John B Harrison DDS,MSC

Orthodontist

7499 MLK Jr, Street N., 168 - 14th St. W. Saint Petersburg, Largo FL, 33702,33770 Show map

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About

Dr. John Harrison practices Orthodontics in Saint Petersburg and Largo, FL. He has been active in organized dentistry serving in leadership roles in County, State, and National Dental Associations and in dental education serving as a courtesy professor of orthodontics at the University of Florida General Practice Residency Program since its inception in 1991. (28 years of teaching at the post graduate level) He is a long time active member of the prestigious Seattle Study Club now changed to the Prosthetic Restorative Study Club of St. Petersburg. He obtained a Masters Degree in Orthodontics from the University of North Carolina and is an active member of the Americal Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, experienced in oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea and snoring.He has been honored with Distinguished Service Awards from Dental Associations and Rotary for leadership roles.Dr.Harrison believes that our greatest threat to health is sleep deprivation at all ages an the poor dietary haabits of the Standard American Diet -SAD

Education and Training

Vanderbilt University AB 1960

Emory School of Dentistry DDS 1964

University of North Carolina MSc 1966

Provider Details

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John B Harrison DDS,MSC

John B Harrison DDS,MSC's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Could a toothache be caused by getting braces?
Yes, and most likely more than one tooth for a few days after braces are placed and at appointments where new arch wires are placed. Teeth are very sensitive to any change in force or pressure to move them for a few days and common pain relievers should help get you more comfortable, Persistent pain in only one area is not the norm and your orthodontist should be notified to find and eliminate the cause. READ MORE
How long after getting braces can I eat normally?
The sooner the better, in fact the dental exercise of eating helps blood flow nourish all the cells that contribute to tooth movement. I recommend chewing on a plastic wafer we give to our patients to reduce the discomfort whereas taking things too easy prolongs tenderness. So get back to chewing. READ MORE
How do I know when I'm ready for braces?
A professional opinion either from a dentist or orthodontist is your best answer. There are reasons for early treatment. Breathing and head posture problems can be noticed at ager 3 - 5. Good advice early can be very helpful later on. Bad oral habits should be corrected as soon as detected. Kids at 7-9 often have lack space for erupting teeth and jaw growth disharmony which may need attention. Sometimes waiting until all the primary teeth are lost is the best time. Then many adults benefit that never had the opportunity for earlier treatment. So the prefect time depends on the circumstances for each individual. READ MORE
What happens if you get a cavity with braces?
Usually your dentist will want the arch wire removed to access the cavity then replace the arch wire after the filling. Occasionally depending on where the cavity is, the bracket or tube bonded to the tooth might need to be removed also in order to do a correct restoration READ MORE
Are cavities common after braces?
Let a dentist determine if what you noticed are cavities and the possible reason. We would hope that no patient would experience any harm to teeth during orthodontic treatment, but a high standard of oral hygiene must be maintained as well as diet restrictions on sugar, otherwise cavities are a possibility braces or not. Restore cavities as soon as possible. READ MORE
How do you deal with braces pain?
If it hurts too much, then you nee to talk to your orthodontist about your problem. I remember the old days when we used too much force because our wires were too big and unyielding. We have much lighter arch wires that preform better with lower force. Ask for lighter wire size and a plastic wafer to chew on after an adjustment which will help reduce discomfort as will OTC pain relievers for only 2 days. Teeth need the exercise of chewing to improve blood circulation which reduces pain.. Also need to make sure you are not clenching or grinding your teeth at night which could be the reason you might need a night guard READ MORE
Is an X-ray required for braces?
You can rest assured that X-rays of facial structures and teeth are safe and very necessary to properly interpret the position of teeth in supporting bone and the horizontal/vertical relationships of upper and lower jaws to the face. I would refuse to treat anyone without X-rays and this is just one important reason DIY orthodontics is a foolish adventure. What you see visually is not what the orthodontist needs to know. READ MORE
What's the best pain relief for braces?
What works best for you can be bought over the counter if teeth are tender for a few days after braces are placed, Wax or silicone padding can help if braces bother the inside of your mouth. A prescription might be necessary for ulcers, but using a chewing wafer after getting braces really helps cut down discomfort. Most people just put up with it and tough it out a few days. Pain threshold is quite variable in humans. READ MORE
Can I brush my teeth normally with braces?
