Let's make a great first impression

Taking accurate impressions is the key to a smooth and successful treatment. Incorrect impressions could lead to delays, as re-doing the process would be necessary, which we want to help you avoid.

IMPORTANT: Even if you are only having single-arch treatment we still require impressions for BOTH arches to determine your bite.

What You'll Need:

  • Upper and lower trays

    It's important that you provide both upper and lower arch impressions, even if you are only having one treated

  • Putty

    These must have been refrigerated for at least 24 hours. Only remove from the fridge when ready to mix.

  • A stopwatch or timer

    To track the progress of your impressions

  • Towel

    To catch any excess saliva

Get ready to impress

  • Wash your hands

    Before handling your impression kit, wash your hands thoroughly

  • Brush your teeth

    Brush (and floss if possible) to remove any particles from your teeth

  • Test your fit

    Your impression comes with 2 different size trays (both upper and lower arch). Your teeth should fit in the middle of the tray

Now, Let's Begin

Start with the upper arch impression

Step 1: Prepare your materials

  • 1. Take one blue and one white pot of putty from the fridge. It should have been stored in the fridge for at least 24 hours.

  • 2. Remove the white material from its pot. It may stick a bit, so use the putty to dab it out and get as much as possible.

  • 3. Repeat the process with the blue material. Use the bag the material came in to avoid sticking to surfaces.

Step 2: Mix the putty

  • 1. Start your stopwatch or timer for 45 seconds.

  • 2. Mix the white and blue materials together using your fingers or the palms of your hands until they form one solid colour. This should take the full 45 seconds, so keep mixing even if it seems ready early.

Step 3: Prepare the tray

  • 1. Roll the mixed putty into a sausage shape the width of your palms.

  • 2. Place the putty into the upper tray, focusing on getting as much material into the bottom of the tray as possible. You don't need to cover the arches.

Step 4: Take the upper impression

  • 1. Insert the tray into your mouth and apply upwards pressure to the front, middle and back, until you feel your teeth touch the bottom of the tray.

  • 2. Hold the tray in position with the finger rests for 3 minutes 30 seconds. Breathe through your nose, avoid excessive swallowing, allow saliva to fall out, and try to stay relaxed without talking or laughing.

  • IMPORTANT

    During this stage it's vital that you only apply upwards pressure. Do not wiggle the tray from side to side.

Step 5: Remove the tray

  • After 3 minutes 30 seconds, gently prise down on the handle with even pressure to remove the tray. The impression WILL grip to your teeth but will release with steady pressure.

    IMPORTANT: DO NOT WIGGLE THE TRAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE.

  • IMPORTANT

    Once the tray has been removed, do not remove the impression material from the tray.

Step 6: Rinse & package

  • 1. Whilst holding the finger grip of the impression tray, rinse the impression under cold tap water.

  • 2. Place the impression in the specimen bag.

  • IMPORTANT

    At no point should the impression be removed from the impression tray

Step 7: Repeat the process for the lower impression using the lower arch tray

This is important, even if you are only having 1 arch treated so we can determine your bite and provide the most effective plan for your needs

Step 8: Return Your Impressions

Place both impression trays in the envelope provided and return. We'll do the rest