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Skip the Putty: Send Your .STL Scan for a Custom Night Guard
September 21, 2025 · Ashely Notarmaso

Skip the Putty: Send Us Your .STL Scan (Upper or Lower)

TL;DR: If your dentist has already scanned your teeth, you can skip the impression kit. Just email us the .STL file for the arch you want your guard on (upper or lower). That’s it.

What’s an “.STL scan,” in plain English?

An .STL is a standard 3D file of your teeth made with an intraoral scanner at the dentist. Think of it like a super-accurate digital mold—no goopy putty—used by labs (like us) to make custom guards.

What we need (and don’t need)

  • ✅ Send: One .STL file of the arch you’re ordering

    • Ordering an upper guard → send Upper.stl

    • Ordering a lower guard → send Lower.stl

  • ❌ Not required: opposing arch, bite scan, or extra files

  • Optional: If you happen to have other files, you can include them—but they’re not necessary.

Why sending an .STL is awesome

  • Faster: No kit shipping back and forth

  • Cleaner: Zero putty, zero mess

  • Accurate: Digital detail = great fit

  • Easy reorders: We archive your model for simple reordering if your teeth haven’t changed

How to send your file

  1. Place your order on our site (choose your guard & thickness).

  2. Name your file clearly: FirstLast_Upper.stl or FirstLast_Lower.stl.

  3. Email the .STL or a share link (Dropbox/Google Drive/WeTransfer) to info@sentinelmouthguards.com

    • Subject: “STL for Order #_____”

    • Include: your order number and any fit notes (e.g., “snug fit,” “extra relief on molar,” etc.)

Don’t have the file yet? Copy-paste this to your dentist

Subject: Request for .STL scan
Hi! Could you please export and share my .STL dental scan for the [UPPER or LOWER] arch? I’m using it to have a custom night guard made. A download link or email attachment is great. Thank you!

File tips (quick check before sending)

  • Full arch is visible (no big holes or clipped edges)

  • Saved as .STL (not PLY/OBJ)

  • If you had recent dental work or your bite changed since the scan, let us know—we’ll guide next steps

What happens after you send it

We import your .STL into our 3D design workflow, verify the file quality, design your guard, then print, finish, and QC it before shipping.

FAQs

Do I need both arches?
No—just the arch you’re ordering (upper or lower).

Can I send PLY/OBJ?
Please ask your dentist for an STL export. It’s the format we standardize on.

Will you keep my scan for reorders?
Yes—we archive your digital model so you can reorder easily if nothing’s changed in your mouth.

What if my scan is old?
If you’ve had orthodontics, new crowns, extractions, or bite changes since the scan, we  recommend a fresh scan or an impression.

Related reading

Product transparency

BPA/BPS-free & phthalate-free • Made in the USA (St. Petersburg, FL) • FDA-registered facility • Every guard QC-checked