Nothing is normal with braces. Brushing must necessarily be different and more difficult and time consuming. A waterpic is a great help after brushing as are very small thin proxy brushes used like a tooth pic. Always have a mirror and toothbrush handy after eating at parties so you are not wearing what you just ate. I always carried a tooth brush when I had braces as an adult and headed to the sink after eating. READ MORE
Does Invisalign or braces make your teeth more yellow?
Teeth stain depending on what you eat or drink and some people's teeth stain more than others regardless of braces or Invisalign. Often it is the attachment placed on the tooth for Invisalign or the flash from the glue under the braces bracket that is staining. Stains need to be scraped or pumiced to remove them. Metal braces might darken teeth a little more because the bracket blocks light transmission through the tooth READ MORE
Does having orthodontics weaken teeth?
Smart question and the answer has to be qualified. Dentists who do orthodontics without proper training, techniques and diagnostic skill can move teeth inappropriately and cause harm either because of root resorption or bone loss. Patients can cause permanent harm by not following instructions, keeping appointments, being carless with oral hygiene or DIY (do it yourself) orthodontics where treatment is "monitored by cell phone selfies. Sometimes retrieving a difficult impacted tooth like a canine can compromise the bone and gum tissue surrounding the tooth. On the positive side correct alignment of teeth will strengthen the supporting structure of teeth. At age 17 you should not be concerned with harm if you will pay attention to oral health and seek treatment from a recognized specialist in orthodontics. READ MORE
Do braces make your teeth worse at first?
I do not know how you got that information except from an old saying that things have to get worse before they get better. No, your teeth will steadily improve with progress. Each month will get better. Trust me I know! READ MORE
Can I get jaw surgery after braces?
If jaw surgery is a necessary treatment to coordinate with orthodontic treatment the answer depends on how best to accomplish the repositioning of jaws and teeth. Jaw surgery first, jaw surgery after some orthodontic compensations are done first, then more ortho after surgery to finish and sometimes jaw surgery after ortho. If your jaw surgery is not related to ortho then it does not matter when. Your oral surgeon will know what is best for you and can best answer your question READ MORE
How long does it take for gums to heal after getting braces?
Gums need to be healthy at all times with or without braces. If healing is a problem, then oral hygiene is not up to par. No red, puffy, bleeding gums at any time, but pink, tight, and dippled (like an orange peel). Extra care is needed with braces, a water pic is a good investment. READ MORE
Can I do a deep cleaning on my teeth with orthodontics?
It would be better to have a deep cleaning before ortho and regular cleanings during ortho, but if you need a deep cleaning with braces make sure the arch wires are removed by the orthodontist before and replaced after. Excellent oral health during ortho is a first priority. READ MORE
What are the disadvantages of dental braces?
There are risk with everything we do and it is always a question of do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Most of the risk can be successfully overcome with due diligence. Decay and demineralization of teeth, gum disease and bone loss can be avoided with proper care. Root resorption is rare but does happen without known cause as does temporary Joint (TMJ) discomfort and occasional ulcers . Teeth are tender for a few days after adjustments or tray changes and any appliance breakage can be inconvenient. Cooperation is everything and I honestly see very few problems as treatment progresses. All orthodontists have an informed consent form that identifies potential problems to avoid. Fortunately you have options that should overcome your objections and make it a positive experience and worthy improvement, but know what you are getting into before you begin treatment and are prepared for any disadvantage READ MORE
Can you talk with Invisalign?
For the first few hours, you might slur saying a few things like "suffering succotash," but speech and singing will adapt quickly. This is not a a typical complaint, so no worries. Make every effort to speak as clear as the aligner. READ MORE
Do you get braces after jaw surgery?
There are two schools of thought but it still depends on what will make a surgical correction the best for you. A case can be made for surgery first then braces but there are times when braces need to be placed first with some treatment necessary before the surgery then finishing treatment after surgery. Experienced oral surgeons and orthodontists with orthognathic surgery will know which will work out the best for you READ MORE
What is the maximum age to get braces?
As long as there is life, teeth will move, however we do more stabilization of teeth on the elderly so that movement from bone loss does not cause problems.We have done minor tooth movement with patients in their eighties when indicated and helpful. READ MORE
How do you floss when you have braces?
Flossing is difficult and time consuming with braces and you need a floss threaded to guide the floss under the wire and between the teeth. Other devices work as well, Water Pik, Stem U Dents, fuzzy ended plastic tooth picks, and small tapered proxy brushes. Make sure your professional cleanings are regular with the arch wires removed. READ MORE