EXPERT
Dr. William Harrell, DMD
Dentist
Dr. William Harrell practices Orthodontics in Alexander City, AL. 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. Harrell may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Harrell 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.
53 years
Experience
Dr. William E. Harrell, DMD
- Alexander City, AL
- University of Alabama
- Accepting new patients
No results found
What can't I eat with braces?
I tell my patients "no chewing gum, bubble gum, googy sticky candy, candy apples,red hot, hot shots, sugar babies, sugar daddies, no ice, peanut brittle, any thing hard or sticky. READ MORE
I tell my patients "no chewing gum, bubble gum, googy sticky candy, candy apples,red hot, hot shots, sugar babies, sugar daddies, no ice, peanut brittle, any thing hard or sticky. Keep it softer dong chew on pencils. Only to name a few. Use your common sense. When appliances break or get bent the teeth move incorrectly and more time may cost you more money.
My son is on his orthodontic treatment and a part of his tooth is now above his gums. Is it normal?
Hard to know with out seeing it. But teeth do move around alot during the first 6 - 8 months. But if the gum tissue swells it may look funny or sometimes they will protrude then READ MORE
Hard to know with out seeing it. But teeth do move around alot during the first 6 - 8 months. But if the gum tissue swells it may look funny or sometimes they will protrude then as heavier wires are placed they will align. Your orthodontist will know if it is normal movement or not.
Do I have to wear a retainer forever?
Only if you want your teeth to remain straight through out your life. Teeth tend to shift as we get older. It is called Aging. The only way to keep teeth straight after braces READ MORE
Only if you want your teeth to remain straight through out your life. Teeth tend to shift as we get older. It is called Aging. The only way to keep teeth straight after braces is WEAR YOUR RETAINERS at night forever. Sorry no magic bullet.
How long do people typically wear braces?
It varies depending on the severity of your case. Most cases can be treated in 2 - 2 1/2 years or less. Cooperation is KEY. no breakage of appliances, brushing and cleaning your READ MORE
It varies depending on the severity of your case. Most cases can be treated in 2 - 2 1/2 years or less. Cooperation is KEY. no breakage of appliances, brushing and cleaning your teeth. Regular dental visits keeping your orthodontic appointments, genetics, etc etc all effect time involved and quality of result.
Can I straighten my teeth without braces?
It depends on the severity. Some adults are candidates for Invisible aligners such as Invisalign and there are others but OLY done by a trained professional. BEWARE of Do It Yourself READ MORE
It depends on the severity. Some adults are candidates for Invisible aligners such as Invisalign and there are others but OLY done by a trained professional. BEWARE of Do It Yourself treatment. I personally see patients every month who try some brands advertised in TV and an buy online. All have problems and some had lost some teeth or bad gum disease. Do not go that route. see a trained orthodontist and look for board certification. You will be handled professionally.
