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 braces differ for adults?

Older adults are likely to have crowns or bridges made of different materials that require a different bonding technique depending on the material. Adults generally have more teeth READ MORE
Older adults are likely to have crowns or bridges made of different materials that require a different bonding technique depending on the material. Adults generally have more teeth to" embrace" (second molars are required). Also TAD's (temporary anchor device) may be needed more in adult treatment. Basically it is all the same, however, adults prefer more esthethic braces than children, which means ceramic rather than metal or clear aligner trays for treatment.

Which braces are best metal or ceramic?

What ever you want, silver, gold or clear. Your choice. There are situations where ceramic is not good in the lower arch if the bite would contact the ceramic bracket which would READ MORE

What ever you want, silver, gold or clear. Your choice. There are situations where ceramic is not good in the lower arch if the bite would contact the ceramic bracket which would cause damage to upper teeth or interfere with closing the teeth tight together. Also glass (ceramic) can break and cannot be identified on an X-ray. I don't especially like ceramic brackets on active sports minded kids. Metal can be safer under certain circumstances.

How long does it take to get braces?

You already know your appointment time. Usually it takes less than 2 hours to get everything done with instructions. We need at least one hour to place braces, but whatever, it READ MORE
You already know your appointment time. Usually it takes less than 2 hours to get everything done with instructions. We need at least one hour to place braces, but whatever, it is an easy appointment for all patients and nothing to worry about the night before. Relax and enjoy the procedure, better than any other kind of dentistry.

A part of my tooth that should be in the gums is visibly out. What can be done to treat it?

You are seeing gum recession that progressively exposes the tooth root. A. You might be doing damage with aggressive horizontal brushing with too firm a brush. B. You might be READ MORE
You are seeing gum recession that progressively exposes the tooth root. A. You might be doing damage with aggressive horizontal brushing with too firm a brush. B. You might be clenching or grinding your teeth at night which causes a wedge grove where the root joins the crown called an abfraction. C. You might have a frenum attachment pulling the gum away from the tooth. Each cause has a specific remedy that your dentist will explain. Sometimes tissue grafting is required.

Do braces stain your teeth?

Teeth stain with coffee, tea, wine,and some foods and braces make it harder to clean the areas that easily stain. some people are more prone than others. Unfortunately, clear O READ MORE
Teeth stain with coffee, tea, wine,and some foods and braces make it harder to clean the areas that easily stain. some people are more prone than others. Unfortunately, clear O ties on clear brackets stain yellow/orange/brown over a few weeks making it appear like the brace has stained. Removing the arch wires at an appointment and using pumice on a brush will remove stains as will regular cleanings.Some stains like nicotine are very difficult for a patient to remove. I don't know how other smoked substances affect teeth, can't be good!

What are the disadvantages of braces?

Both fixed braces and clear aligner trays attract a host of bacteria that are bad boys if a patient is careless with oral hygiene. Plaque (a a sticky colony of bugs) will decalcify READ MORE
Both fixed braces and clear aligner trays attract a host of bacteria that are bad boys if a patient is careless with oral hygiene. Plaque (a a sticky colony of bugs) will decalcify enamel creating white erosion damage that is unsightly and regretful. Poor dietary habits cause problems with or without braces. Sugar and acidic liquids are gasoline on the fire. Lastly failure to keep scheduled appointments or promptly repair any damage to braces will cause harm. It takes a responsible disciplined person to successfully go through orthodontic treatment without any undesirable side effects. When you play by the rules, you win.

Can I drink coffee with braces?

Coffee is fine except for the fact that it will stain clear O tie fasteners around a clear bracket over a few weeks, and coffee with or without cream or sugar should not be consumed READ MORE
Coffee is fine except for the fact that it will stain clear O tie fasteners around a clear bracket over a few weeks, and coffee with or without cream or sugar should not be consumed with clear aligner trays in the mouth. Limit any soft drinks or drinks that are acidic with sugar.

Which straightens your teeth better?

Both systems have strong points and weak points in moving teeth. Your orthodontist can help you make a good decision. Some more difficult movements are easier with fixed appliances, READ MORE
Both systems have strong points and weak points in moving teeth. Your orthodontist can help you make a good decision. Some more difficult movements are easier with fixed appliances, yet experienced orthodontist do well with clear aligners. If extractions are necessary, fixed appliances are usually preferred. It would take multiple studies of identical twins treated differently to really determine which is better, but even then no two people are identical, so we really do not know the answer to your question without knowing what kind and amount of individual tooth movement is required.

Is there any replacement for braces to get the perfect smile?

Be careful of thinking "perfect". There are many opinions regarding beauty and an attractive smile depends on more that an arrangement of teeth. Clear aligners are an option that READ MORE
Be careful of thinking "perfect". There are many opinions regarding beauty and an attractive smile depends on more that an arrangement of teeth. Clear aligners are an option that has merit for improvement instead of conventional fixed appliances but smile design is a complex issue best solved with orthodontic and restorative diagnosis with clarity of explanation and understanding of the possibility of meeting expectations.There are factors beyond the control of an orthodontist.

Can thumbsucking cause changes in the shape of the teeth?

