If you’re wondering how to take a dental impression for your mouth guard, you’ve come to the right place. A proper impression is the single most important step in making sure your custom night guard fits comfortably and protects your teeth. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, highlight the most common mistakes to avoid, and share pro tips so your impression is accurate the first time.
A great impression = the foundation of a great fit.
👉 This article is part of our [Custom Night Guard Basics Guide], where we cover everything from impression tips to choosing the right type of guard.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Dental Impression
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Tray
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Try in each tray provided before mixing the putty.
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Pick the one that feels roomy (a little bigger is better).
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Make sure your teeth don’t touch the plastic sides.
✅ Step 2: Wash Hands & Brush Teeth
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Start clean. Wash your hands and brush gently before beginning.
✅ Step 3: Mix the Putty Thoroughly
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Knead the two colors of putty together until uniform (no streaks).
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⏱ Time: 30-45 seconds (depending on your kit).
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Pro Tip: Watch the clock — if the putty hardens too soon, the impression will fail.
👉 [What If I Mess Up My Impression?]
✅ Step 4: Roll & Load the Tray
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Roll into a “hot dog” shape.
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Place putty evenly in the tray, covering sides as well.
✅ Step 5: Submerge All Teeth in Putty
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Press tray straight up (or down) to cover all the whites of your teeth.
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❌ Do not bite down.
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Hold steady for 3 minutes — no talking or moving.
✅ Step 6: Remove, Rinse & Dry
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After 3 minutes, remove the tray in one motion.
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Rinse lightly with cool water, then pat dry.
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Place into your prepaid mailer and send back to our lab.
Quick Reference: Impression Timing & Tips
| Step | Key Action | Time | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mix Putty | Knead until one uniform color | 30–45 sec | Move quickly — don’t let it harden |
| Insert Tray | Submerge all teeth fully | <30 sec | Cover molars completely |
| Hold Still | Let putty set | 3 min | Stay steady — movement = distortion |
| Remove & Rinse | Rinse under cool water | 1 min | Pat dry, don’t scrub |
Why Accuracy Matters
Even tiny errors in your impression can cause:
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Shallow impressions → loose fit
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Distortion → warped shape
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Incomplete mixing → weak details
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Off-center trays → uneven pressure
According to the Cleveland Clinic, ‘a good dental impression ensures that your new restoration or appliance fits exactly as it should’ — highlighting why precision here equals protection later.
FAQs
How long does a dental impression take?
About 10 minutes total. Mixing takes less than a minute, holding is 3 minutes, and prep/cleanup makes up the rest.
Can I redo my impression if I mess up?
Yes. At Sentinel, every order includes one free redo kit. 👉 [What If I Mess Up My Impression?]
I have missing teeth. Is that a problem?
Not at all. We make guards for all types of dental anatomy. 👉 See our [Complete Guide to Custom Night Guards].
Upper vs. lower guard — does it matter?
Both protect equally. See our breakdown: [Night Guard Types & Which to Choose].
Final Thoughts
Taking a dental impression at home is simple — as long as you prepare, work quickly, and follow the steps. Remember: every great-fitting guard starts with a great impression. Take a few minutes to do it right, and we’ll handle the rest.
💚 Ready to protect your smile? [Order your night guard + custom impression kit today].