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Perla Smile

Impression guide

How to take a dental impression at home

Your appliance can only fit as well as your mold. Set aside half an hour, read this once from top to bottom, then follow along. You will do the upper and lower arch one at a time.

Before you start

  • Brush and floss, then rinse with water so the putty meets clean, dry-ish teeth.
  • Wash and dry your hands. Remove rings — putty sticks to them.
  • Work at a table near a mirror, with a timer on your phone.
  • Try the trays without putty first. Pick the size that covers your back teeth without pressing on your gums.

Step by step

  1. 1. Measure equal amounts

    Take one scoop of each putty color. Equal parts matter more than the exact amount.

  2. 2. Knead until one color

    Fold and press quickly with your fingertips for about 30 seconds, until there are no streaks. Move on straight away — it starts to set fast.

  3. 3. Fill the tray

    Roll the putty into a sausage and press it into the tray from end to end, a little higher at the back.

  4. 4. Seat the tray

    Center it on your teeth and push straight in, firmly but gently, until you feel your teeth meet the tray floor. Do not rock it.

  5. 5. Hold still

    Keep it in place without biting for the time printed on the putty (usually a few minutes). Breathe through your nose.

  6. 6. Remove and check

    Lift it straight off with a quick snap. Rinse it under cool water and let it air dry.

Is my mold good enough?

  • Every tooth shows clearly, including the back ones
  • Edges of the teeth and a little of the gumline are visible
  • No large bubbles, tears or places where the tray shows through
  • No streaks of unmixed color

Send us a photo first

Before you mail anything, email clear photos of each mold (top view and side view) to hello@perlasmile.com. We will tell you whether to send it or retake it.

Need another try? Use the spare putty in your kit, or order extra putty ($19) or an extra kit ($40).

Sending it back

Let the molds dry for an hour, place them in the bag provided, write your order number on the form, seal the box and attach the prepaid label. Drop it off at any location of the carrier on the label and keep the receipt.