At Top Down Dental in San Jose, Dr. Nancy Nehawandian’s philosophy is simple yet transformative: focus on the whole patient, not just their teeth, and deliver care with genuine compassion and excellence. Guided by the principle of treating others the way they wish to be treated, her practice has become a trusted destination for patients seeking not only beautiful smiles but also improved comfort, function, and overall wellness.
Since receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific in 1989, she has dedicated her career to keeping at the forefront of the latest developments in order to provide her patients with the best science, services, and technology available.
Whether you’re seeking relief from TMJ pain, improving bite alignment with physiological dentistry, addressing whole-body wellness through holistic dentistry, or restoring balance and aesthetics with advanced treatments like Invisalign, dental implants, and full-mouth rehabilitation, Top Down Dental is your destination for comprehensive care. Dr. Nehawandian combines expertise in TMD therapy, functional bite correction, and cosmetic dentistry to create healthy, beautiful smiles that support long-term comfort and overall well-being.
Our San Jose Dentist is No Idle Fellow
Since earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific in 1989, Dr. Nehawandian has dedicated her career to advancing dentistry through continuous education and innovation. Building on her undergraduate degree in Psychophysiology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, she has completed over 2,700 hours of advanced post-graduate training spanning physiological dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, TMD therapy, holistic dentistry, implantology, and cosmetic rehabilitation.
She has earned a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), a distinction held by only 1% of U.S. dentists, along with multiple prestigious fellowships that demonstrate her commitment to comprehensive, whole-health dental care.
What Is A Physiological Dentist In San Jose?
Dr. Nehawandian is a leading provider of Physiological Dentistry, specializing in aligning teeth, muscles, and jaw joints to restore natural balance. She has advanced certifications in neuromuscular Dentistry, TMJ diagnosis and treatment, and full-mouth rehabilitation, enabling her to help patients overcome chronic jaw pain, headaches, and bite issues that often go undiagnosed in traditional dentistry.
As a Fellow of the International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics (FIAPA) and the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (FICCMO), she is recognized for her expertise in treating complex TMD conditions and improving oral system function. Her commitment to holistic dentistry means she approaches every treatment with consideration for how it impacts total body health using biocompatible materials, offering solutions for sleep-disordered breathing, and supporting long-term wellness.
While her primary focus is functional and whole-health dentistry, Dr. Nehawandian’s training also includes advanced cosmetic and implant dentistry. As a Las Vegas Institute Fellow (LVIF) and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI), she has successfully performed comprehensive smile makeovers, dental implants, and full-mouth reconstructions with stunning, natural-looking results.
Treating Your Teeth From The Top Down
Dr. Nancy Nehawandian doesn’t just fix teeth; her passion lies in helping patients understand their dental health and empowering them to make informed choices. Her caring, patient-centered approach, combined with exceptional clinical skill, has earned her recognition as one of America’s Top Dentists multiple times.
Dr. Nancy Nehawandian’s dedication to continuing education, combined with her talent, knowledge, and leadership in the fields of Neuromuscular, Aesthetic, and Implant Dentistry, and her caring commitment to excellence, make her a great choice for anyone seeking quality dental care in San Jose.
Outside the office, Dr. Nehawandian enjoys life in Saratoga with her husband and two children. The family loves exploring the mountains and skiing together.
To see what Dr. Nehawandian can do for you, call our office today at (408) 354-5600, or use our contact form.
Education
1985—University of California, Santa Barbara –Psychophysiology
1989—University of Pacific School of Dentistry-DDS
Professional Qualifications
Over a 2,700 hours of Post Graduate Continuing Education
(State requirements are 25 hours per year)
Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry (2015)
Orthodontics Curriculum at LVI
Practical Advanced TMD
Advanced Qualifications
Certified in Neuro-Muscular Dentistry
Certified in Full mouth Rehabilitation and Cosmetic Dentistry
Certified in TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment
Certified in Implant Surgery and Restoration
Certified in Laser Dentistry
Certified in Conscious Sedation Dentistry
Certified in Invisalign Clear Braces
Certified in Sleep Apnea/Snoring Appliances
Professional Achievements
Master of Academy of General Dentistry, MAGD (2015)
Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, FAGD (2006)
Fellow of International Congress of Implantologists, FICOI (2008)
Fellow of LVI Global of Advanced Dental Studies , LVIF(2010)
Fellow of International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics, FIAPA (2014)
Fellow of International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orhopedics, FICCMO (2012)
Past board member of Santa Clara Dental Society, Chapter of CDA and ADA
Fellow of International College of Implantology
Professional Awards
Consumers’ Research Council of America, America’s Top Dentist 2008
Consumers’ Research Council of America, America’s Top Dentist 2011
Specialized Dental Practitioners Award 2013
Consumers’ Research Council of America, America’s Top Dentist 2014
National Consumer Advisory Board, America’s Best Dentists 2016
Professional Dental Memberships
ADA – American Dental Association
CDA – California Dental Association
SCCDS – Santa Clara County Dental Society
AGD – American Academy of General Dentistry
IAPA – International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics
DOCS – Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
ICOI – International Congress of Oral Implantologists
ICCMO – International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics
AADSM – American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
IABDM – International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine
IAOMT – International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology