Dr. Harrisons father was a pioneer and trailblazer orthodontist in the state Florida and the first to practice on the west coast, establishing his practice in St. Petersburg and Clearwater in 1931 at the height of the depression. Before WWII began Dr. Charles and two other orthodontist began the Florida Orthodontic Society, committing themselves to learning, sharing and building the profession at a very difficult time. This fledgling faithful group later became the Florida Orthodontic Association a component of the Southern and American Orthodontic Association where father and son have both served in leadership positions. John literally grew up knowing many top orthodontists of that era who enjoyed spending the weekend meetings with his dad and knew early on that he wanted to be an orthodontisst. No other practice and few local businesses can come close to claiming over 80 years of continuous commitment to the community and profession.
John graduated from St. Pete High, Vanderbilt, Emory Dental School and received his Masters Degree in Orthodontics from the University of North Carolina. He has maintained an active participation in dental education as courtesy professor of orthodontics at the University of Florida Dental Residency Program, Seminole campus since its inception in 1991and has also been a long time active member of the prestigious Seattle Study Club of Restorative Dentists, who meet once a month for advanced learning and multidisciplinary treatment planning. He recently served 8 years on the American Association of Orthodontists Council on Health Care and Code Committee and was awarded for Distinguished Service by the Southern Association for his authorship of the Insurance Manuel for Orthodontic Practice. Other Service awards come from the Florida Orthodontic Association, the Pinellas County Dental Association and the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg, a past president and board member of each organization..At present he is Rotarys Special Olympics Committee chairman.
Dr. John, a.k.a. dr. jaws to many kids is a Trustee for First United Methodist Church- one of the few life long members where Bible Study, Sunday School and the Scouting Program are his interests but home is blessed by over 50 years of marriage to a second grade North Ward sweetheart, three grown children and eight grandkids who all love the full range of boating and camping activities. Couldnt leave out two fun bands, The Awesome Second Time Arounders and the Second Winds where trombones rule.
Each member of our staff is highly qualified and together combines a total of more than 120 years of experience in the field of orthodontics! Most of these years have been spent at Dr. John B. Harrisons orthodontic offices in St. Petersburg and Largo, FL. We feel much like a family and look upon our patients as extended family members.
Suzanne, our clinical supervisor is state certified in all expanded orthodontic duties. Suzanne has worked with us since 1988 and is exceedingly well qualified and knowledgeable. She had 14 years orthodontic assisting experience before joining our staff.
Christi has been in the orthodontic profession since 1978 and has spent 28 of those years with us in Ohio. Christi is state certified in all ortho expanded duties. We are so fortunate she found us. She is our lab tech as well as a chair side assistant.
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smileit creates a healthier you.
Dr. John B. Harrison Orthodontics is conveniently located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Please use zoom controls and map type selection features to toggle map placements and viewing options. Enter your address in the directions finder box to receive driving directions from Google maps.
