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

Dentist

- Alexander City AL, 35010 Show map

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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

My Answers

Should my teeth hurt after wearing a nightguard?
It depends on what kind of mouthguard you are talking about, soft plastic or hard acrylic, upper vs lower, and how they are designed. The ones we use are lower full coverage semi-hard acrylic orthotic appliances with certain "retrusive bracing" components so as not to push the lower jaw backwards. After a day or two, it should not hurt your teeth. Yours could be fitting too tightly on your teeth. Dr. Bill Harrell READ MORE
What happens if a crossbite is not corrected?
The problem is that it throws the bite off, so long-term, you will begin to wear the teeth in an abnormal way. Since the bite affects the jaw joints (the TMJs), it can seriously affect the function of the TMJs and chewing muscles. In a growing child, it can cause asymptomatic jaw growth. In adults, it can continue to make an asymmetry worse. There is also an effect on the airway. Just to name a few. Don't ignore it. Dr. H READ MORE
Can retainers be used instead of braces?
Traditional retainers can move teeth but there is a significant loss of control so they don't take the place of braces very well. Invisible aligner treatment is better if you don't want braces at all. Please don't try the "Do it yourself aligners" you see on TV you will regret it. If your concern is the braces showing, then Clear Braces or Lingual (tongue side) braces are available, but are more expensive. See a Board Certified Orthodontist to see what options you have. Your smile is worth a million dollars, but it does not cost that much to have a beautiful Heathy smile. Hope this helps. William E. Harrell, Jr, DMD, C.DSM READ MORE
How to ease pain from a loose bracket?
You must call the orthodontic office and get it repaired ASAP. You can get some orthodontic wax at the pharmacy and put over it until you can get into your orthodontist's office. William E. Harrell, Jr., DMD, C.DSM READ MORE
Can you get braces if you have a missing tooth?
Yes, you can, as long as the bone support around your teeth is healthy. An orthodontist can determine this and how to handle the space. Depends on where the space is; if in the front, they will most likely open or rearrange the teeth so a replacement can be make later by your dentist. If it is towards the back, it may be best to open the space for an implant or bridge or at time to close the space. Many factors are considered in what is the best path for you. See an Orthodontic Specialist in your area. William E. Harrell, Jr., DMD, C.DSM READ MORE
Can you close a gap without braces?
In adults, this is where Invisible Aligners work well such as Invisalign, Clear Correct and others that are professionally done. Do not use the do-it-yourself ones on TV. There have been some problems of trying to treat yourself and not having professional evaluation with X-rays. The health of not only the teeth but the gum tissue and the boney support is extremely important to have a professional exam. Use an orthodontist, not a general dentist. Orthodontists have much more training. William E. Harrell, Jr, DMD, C.DSM READ MORE
Why is my gum growing over my braces?
Your gums aren't really growing over your braces. When inflammation in your gums start, they swell. You need to be sure you are brushing and flossing very well; this is the main reason they swell. Certain medications can cause the gums to swell. You can use your toothbrush soft bristle or baby bristle and massage your gums. If they bleed, they are infected and you need to brush & floss more, NOT LESS. Also, rinse with warm SALT water and a mouth rinse for gingival swelling. Hope this helps William E. Harrell, Jr, DMD, C.DSM READ MORE
Can you kiss with Invisalign on?
I don't see why not, but probably best to remove them. The sensation may be altered with them on. William E. Harrell, Jr, DMD, C.DSM READ MORE
Is removing teeth necessary for braces?
It is sometimes necessary to remove a permanent tooth or teeth. I advocate for non extraction when it is possible. That is why I recommend early expansion on 5-6-year-olds so we do not have to extract permanent teeth later. My 2 cents. Dr. Bill Harrell READ MORE
How can I get my braces off sooner?
Ask your orthodontist about Propel. It is a device that you use 5 minutes a day and sends a certain frequency vibration to the teeth and can decrease time by about 50%. It does have a high price tag though. It definitely works, the research was done at the orthodontic dept. where I teach part time. Dr. Harrell READ MORE
