just appearances—it’s about health, function, and confidence. Straight teeth look great in photos, but aligned teeth also make brushing and flossing easier, which reduces your risk of cavities, gum disease, and more.
With modern options like clear aligners, ceramic braces, and digital treatment planning, orthodontic care is more comfortable and efficient than ever. So whether you’re a parent exploring options for your child or an adult ready to make a change, orthodontic care is an investment in more than just your teeth—it’s an investment in your well-being.
The History of Orthodontic Care
Orthodontics may feel like a modern solution, but the desire for straight teeth has been around for centuries—literally. Believe it or not, early forms of braces date all the way back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where archeologists have found mummies with metal bands around their teeth and writings describing methods to align teeth using crude wires.
Fast forward to the 18th century, and the field began to take shape. French dentist Pierre Fauchard, often called the father of modern dentistry, designed a device called the "Bandeau"—a horseshoe-shaped piece of metal used to expand dental arches. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, but it was revolutionary at the time.
In the 19th century, American orthodontist Edward Angle took things a step further by developing a classification system for malocclusion (how teeth fit together), which we still use today. He also founded the first school of orthodontics and began to define the specialty as separate from general dentistry.
By the early 1900s, braces as we know them started to emerge, with metal bands, wires, and rubber elastics making their debut. And while the appliances back then were bulky and uncomfortable, they paved the way for the sleek, high-tech orthodontic systems we use today.
Thanks to innovations like stainless steel wires, clear aligners, digital scanners, and 3D imaging, modern orthodontics is more precise, efficient, and comfortable than ever. What was once considered a cosmetic luxury is now a mainstream, science-backed treatment that improves both function and confidence.
So when you walk into our office, know that you’re stepping into a field backed by thousands of years of evolution and expertise—and we’re proud to be part of your smile journey.
What Is The Difference Between A Dentist And An Orthodontist
Ever wonder what sets an orthodontist apart from a general dentist? It all comes down to years of advanced training and specialization. After completing dental school (which takes about four years), an orthodontist must be accepted into a highly competitive orthodontic residency program—usually another two to three years of full-time, hands-on education focused solely on tooth movement, jaw alignment, and facial development.
During this intensive program, we dive deep into the science of biomechanics, craniofacial growth, and diagnostic imaging. We learn how to treat everything from simple crowding to complex bite issues—and how to tailor every plan to each patient.
Some orthodontists also choose to become board-certified, which involves additional exams, case reviews, and ongoing continuing education. It’s our way of staying sharp and up to date with the latest tools, technologies, and techniques in the field.
So while your general dentist takes care of cleanings, cavities, and checkups, an orthodontist is the specialist trained to design and manage long-term treatment plans for healthy, beautiful alignment.
In short? If it involves straightening teeth or correcting your bite, we’ve spent years mastering it, so you can trust you’re in expert hands.
"I'm very grateful for Showtime Orthodontics! They made having braces a very fun experience. The staff is nothing but smiles and give off such a loving feeling."
Cassie - Patient Since 2015
"One of the major things about Showtime that I believe is different from many places is Dr. Shao‘s willingness to explain and patience in doing so. Dr. Shao and his team treat you as a person, rather than just a patient – a nice change from any doctor’s office I have been to."
Jill - Patient Since 2015
"Dr. Shao and his staff give exceptional service. They are extremely friendly and thorough. I love the evening and weekend hours so that the kids don't have to miss school. They did an excellent job!."
Nathaniel - Patient Since 2014
"Dr. Shao is awesome! I remember my first orthodontic visit with him. He explained everything and he was very detailed. Dr. Shao made having braces an easy and fun experience! He made it so easy to trust him so I was never worried or scared. My experience was awesome! I highly recommend him!"
Christina - Patient Since 2012