EXPERT
John B. Harrison, DDS,MSC
Orthodontist
Dr. John Harrison practices Orthodontics in Saint Petersburg, FL. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment includes metal wires that are inserted into orthodontic brackets, which can be made from stainless steel or a more aesthetic ceramic material. The wires interact with the brackets to move teeth into desired positions. Being advanced in the field, Dr. Harrison may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Harrison must recognize various characteristics of a malocclusion or dentofacial deformity, define the nature of the problem, including the etiology if possible, and design a treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the patient.
64 years
Experience
John B. Harrison, DDS,MSC
- Saint Petersburg, Largo, FL
- Vanderbilt University
- Accepting new patients
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How long should a crown hurt?
That is a question to ask your dentist, not an orthodontist. Sometimes new crowns are sensitive depending on how much tooth reduction was necessary and age (older is better)
Can a night guard shift your teeth?
This is a good question and a reason to have a well made night guard made by a dentist instead of buying an "over the counter" or ordering over the internet. One size never fits READ MORE
This is a good question and a reason to have a well made night guard made by a dentist instead of buying an "over the counter" or ordering over the internet. One size never fits all and soft materials are not recommended
Should my teeth hurt after wearing a nightguard?
Pressure points on a hurting tooth can be relieved by your dentist, but sore teeth upon waking means that you are clenching or grinding on the night guard which is the very habit READ MORE
Pressure points on a hurting tooth can be relieved by your dentist, but sore teeth upon waking means that you are clenching or grinding on the night guard which is the very habit you want to break. Teeth should be apart during sleep, not clamped down. This takes training with relaxation methods. You are not sleeping well if you clench or grind your teeth at night. Learn to let go of stress.
Teeth moving after retainers?
The question you should ask your original orthodontist is if you need a frenectomy which is the removal of a thick fibrous attachment of tissue going between your front teeth READ MORE
The question you should ask your original orthodontist is if you need a frenectomy which is the removal of a thick fibrous attachment of tissue going between your front teeth that keeps them apart, but you want the space closed before the frenectomy so that it heals closed other wise scar tissue between the teeth formed during healing can act like the removed frenum.
How do I know if my braces are working?
Progress photos are very helpful and so are actual measurements at your orthodontic visit. You should make progress every month if all is going well. Be careful about cell phone READ MORE
Progress photos are very helpful and so are actual measurements at your orthodontic visit. You should make progress every month if all is going well. Be careful about cell phone photos as they can be deceiving if not taken exactly the same way each time. Make sure you ask your orthodontist each visit.
How do you fix a broken brace?
The very same way it was placed at the beginning. Always save the bracket or tube for replacement ASAP. If a bracket is distorted or tube crushed it cannot be used again and some READ MORE
The very same way it was placed at the beginning. Always save the bracket or tube for replacement ASAP. If a bracket is distorted or tube crushed it cannot be used again and some ceramic brackets can not be re-bonded and will be replaced with new.
Will getting my braces be postponed because of covid-19?
Since dental offices have been closed since mid March and are just opening on a State by State basis you must expect some delay in getting rescheduled and reevaluated by your orthodontist. READ MORE
Since dental offices have been closed since mid March and are just opening on a State by State basis you must expect some delay in getting rescheduled and reevaluated by your orthodontist. For some in treatment, the two month interval without an appointment will not make any difference in their estimated treatment time.
What happens if your brace breaks?
It happens for various reasons, but you want to get you braces repaired ASAP or things start going wrong and you delay finishing. Your informed consent sheet given you at the beginning READ MORE
It happens for various reasons, but you want to get you braces repaired ASAP or things start going wrong and you delay finishing. Your informed consent sheet given you at the beginning of treatment will advise you concerning problems you might encounter with braces. Get it fixed!
Can crowns be moved by braces?
Just the same as natural teeth with no restorations even if the tooth has root canal fillings and is considered a dead tooth
Why is my gum growing over my braces?
Certain drugs taken over time or allergic responses to foods or environmental materials will make gums swell but if that is not the case then poor oral hygiene is the cause. You READ MORE
Certain drugs taken over time or allergic responses to foods or environmental materials will make gums swell but if that is not the case then poor oral hygiene is the cause. You need to consult with a periodontist who specializes in gum problems to resolve the problem that is interfering with your orthodontic treatment and oral health
How long do braces usually stay on for?
Orthodontist are finding ways to shorten treatment time with more advanced technology to keep teeth moving efficiently, but some directions of movement are more difficult and slower READ MORE
Orthodontist are finding ways to shorten treatment time with more advanced technology to keep teeth moving efficiently, but some directions of movement are more difficult and slower to attain the correct position so answering how long depends on how much movement is necessary. Your orthodontist should be able to give you a reasonable estimate, hopefully in the 14 - 18 month range.
