John B Harrison DDS,MSC

Orthodontist

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

About
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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 many teeth are needed to get a partial denture?
There are many designs of partial dentures depending on which teeth are present and how healthy their bone and gum tissue support, how long, how many and where teeth are missing, and whether it is the upper or lower jaw that the partial will restore. Although the partial is supported on the gum pads of the missing teeth, the partial must be clasped to certain key teeth to stay in place. Obviously, the more healthy teeth, the more secure the partial, there is no hard fast rule, but your dentist will have a much better idea with all the diagnostic information available to give you an informed answer. READ MORE
I forgot my retainer for 2.5 weeks will it still fit?
After 3 + years post-treatment, your retainer should fit OK after 2 weeks off because you have been tapering off to several nights/week without a problem. If it does not quite fit perfectly go back to your orthodontist and have him/her do the minor trimming of the acrylic to make it fit, if it is a clear tray retainer keep it in all day for a day or two until it seats back to normal, kinda bite it back in place. sounds like you are a conscientious patient. READ MORE
Are dental implants better than dentures?
Dentures are not the best answer if remaining teeth are healthy (not always the case) and even a denture is better if supported and stabilized by implant posts, because without teeth there is continuous bone loss of the ridge that suports the denture ultimately causing an ill fitting denture to held in place with adhesives (not a good thing). Seek out a Prosthodontists for your best answer. READ MORE
numbness in lip
If the "weird lump thing" doesn't resolve in 2 more weeks, it could be improper healing and developing scar tissue from trauma which can be reduced by an oral or plastic surgeon It could also be relater to the numbness.which should resolve soon, if not go to the specialists. READ MORE
What happens if you get a cavity with Invisalign?
If you are cleaning your teeth and tray properly you should not get decay during treatment. the cavity might have been there before you began treatment. Be careful about drinking sweet drinks, and acid drinks like orange juice and milk while wearing trays as you are trapping cavity-producing bacteria beneath the tray. Keep the aligners clean. READ MORE
Is zirconia crown good for front teeth?
Color matching might be a problem, make sure your are pleased with the limited color choice. Porcelain might be the better selection for a front tooth. READ MORE
How do you get rid of stains after braces?
Once braces are removed, everyone needs a good professional cleaning to remove stains and polish teeth. READ MORE
Do metal braces cause gum recession?
Gum recession can occur for many reasons that have nothing to do with braces, metal or ceramic, or plastic.. were gum recession to occur during orthodontic treatment it would be a sign of improper movement, improper brushing, or a clenching/grinding habit. READ MORE
Do they put you to sleep when getting braces?
Getting braces is a non-event and no need to be nervous many patients doze off on their own while we place the attachments. READ MORE
Do your teeth move back after Invisalign?
teeth will move back towards their original position no matter what technique is used if strict retention protocol is not followed up. moving teeth is one thing, keeping them in place is another issue. READ MORE
How painful is a molar implant?
when skillfully done, an implant procedure is not a worry nor an unpleasant experience. most people are very surprised and satisfied with this dental restoration READ MORE
Is it bad to leave a loose tooth in your mouth?
You should find out why the tooth is loose and get appropriate treatment to stabilize the tooth until it is no longer mobile. failure to get treatment will eventually lead to the loss of the tooth as well as endanger adjacent teeth READ MORE
Are permanent retainers necessary after braces?
permanent retainers are great for holding lower anterior teeth in place, removable retainers are an advantage on the upper if any expansion occurred, but if you do not want do wear retainers don't get your braces off or better yet never get them on because your treatment will fail READ MORE
What helps swollen gums after getting orthodontics?
normally the swelling will recede within two weeks after braces are removed. good oral hygiene and a Peridex rinse twice a day will help the recovery. you should get a cleaning after braces are removed READ MORE
How long will my teeth hurt after braces?
this will vary, usually two to three days of tenderness, sometimes a week, longer than that is most unusual. generic pain relievers work well for that short time. READ MORE
Do braces still work without tightening?
"tightening" is a common word for adjusting tension on the wire working inside the bracket (brace) on each tooth. With self ligating (or self tightening) brackets as well as conventional tie in brackets, the wire works itself out until it is time to change to a larger size to keep the tooth under the precise control designed into the bracket with the appropriate size wire. So your answer is that braces work for several months until the wire has done all it can do and needs changing .Don't forget how important elastics or other forms of traction are as an augmenting force for correction. Nothing is on automatic, careful periodic inspection is necessary to stay on course, so don't skip appointments; READ MORE
Do braces fix teeth permanently?
If you want your teeth to look as good as the day your braces were removed, then you must take on the responsibility of keeping them that way by wearing retainers as directed. Permanent fixed retainer wires are bonded to the inside of the lower 6 anterior teeth are the best, in my opinion, for long-term trouble-free retention. Sometimes needed for the upper, if the incisors were noticeably rotated, but normally I use a removable hard plastic upper called a Hawley retainer. Unfortunately, it is removable which is good and bad. It can be lost at meal times, stepped on, or your dog eats it. So, if it is not in your mouth at night, it needs a safe place to live. Teeth will move and shift without retainers, so you are in charge of keeping your teeth straight. READ MORE
Why does my breath always smell with braces?
Braces should not contribute to mouth odor, although they make oral hygiene more difficult. make sure you are brushing your tongue and palate, not eating upsetting foods or beverages, and not mouth breathing. Thorough cleaning after meals and before bed are essential. If you do this well and still have a problem, then you may have some gastric reflux problems that your doctor could help you with. Your breath should not be noticeable unless you are smoking or drinking alcohol. READ MORE
Can a dentist remove plaque with braces?
Yes and you should have your teeth cleaned regularly with braces, however, it is always best for your orthodontist to remove the arch wire before going for the cleaning then return to have the wires replaced. It is difficult to do a good job if the arch wires are still in place. READ MORE
Is it better to get traditional braces or Invisalign?
That is a universal question many ask and it will depend on you and your orthodontist agreeing on which is best for your situation. Clear aligner treatment is more under your control and braces are more under the orthodontist's control. The home care discipline for braces is more difficult, but maintaining the required hours wearing aligners is more difficult for some. The reason for the spaces has to be understood and how to best resolve the problem should be the main considerations not the appliance used to solve the problem. Either way, we want the result to be equal and the fee reasonably close. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Dental Facial Orthopedics, Dental Sleep Medicine, Dietary Habits, Interdisciplinary Dentistry

Faculty Titles & Positions

Courtesy Orthodontic Professor University of Florida Residency Program 1991 - Present

Awards

Distinguished Service 2000 Southern Orthodontic Association
Distinguished Service 1995 Florida Dental Association
Distinguished Service 2012 Rotary

Professional Memberships

AAO,SAO, FAO, AADSM, PCDA