Dr. William E. Harrell Jr., DMD, C.DSM, Sleep Medicine Specialist (Pediatric)
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Dr. William E. Harrell Jr., DMD, C.DSM

Dentist

- Alexander City AL, 35010
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About

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 patient's 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. Dr. Harrell is recognized world-wide for his work in pediatric Sleep Disorders, airway craniofacial growth, screening, diagnosis and treatment for children and adults who have certain Sleep Disorders realted to obstruction. 

Education and Training

University of Alabama BS 1971

UAB Dental DMD 1975

U Penn - Orthodontics Orthodontics 1977

Board Certification

American Board of Orthodontics

Provider Details

Male English
Dr. William E. Harrell Jr., DMD, C.DSM
Dr. William E. Harrell Jr., DMD, C.DSM's Expert Contributions
  • 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. 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. READ MORE

  • 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 as heavier wires are placed they will align. Your orthodontist will know if it is normal movement or not. READ MORE

  • 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 is WEAR YOUR RETAINERS at night forever. Sorry no magic bullet. READ MORE

  • 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 teeth. Regular dental visits keeping your orthodontic appointments, genetics, etc etc all effect time involved and quality of result. READ MORE

  • 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 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. READ MORE

Expert Publications

Data provided by the National Library of Medicine

Areas of expertise and specialization

OrthodonticsOrthodontics focused on AirwayTMJ DisordersDental Sleep MedicineOral appliances as an alternative to CPAP for Sleep Apnea

Faculty Titles & Positions

  • Assistant Adjunct Professor University of Alabama Birmingham - Orthodontic Dept 2017 - Present

Awards

  • Top Doctor 2024 Top Doctor 
  • Top Doctor 2023 Top Doctor 
  • Top 100 Orthodontists in the US 2022 Top 100 Orthodontists publication 
  • Top Orthodontist in Alabama 2022 Tallapoosa Publishers 
  • Top Orthodontist in Alabama 2023 Tallapoosa Publishers 
  • Top Orthodontists in Alabama 2024 Tallapoosa Publishers 

Professional Memberships

  • American Dental Association, Alabama Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Alabama Association of Orthodontists, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry, American Board of Or  
  • American Dental Association  
  • American Academy of Sleep Medicine  
  • American Association of Orthodontists  
  • American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine  

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

  • Rotary International

Treatments

  • Screening, Diagnosis and treatment of Pediatric and Adult Obstructive Airway Disorders

Professional Society Memberships

  • ADA, ALDA, AAO, ALAO, AAPMD,

Articles and Publications

  • Numerous articles and Chapters on TMJ Disorders and Airway Disorders. TEXT BOOK - Growing into Breathing Problems: The Quest for Collaborative lifetime Soultions, to be published by Springer Publishing in late 2024

What do you attribute your success to?

  • Hard Work and never giving up

Areas of research

  • TMJ Disorders, Pediatric and Adult Breathing and obstructive airway disorders

Teaching and speaking

  • Part time Professor at University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry - Orthodontic Dept, Numerous webinars, podcasts, seminars, live presentations

Favorite Place to Vacation

  • Beach, Resorts, Golf Resorts, Florida, Bermuda, Bahamas, Cruises

Hobbies / Sports

  • Golf, Boating,

Favorite professional publications

  • AJODO, Dental Sleep practice, journal, Sleep Review,

Areas of research

3D imaging, ConeBeam CT, 3D Facial Biomarkers of airway disorders, TMJ Disorders, Pediatric Sleep Disorders, Nasal Resistance research and its effect on craniofacial growth, Dental/oral Appliances for the CPAP Intolerant patients who have Sleep Apnea, Inventor of TMJ appliances and appliances to treat young children who may develop Sleep Apnea 

Dr. William E. Harrell Jr., DMD, C.DSM's Practice location

William E. Harrell Jr., DMD, C.DSM

- -
Alexander City, AL 35010
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New patients: 256-234-6353
https://www.drharrell.com/meet-the-team

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