If you’ve been considering a custom night guard, retainer, or whitening tray, you’ve probably seen two main ways to capture your smile: the traditional dental impression (with putty and trays) and the modern digital scan (done with an intraoral scanner at the dentist’s office).
Both methods deliver a custom fit, but each comes with its own pros, cons, and costs. So, which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Dental Impression?
A dental impression uses soft putty material pressed into a tray, which you then bite into and hold until it sets. This creates a physical mold of your teeth.
At Sentinel, our DIY impression kits are shipped straight to your door. You mix the putty, place it into the tray, and bite down for a few minutes. That mold gets sent back to our lab, where we digitize it into a 3D model.
👉 Why impressions are popular:
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Simple and affordable — no dentist appointment needed
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Quick turnaround (kits arrive in days)
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High accuracy when done carefully
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Perfect for people who like hands-on DIY projects
👉 Considerations:
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Can feel messy for some people
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Requires following instructions carefully
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Not ideal if you have strong gag reflex or anxiety about at-home procedures
What Is a Digital Scan?
A digital scan is performed with an intraoral scanner at a dental office. Instead of putty, your dentist waves a handheld scanner around your mouth to create an ultra-precise 3D image of your teeth.
You can then ask your dentist to email the .STL file of your scan directly to Sentinel, and we’ll use it to create your guard.
👉 Why scans are popular:
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Extremely accurate (captures fine details of every tooth)
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100% mess-free and comfortable
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Instant results — no shipping impressions back and forth
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Easy reordering if your dentist stores the file
👉 Considerations:
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You’ll need a dental appointment (time + cost)
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Not all offices provide digital scans
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Some dentists may charge to release the file
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Impression Kit (Sentinel) | Digital Scan (at Dentist) |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | DIY at home, kit shipped to you | Requires dental appointment |
| Accuracy | High (when done properly) | Ultra-high, captures minute details |
| Comfort | Some dislike the putty process | Completely mess-free |
| Cost | Included with your Sentinel order | Dentist may charge separately |
| Turnaround | Add shipping time for kit | Immediate digital file transfer |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose an impression kit if:
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You want the most cost-effective option
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You like the convenience of doing everything from home
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You want your guard ASAP without waiting for a dental visit
Choose a digital scan if:
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You already have access to an intraoral scanner at your dentist’s office
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You prefer maximum precision and comfort
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You don’t mind scheduling an appointment or paying a little extra
👉 Bottom line: Both methods deliver a guard that fits and protects. It really comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and comfort level.
The Reality of Getting Your .STL File
While digital scans sound like the ultimate convenience, there’s one catch: not every dentist will hand over your scan file.
Even though your intraoral scan is legally part of your dental record (protected under HIPAA in the U.S.), many offices hesitate to share it. Why?
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Some want to keep you in-house for night guard or retainer services.
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Others don’t know how—or don’t want—to export the file.
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A few worry about liability if you get your guard made elsewhere.
Can you get it? Yes. But you may need to ask directly, wait for processing, or even pay an administrative fee. Some practices are fantastic about it—others, not so much.
👉 That’s why most Sentinel customers choose our at-home impression kit. It puts you in control from the start: quick, affordable, and no gatekeeping. We scan your impression, save your 3D model indefinitely, and you can reorder guards anytime without going through a dentist again.
Bottom line: If your dentist is cooperative, a digital scan is a great option. But if you want guaranteed access to your smile’s digital model, our impression kit is the sure thing.
Sentinel Makes Both Easy
At Sentinel Mouthguards, we work with both impressions and digital scans:
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Order an impression kit directly from us, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
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Or, have your dentist send us your .STL digital scan, and we’ll craft your custom guard from that file.
Either way, your 3D model is saved in our system indefinitely, so reordering in the future is simple, fast, and stress-free.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you choose an at-home impression kit or a digital scan from your dentist, you’re just a few clicks away from protecting your teeth with a comfortable, custom-fit Sentinel Mouthguard.
[👉 Order Your Custom Guard Today]