Are braces supposed to make your teeth feel tight?
Patients' responses vary and "tighten up" is a good expression for treatment visits. We can't make any progress by "loosening up". Teeth have very sensitive feelings so I accept READ MORE
Patients' responses vary and "tighten up" is a good expression for treatment visits. We can't make any progress by "loosening up". Teeth have very sensitive feelings so I accept what your son said.
How can I get my braces off sooner?
Keep your mouth exceptionally clean, wear elastics as directed like 24/7, wear aligners the required hours, keep appointments, repair any breakage ASAP, ask your orthodontist READ MORE
Keep your mouth exceptionally clean, wear elastics as directed like 24/7, wear aligners the required hours, keep appointments, repair any breakage ASAP, ask your orthodontist about the benefit of accelerated treatment with Propel or vibrating auxiliaries that claim to shorten treatment time. The most advanced acceleration which is invasive is Wilcodontics, proven to cut treatment time in half.
What is the best medicine for braces pain?
Short term Ibuprofen ( 2-3 days) or Tylenol, if needed, chewing on a soft plastic wafer your orthodontist will give you really helps cut down discomfort. Ibuprofen is known to READ MORE
Short term Ibuprofen ( 2-3 days) or Tylenol, if needed, chewing on a soft plastic wafer your orthodontist will give you really helps cut down discomfort. Ibuprofen is known to slow down tooth movement. Whatever over-the-counter pain reliever works best for you for temporary relief.
What happens if a crossbite is not corrected?
This question has been already addressed and it depends on what type of cross bite and what functional disturbance it is causing. An adult with skeletal incompatibility between READ MORE
This question has been already addressed and it depends on what type of cross bite and what functional disturbance it is causing. An adult with skeletal incompatibility between the upper and lower jaws might need surgery to correct a cross bite since options are more limited in non growing patients. There are so many different types that without knowing specifically what is occurring, the question is difficult to answer on line, but an orthodontist will give you good advice and answer your excellent question.
Should I get braces before crowns?
I think most orthodontist would rather you get braces before crowns unless the tooth is so broken down it needs building up with a temporary crown to be useful in treatment. Crowns READ MORE
I think most orthodontist would rather you get braces before crowns unless the tooth is so broken down it needs building up with a temporary crown to be useful in treatment. Crowns are precisely made to fit the final occlusion so they function correctly, however many adults already have final crowns before treatment begins and we do just as well.
Gap between teeth after braces?
The permanent retainer behind behind your front teeth has debonded allowing this to happen. It is best to provide a second retainer to prevent reopening like a clear tray aligner READ MORE
The permanent retainer behind behind your front teeth has debonded allowing this to happen. It is best to provide a second retainer to prevent reopening like a clear tray aligner to wear at night over the bonded "permanent' retainer. Sooner or later upper "permanent" fixed retainers will break and the second tray retainer saves the day until your orthodontist can re bond the fixed wire behind the front teeth
Can you get braces if you have a missing tooth?
We routinely supply missing teeth with braces or aligners through out treatment if it is an aesthetic problem in the front. If a back tooth is missing and not visible we just make READ MORE
We routinely supply missing teeth with braces or aligners through out treatment if it is an aesthetic problem in the front. If a back tooth is missing and not visible we just make sure the proper space is maintained for a replacement once orthodontic treatment is complete
Do braces cause gum inflammation?
Braces are difficult to clean properly and oral hygiene is a priority to prevent gum inflammation. Trapped bacteria and poor diet (sugar) causes gum inflammation. Sometimes it READ MORE
Braces are difficult to clean properly and oral hygiene is a priority to prevent gum inflammation. Trapped bacteria and poor diet (sugar) causes gum inflammation. Sometimes it is allergies and medication that are the cause, but extra care with the use of water pic, oral rinses, special floss and brushes will usually clear up inflammation. You do not want this to occur regardless of wearing braces, your orthodontist or dentist will help you resolve this unfortunate problem. Healthy gums do not bleed or swell.
Can braces damage your teeth?
Yes they can if extra care is not taken. Even aligners can cause decalcification, white spot lesions on teeth. Fortunately this can be prevented and is not threat to a conscientious READ MORE
Yes they can if extra care is not taken. Even aligners can cause decalcification, white spot lesions on teeth. Fortunately this can be prevented and is not threat to a conscientious patient. Follow your orthodontist's instructions to the letter and greatly reduce your sugar intake for better overall health.
