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

How often should I get my braces checked?
That will vary according to your orthodontist's discretion and type of appliance. Aligner treatment will be less visits and longer intervals between appointments whereas conventional fixed appliances should usually be checked between four and ten weeks, however any kind of damage should be cared for immediately regardless of the appointed time. No one should ever go more than three months with active appliances without a check up. Retainers are an exception, once a year or as needed is a good protocol. READ MORE
Do braces change your face shape?
At age 22 facial growth is complete except for minor modifications such as lip prominence or lip incompetence and broadening the arch to show more teeth when smiling. Surgical procedures in conjunction with orthodontic treatment can make significant changes to the face. These are all good questions to resolve with your orthodontist before starting treatment so that your expectations are known. READ MORE
How do I keep my teeth clean with braces?
Oral hygiene with braces is challenging, but must be successfully accomplished every day. Your 10X power lighted make- up mirror will be a superior critic of your ability. It will amaze you by showing where you missed as will water pic use after brushing. I highly recommend water jet devices. Disclosing tablets can be used several times a week to let you know how well you clean. Power toothbrushes are great, but not necessary. The main thing is to check each area visually with a magnification mirror. Don't go anywhere to eat without a toothbrush. You wear what you eat stuck on braces. Get regular cleanings while wearing braces (with the wires OUT!). Healthy gums do not bleed and a healthy mouth is a key factor in overall health. Conquer the challenge! READ MORE
Can you put braces on just a few teeth?
That depends on the anchorage needed to move the few teeth and the direction teeth need to be moved. Sometimes we only put 4 - 6 brackets on front teeth for simple movement or 2 attachments to correct a cross bite of molars, but difficult movements require stabilization from other teeth to prevent unwanted side effects. Your orthodontist can best answer your specific problem and knows what is needed. READ MORE