For Dr. Jeff Shao of Showtime Orthodontics in The Woodlands, Texas, there’s nothing like the feeling of changing someone’s life through orthodontic treatment. His love for orthodontics and his passion for the blend of science and art that defines his profession motivates him every day to create healthy, beautiful smiles for his amazing patients.

Dr. Shao was born in Dallas and has lived in Texas all his life. After completing dental school and his orthodontic residency in San Antonio, he moved to Houston (The Woodlands area) to start his own practice. He currently lives there with his wife and two children.

An encounter with a dynamic and engaging professor in dental school, Dr. Bryk, inspired Dr. Shao to choose orthodontics. “The very first day of class, he walked into the room dressed as The Phantom of the Opera and proceeded to sing part of one of the songs from the musical. I remember thinking “This guy is fun, smart, and has an amazing personality. I want to be like that!” Dr. Shao ended up shadowing Dr. Bryk, and fell in love with the profession.

Being able to be the best doctor for his patients has inspired Dr. Shao over the course of his education and career to pursue excellence. He was the recipient of multiple awards during dental school and residency, and went the extra mile to become Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction that only 1 in 3 orthodontists currently hold. The certification involves not just an extensive exam – orthodontists also have to provide case reports from their practice and residency that demonstrate excellence in patient care. (Fun Fact: Dr. Shao is in good company, as over half of TAO member orthodontists are board certified – well above the national average!)

One of the things Dr. Shao loves most about his job is the patient-doctor relationship that he has the chance to build over time. Over the course of the 15-24 months that the average treatment lasts, Dr. Shao has the opportunity to get to know the patient and their families because he sees them on a monthly basis. “It’s like getting a visit from family, and at the same time you get to see how their smiles change and how they grow as a person,” said Dr. Shao. “People often come in with low self-esteem due to malocclusion, but as we progress with treatment we watch how their confidence improves. Their eyes glow as they see side-by-side comparisons on how much their smiles have changed.”

When Dr. Shao opened Showtime Orthodontics; he wanted to create a space that made patients feel comfortable, and also to let some of his fun, movie-loving personality shine through. His office has a coffee and beverage station, an arcade room where patients and their families can wait, and a large and unique collection of helmets on display throughout the office.

Another thing that puts his diverse group of patients at ease are Dr. Shao’s language skills. Over the years, his staff has taught him enough Spanish to be able to manage the basics with his Spanish-speaking patients. Not only that, he also speaks two different dialects of Chinese: Cantonese and Mandarin.

Beyond the waiting room, Dr. Shao prioritizes using the latest technology to make treatment as efficient and comfortable as possible. Showtime Orthodontics uses innovative ICAT 3D imaging which allows Dr. Shao to see the teeth at all angles and the relationship between each tooth, all with less radiation than traditional x-rays. In-office 3D printers mean that retainers and clear aligners can be made on-site, cutting down on patient wait time, and intraoral scanners eliminate the need for messy, uncomfortable impressions.

Dr. Shao’s commitment to his profession and the well-being of his patients shines through in every patient interaction and every little detail in the design of his practice. We’re grateful to Dr. Shao and our other TAO members for their dedication to our mission of maintaining the highest standard of care for orthodontic patients in Texas.

If you’re in the Houston area and need orthodontic care, look no further than Dr. Jeff Shao at Showtime Orthodontics.

If you’re elsewhere in Texas, check out our searchable online directory.