You can bet it will. We prefer that habit to be broken before age 5 if possible, but pacifiers, sippy cups and blankets can augment the problem as well as the development of improper READ MORE
You can bet it will. We prefer that habit to be broken before age 5 if possible, but pacifiers, sippy cups and blankets can augment the problem as well as the development of improper tongue function.
Sucking urges can be linked to lack of adequate beast feeding and premature birth. Interesting, some adults still such their thumb. This problem may need help from other professional sources to correct.

Can a child with sensitive gums get braces or Invisalign?

A 10 year old should not have sensitive gums and it is not normal at any age. It is an oral hygiene problem or dietary allergic response that must be resolved before any kind of READ MORE
A 10 year old should not have sensitive gums and it is not normal at any age. It is an oral hygiene problem or dietary allergic response that must be resolved before any kind of orthodontic correction begins.

How long should you wait to eat after getting braces?

Reward his compliance with a celebration of his favorite dish as soon as possible before his teeth become tender from the pressure. The sooner your exercise your teeth after getting READ MORE
Reward his compliance with a celebration of his favorite dish as soon as possible before his teeth become tender from the pressure. The sooner your exercise your teeth after getting braces the less discomfort. We give patients a soft plastic wafer to chew on once they leave the office after placing braces.

Can I drink water after putting in Invisalign?

Absolutely, but not fruit juice, sport drinks, soft drinks, ice tea with sugar or cream, same with coffee. You do not want any sugar or acid trapped underneath the aligner tray, READ MORE
Absolutely, but not fruit juice, sport drinks, soft drinks, ice tea with sugar or cream, same with coffee. You do not want any sugar or acid trapped underneath the aligner tray, plus you need to keep the tray clean as bacteria will thrive in the tray.

Do braces damage teeth?

Lack of proper care damages teeth. Poor oral hygiene is the #1 problem with conventional braces and must be mastered with proper training, self discipline and proper equipment. READ MORE
Lack of proper care damages teeth. Poor oral hygiene is the #1 problem with conventional braces and must be mastered with proper training, self discipline and proper equipment. Aligner trays are not exempt from problems if not kept clean. Remember "cleanliness is next to Godliness"

Can a 7 year old get braces?

It all depends on how his teeth are erupting and the sequence and timing of eruption. Your child may want braces until he gets them. Maturity, responsibility and proper timing READ MORE
It all depends on how his teeth are erupting and the sequence and timing of eruption. Your child may want braces until he gets them. Maturity, responsibility and proper timing are big factors. Some abnormalities need earlier correction than 7.

Does an overbite get worse with age?

The word overbite can be confusing - do you mean a horizontal difference between upper and lower front teeth or a vertical overlap with the upper front teeth covering over the READ MORE
The word overbite can be confusing - do you mean a horizontal difference between upper and lower front teeth or a vertical overlap with the upper front teeth covering over the lower front teeth. From age 26 on changes will be slow but both problems are unstable and will change over time. Occasionally an adult with a large horizontal overbite will be reduced wearing an oral appliance for sleep apnea because of adaptation, but that would also be a slow process and not an acceptable orthodontic solution. It seems from your question that you are interested in learning how your overbite can be improved with proper treatment.

How long does it take to correct an overbite?

That depends on many factors and shortening treatment time is an important consideration for both patients and orthodontist. Cooperation and compliance are important, the amount READ MORE
That depends on many factors and shortening treatment time is an important consideration for both patients and orthodontist. Cooperation and compliance are important, the amount and direction of tooth movement matters, non growing adults respond differently than adolescents, facial patterns are different, Teeth can only naturally move at a given rate unless accelerated by invasive bone surgery to reduce treatment time. Most adult cases should finish within 18 months, however, all of us have exceptions to any time estimate.

Does having braces strengthen your teeth?

Bone architecture surrounding teeth can be improved by eliminating excessive crowding or improving the alignment of the roots of teeth. Getting teeth centered in their bone housing READ MORE
Bone architecture surrounding teeth can be improved by eliminating excessive crowding or improving the alignment of the roots of teeth. Getting teeth centered in their bone housing is important and in proper alignment to accept the stresses placed on them from function so yes, from a bone support standpoint, but straight teeth are still susceptible to damage from clenching or grinding habits, gum disease, or decay from poor diets and poor oral hygiene.

Which kind of braces are best?

There is no magic appliance, best or faster. If there were, we would all be using the same kind. What you think is best for you is important. Some patients would not undergo treatment READ MORE
There is no magic appliance, best or faster. If there were, we would all be using the same kind. What you think is best for you is important. Some patients would not undergo treatment unless the orthodontist used clear trays, others want gold or clear braces and many are satisfied with conventional stainless steel while others prefer invisible braces placed on the tongue side of the teeth. Like everything else in America, you have choices and can have it your way, but their are differences in cost depending on the choice.

How do you floss with braces?

Trying to thread floss under the wire and between the teeth is difficult and time consuming! There are floss threaders and super floss with easy to insert plastic leaders, fuzzy READ MORE
Trying to thread floss under the wire and between the teeth is difficult and time consuming! There are floss threaders and super floss with easy to insert plastic leaders, fuzzy plastic tooth picks, proxie brushes, Stem-U-Dents and highly recommended Water Pics that keep those problem areas clean. You get better with practice, but keep teeth clean using various methods. Bleeding gums are an unhealthy sign.