How is an overbite usually treated?
There are a number of ways to correct an overbite depending on the specific problem. All of them require some type of orthodontic appliances including braces. The problem with not getting it corrected is it can lead to teeth wearing down, TMJ problems (jaw joint), and other bad things. See a Board Certified orthodontist for the best solution. READ MORE
Can thumbsucking cause changes in the shape of the teeth?
Yes, for sure, thumb sucking causes problems not only for the shape of the teeth, but also deforms the shape of the upper and lower jaws. See an orthodontist who can help your child stop this habit. In the field of sleep medicine, it is thought children do this due to breathing issues. Does you child snore? Mouth breathe? Or gasp for breath at night (i.e., stop breathing for a while)? Get it checked, it is IMPORTANT. READ MORE
Is there a better way to get the perfect smile other than getting braces?
You should see an orthodontist. There are alternatives such as Invisalign, Clear Correct and others that may fit for you. DO NOT use the Over the counter ones you see on TV. There is no professional follow up. They may be cheaper, but I have seen patients who come into my office that are a disaster. See a professional Board Certified Orthodontist. READ MORE
What are the factors to identify a bite correctness problem?
There are many factors that require different treatments. Bite problems, besides crowding, overbite, underbite, etc. can also lead to TMJ (Jaw Joint problems such as clicking, locking, pain, headaches, and more). Also certain bite problems can even contribute to Obstructive Sleep Apnea !! See your dentist or see a Board Certified Orthodontist for an evaluation. READ MORE
My son's permanent teeth are growing crooked. What should I do?
Crooked teeth is a sign of narrowed bony foundation. It is like putting a 3 bedroom house on a 2 bedroom foundation. You can extract permanent teeth to shrink the house or at a earlier age (ie. 6-8) increase the bony foundation so when the permanent teeth erupt they have a larger space to erupt. This usually prevents the need for extraction. I also check out the Jaw Joints (TMJ) and THE 3D AIRWAY, using 3D ConeBeam CT imaging. If the airway is already small I certainly want to expand the arches rather than pull permanent teeth, but the expansion has to be done early (6-8 years of age). See an orthodontist. READ MORE
How is overcrowding of the teeth corrected?
Invisible Aligners may be an option. DO NOT use the Do It Your Self ones you see on TV., unless you want to damage your teeth. I have had patients come in who tried these, not good. See a Board Certified Orthodontist not a general dentist who does ortho. My personal opinion. Hope this helps READ MORE
Can clenching my teeth cause them to erode?
Clenching can also he associated with grinding of the teeth which causes tooth wear which can become severe. Also, clenching and grinding has found to be associated with Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disordered Breathing. READ MORE
My daughter is 13 years old and has a bite problem. What will be the course of treatment?
Thank you for sending your question about your daughter. First, a clinical exam (face-to-face) is needed. Then we normally do 3D records. We look at various things including, but not limited to: The dental relationship, the skeletal or boney skeletal foundation, her airway, sinuses, and her TM Joints (jaw joints), all in 3D so we know the anatomic truth. Then, we decide what course of treatment is needed. If the lower jaw is in front of the upper, many times it is the upper jaw that is recessive or set back rather than the lower jaw too big, but this is where the 3D imaging is conclusive. Treatments can vary. Sometimes just braces are needed, sometimes growth guidance appliances are used, and sometimes, if severe, surgery may have to be done when she quits growing. THE EARLIER an orthodontist can evaluate her, the better, because we have growth to help us out. Dr. Harrell READ MORE
How long will my teeth be sore after having braces put on?
They will be sore for the first few days then usually subside. Some orthodontists hice a "chewy" that will relieve some of the soreness. Take ibuprofen or tylenol if you can for the first week. READ MORE
How long do your teeth feel sore after getting braces?
Usually lasts for a few days or 1 - 2 weeks in some people. Take ibuprofen or tylenol if you can take those. 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