expert type icon EXPERT

John B. Harrison, DDS,MSC

Orthodontist

Dr. John Harrison practices Orthodontics in Saint Petersburg, FL. 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. Harrison may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Harrison 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.
64 years Experience
John B. Harrison, DDS,MSC
  • Saint Petersburg, Largo, FL
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Accepting new patients

How do you heal a cut in your mouth from braces?

1st call your orthodontist for an SOS appointment and eliminate the cause of the cut. 2nd cover the pokie with wax or cotton so nothing irritates tissue. 3rd the mouth heals quickly READ MORE
1st call your orthodontist for an SOS appointment and eliminate the cause of the cut. 2nd cover the pokie with wax or cotton so nothing irritates tissue. 3rd the mouth heals quickly without any medication unless it is an ulcer that responds to a steroid ointment. Warn salt water rinse is an old stand by that may help, but do #1.

Are crowns or veneers better for front teeth?

Trust your dentist for the best answer. It depends on the condition o the teeth to crown or veneer. veneers are more conservative in preserving tooth structure but are more subject READ MORE
Trust your dentist for the best answer. It depends on the condition o the teeth to crown or veneer. veneers are more conservative in preserving tooth structure but are more subject to fracture if subject to abuse. Crowns are harder on opposing natural teeth regarding wear. Veneers need night time protection with a mouth guard to prevent fracture from grinding or clenching.

How do you brush correctly with braces?

Watch a video on YouTube.

Can crowns be used on front teeth?

A crown can be placed on any tooth. Very common on upper front teeth.

Can you straighten teeth without braces?

Yes, if you use clear aligner trays or a simple movement can be made with a retainer if there is adequate space which often requires sanding between teeth (slenderizing) so that READ MORE
Yes, if you use clear aligner trays or a simple movement can be made with a retainer if there is adequate space which often requires sanding between teeth (slenderizing) so that alignment is possible. Realize that the entire tooth crown and root have to be in proper place and relationship to other teeth. Not always as simple as it sounds.

How long will braces take to fix one tooth?

It depends on which tooth and how much it is displaced from its normal position and what interference it has to overcome. It is possible that all the teeth in that arch need to READ MORE
It depends on which tooth and how much it is displaced from its normal position and what interference it has to overcome. It is possible that all the teeth in that arch need to move some to get one tooth in place. Your orthodontist will give you a better answer.

How long do you keep your teeth white with braces?

Braces will attract stains, yellow or brown, that you want removed by regular cleanings. Ask your orthodontist for pumice cups that we clean teeth with and use one once/month with READ MORE
Braces will attract stains, yellow or brown, that you want removed by regular cleanings. Ask your orthodontist for pumice cups that we clean teeth with and use one once/month with your brush to remove any discoloration. Your teeth will look whiter once braces are removed because brackets block the translucency of teeth. They just won't look as white while wearing braces, but you will be happy with the final result

Is it normal to leave Invisalign in all the time?

No, you need some time out for eating and cleaning your mouth and the appliance. 22 hours of active wear is what has been suggested. Also you do not want to drink sweet,r acidic READ MORE
No, you need some time out for eating and cleaning your mouth and the appliance. 22 hours of active wear is what has been suggested. Also you do not want to drink sweet,r acidic or milk liquids with trays in place.

Do clear aligners hurt?

Pain perception is very subjective and different person to person but yes, most people will have minimal discomfort with any type of tooth movement. Worn correctly you will quickly READ MORE
Pain perception is very subjective and different person to person but yes, most people will have minimal discomfort with any type of tooth movement. Worn correctly you will quickly adjust to the tension. Don't worry about hurting, join the crowd wearing aligners.

Do braces change how you talk?

Maybe for a very short time, hopefully a few hours if you are wearing clear tray aligners. Don't think braces are a speech handicap, they are not and you will get used to any effect READ MORE
Maybe for a very short time, hopefully a few hours if you are wearing clear tray aligners. Don't think braces are a speech handicap, they are not and you will get used to any effect even if you have to practice out loud with a few difficult words.
Remember the great ancient Greek orator who practiced speaking with stones in his mouth to improve the quality of his speech.

