How to Take Dental Impressions at Home – Fast & Accurate!

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Precise Teeth Impressions for Clear Aligners & Retainers – No Dentist Visit Required!

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Make sure you have these items before you begin.

Upper and lower impression trays

To carry the putty for accurate teeth molds.

Base and catalyst putty

Mix together to make an impression.

A mirror for better visibility and guidance

Helps to check tray placement inside the mouth.

Stopwatch

To track Mix together and setting time of the putty.

Towel to keep things clean

Prevents mess by catching spills or drips.

Impression Quality Guide: Good vs. Bad

✔ Good Impressions

TOP IMPRESSIONS

Top Impressions – More examples of clear, accurate impressions.

BOTTOM IMPRESSIONS

Bottom Impressions – More examples of clear, accurate impressions.

❌ Bad Impressions

Examples of impressions that need to be redone.

📢 Read This First! Your Dream Smile Starts Here

Accurate impressions are key to perfect-fitting aligners and a smooth treatment. Follow each step carefully to get the best results and avoid delays!

STEP 1: Checking the Fit of Impression Trays

Wash your hands and dry them properly.

Before mixing the putty, ensure the impression trays fit comfortably in your mouth. Follow these steps:

  • Insert the trays one by one – Place the upper tray in your mouth and press it gently upward. Remove it, then insert the lower tray and press it gently downward.
  • Check the space between the tray and your teeth – The tray’s outer walls should not be too close to your back teeth, as this could scratch your gums. There should be a small gap, which will be filled by the putty.
  • Ensure the tray covers all teeth – It should cover all your teeth, including the back ones (terminal molars).

If the tray feels too tight or too loose, please let us know, and we will send you a better-fitting size.

Step 2: Mixing the Impression Putty

  • 1. Take one jar of white catalyst and one jar of blue base.
  • 2. Mix them quickly and firmly using your fingers.
  • 3. Keep mixing until the putty is solid blue, with no white streaks.
  • 4. Finish mixing within 30 seconds to avoid hardening.
  • 5. Once mixed, roll it into a ball.
  • 6. Shape it into a sausage by rolling it between your palms.
  • 7. Ensure it’s even in thickness and long enough to reach both ends of the tray.

SETTING THE TOP TRAY:

  • Step 1

    Place the putty sausage inside the tray as shown in the picture below.

  • Step 2

    Making sure that the putty reaches the brim of the tray to capture better gumlines.

  • Step 3

    Make sure at the front, the putty is high as well. This will help you get deeper gumlines at the front.

  • Step 4

    You can also make a mark to guide your top teeth into the putty. The edges of the front two teeth will go in this mark.

SETTING THE BOTTOM TRAY:

  • Step 1

    Place the putty sausage inside the tray as shown in the picture below.

  • Step 2

    Making sure that the putty reaches the brim of the tray to capture better gumlines.

  • Step 3

    Make sure at the front, the putty is high as well. This will help you get deeper gumlines at the front.

  • Step 4

    You can also make a mark to guide your bottom teeth into the putty. The edges of the front four lower teeth will go in this mark.

Step 3: Taking the Impression (Top & Bottom)

  • 1. Position the Tray
    1. Place the tray in your mouth, ensuring your front teeth align with the center mark. Use a mirror for accuracy.
  • 2. Press Firmly in One Motion
    1. Bottom Impression: Press down firmly with your middle and index fingers.
    2. Top Impression: Press up firmly using both thumbs.
    3. Roll your lip over the tray and ensure the putty fully covers your teeth and gums.
  • 3. Hold for 3 Minutes
    1. Keep the tray still to avoid movement. Relax your lips and breathe through your nose for comfort.
  • 4. Remove Carefully
    1. Pull the tray straight out in one motion without disturbing the putty. Do not touch or remove the putty after taking the impression.
⚠️ Important: Proper impressions ensure a perfect fit for your aligners, so follow each step carefully. Let us know if you need any clarifications! 😊

Step 4: Upload and Get Approval (Very Important!)

  • 1. Upload clear teeth pictures
    1. Take photos of your teeth from different angles as instructed and upload them to the patient portal or send them to your Smile Specialist.
  • 2. Start with one impression
    1. Begin with either the upper or lower impression and send clear pictures of it to your assigned Smile Specialist. Ensure the anterior (front) view clearly shows the gumline and molars.
  • 3. Wait for approval
    1. Your Smile Specialist will review your first impression. Once approved, proceed with the second set.
  • 4. Mail the impressions
    1. After completing both impressions, follow the instructions in your email to return them.
⚠️ Important: This step ensures your impressions are accurate before mailing them, preventing delays in your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if I can’t get my impressions right on the first try?

No worries! If you're having trouble, reach out to your assigned Smile Specialist right away. They’ll set up a video call with our expert, who will guide you step by step to help you get a perfect impression.

How do I know if my impressions are good to send?

Start by making just one upper or one lower impression and send a picture to your Smile Specialist for approval. If it looks good, you’ll make the second one. Once both are approved, you’ll create one final set of each before mailing them back.

Do I need to send both upper and lower impressions if I only bought aligners for one arch?

Yes! Even if you purchased a single arch (upper or lower), we still need both impressions to make sure your bite aligns properly. If you can’t make the second impression (for example, due to a permanent retainer), just let your Smile Specialist know.

How do I send my impressions back?

Once you’re done, pack them in the return box, include a note with your name and order number, and ship them using the prepaid FedEx return label that came in your kit. Just drop the package off at your nearest FedEx location.

Why do my impressions need to be perfect?

A great impression ensures your aligners fit snugly and comfortably for the best results. Once we receive your impressions, we’ll create your 3D treatment plan within 10 business days. After you approve it, your aligners will be made and shipped within 15 business days. You’ll get a tracking number once they’re on the way.

Want to know more? Chat with a Smileie Advisor

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Email Us hello@smileie.com

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