Question about impressions and retainers

[anthonyasencio]

So in November my orthodontist told me I only had two months in braces left, (meaning they would come off in January) and that they were going to do impressions in December than take them off in January. Well I`m getting them off in nine days and they took the impressions back in December already. But my question is aren't impressions supposed to be done once the braces are off? Could impressions be used for things other than making a retainer, and are impressions only for those clear retainers or for all kinds? Just looking for more info in the area of impressions/retainers and other peoples experience with this.

[Coffeeguy]

No, impressions do not have to be taken with the braces off (though lab guys like myself prefer it). The impressions are for all kinds of retainers, those clear kind, hawley's, etc. A lot of doctors keep the braces on long after they are finished to allow the teeth to settle (three months). I'm not quite sure what you mean by "impressions used for other things." Some doctors like to keep a final set of impressions (its required by law in some states) as a record. Hope all this helps.

[adamsss]

Coffeeguy,

Just a quick question as you're the lab dude.

- I have a clear retainers for both lower and upper, and now I want to get permanent retainers to make sure teeth will not move. But I already moved to another state and I have to see a new orthodontist, Can the new orthodontist put the permanent retainer on, and adjust the removable that they fit over the permanent, or may be cut them bit around the permanent wire on the back? Or I need to get new impression and new removable retainers as well, which will be $$$

Thank you