Can you use mouthwash while wearing Invisalign?

You can rinse with mouthwash with the trays removed, but do not clean or soak your trays with mouthwash- soap and water with a tooth brush will do fine. You do not want trays to READ MORE
You can rinse with mouthwash with the trays removed, but do not clean or soak your trays with mouthwash- soap and water with a tooth brush will do fine. You do not want trays to absorb mouthwash.

Can teeth be sensitive to braces?

It is a rare occurrence, but some might be allergic to the metal in braces or even the plastic components in clear tray aligners, There are solutions if this were to happen. For READ MORE
It is a rare occurrence, but some might be allergic to the metal in braces or even the plastic components in clear tray aligners, There are solutions if this were to happen. For me it has happened 2 times in 50 years, so I would not worry about it happening.

Can retainers be used instead of braces?

Remember what the word "retainer" means (hold in place), however, some minor tooth movements can be made with either clear tray retainers or hard plastic with wire clasps and retainer READ MORE
Remember what the word "retainer" means (hold in place), however, some minor tooth movements can be made with either clear tray retainers or hard plastic with wire clasps and retainer wire across the front teeth with finger springs in back of the teeth to be moved. This is very limited and not a bite correction. Shortcuts to accurate tooth positioning usually don't work out well. Do the right thing the right way. It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish and what will make that happen.

Do you get hardened plaque under your braces?

People differ in their susceptibility to accumulating plaque regardless of braces, however, braces add to the problem. Oral hygiene is so important for good tooth movement so additional READ MORE
People differ in their susceptibility to accumulating plaque regardless of braces, however, braces add to the problem. Oral hygiene is so important for good tooth movement so additional cleanings may be necessary with braces. With proper care, you have nothing to worry about. You will have to learn how to clean under your braces and take extra time.

What are the best clear aligners?

There is a lot of competition for that answer, and the best for one patient may not be the best for another. Some are more expensive than others, but are able to make more complex READ MORE
There is a lot of competition for that answer, and the best for one patient may not be the best for another. Some are more expensive than others, but are able to make more complex movements, so it depends on what is required of the aligner and the material it is made of. Your orthodontist will help you decide. Beware of DIY aligners!

How much does it cost to get braces on the inside of your teeth?

Easily $1000 more than on the outside since it is a much more difficult technique and requires different instruments plus a learning curve for the orthodontist to be well trained. READ MORE
Easily $1000 more than on the outside since it is a much more difficult technique and requires different instruments plus a learning curve for the orthodontist to be well trained. For some in professional careers, it is worth the additional fee. Many orthodontists do not want to add this option, so you will need to find one with experience.

Can teeth be straightened with a retainer?

Remember, the word "retainer" means "to retain," however, minor movements of selected teeth can be made with a retainer that need to be retained after minor movement.

How to ease pain from a loose bracket?

Now that orthodontic offices are opening, you need to call your orthodontist and get the loose bracket rebonded ASAP. I am at a loss to explain why it is causing pain if it is READ MORE
Now that orthodontic offices are opening, you need to call your orthodontist and get the loose bracket rebonded ASAP. I am at a loss to explain why it is causing pain if it is loose but still retained on the arch wire unless it has spun around so that it is on the outside of the arch wire and irritating your mouth, if so spin in around so it is back facing the tooth and inside the arch wire. Cover anything poking with wax or cotton.

Can an overbite be corrected in adults?

Much improved is a better answer than corrected because, without diagnostic information about the amount of discrepancy between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, there is no way READ MORE
Much improved is a better answer than corrected because, without diagnostic information about the amount of discrepancy between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, there is no way of knowing the limits and boundaries of tooth movement. Severe overbites in adults can only be corrected ideally with jaw surgery.

Can I drink through a straw with braces?

You should have no problem drinking through a straw with braces