How to Take a Dental Impression
Follow along with this guide by using the Ultimate Denture Kit or the Dental Impression Kit.
The purpose of a dental impression is to produce an exact replica of your teeth and/or mouth. You can then use this to help shape your denture.
By biting down on the silicone dental putty, you'll create an imprint of your mouth. Fill this imprint with dental stone (which is similar to plaster) to form an accurate cast model. The end result is an exact replica of your mouth, which you can use to shape your dentures to a precise custom fit.
Complete the process below for each tray, working with one at a time. Please note: the lower dental tray is U-shaped with a cut-out middle, while the upper dental tray is solid across.
Contents
- Silicone dental putty
- Dental stone powder
- Dental tray(s)
- Measuring cup
- Disposable gloves
Dental Mould
- Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water and mouthwash. Put on the gloves.
- Take one portion of each colour of dental putty and combine. Using your hands, mix until the material is evenly coloured (approx. 30 seconds).
- Roll the material into a log shape and load it into the dental tray. Distribute uniformly from edge to edge.
- Insert the tray into the mouth and bite down. Ensure any teeth are centred and not touching the tray. With the lip resting over the tray, allow the material to fully set (2 min). Keep two fingers on the tray as it sets, applying constant, gentle pressure.
- Top tip: To determine when the tray is ready for removal, check the excess material at the front of the tray. Try to make an indent in the material with your finger. If you cannot leave a visible indent, the material has hardened and can be removed.
- Remove the tray with a firm, quick snap by exerting pressure on each side of the mouth. Remove the mould and rinse it with cold water.
Dental Cast
- Add 13ml room temperature water to a clean, dry mixing bowl.
- Add 50g dental stone powder and use a spatula to gently combine. Then mix vigorously for 30-45 seconds by wiping the spatula against the sides of the bowl to incorporate the powder and remove excess air. The resultant mixture will be smooth and uniform.
- Pick up a small amount of material with the spatula and begin to fill the mould's tooth imprints, if applicable. Press down to ensure each imprint is completely packed.
- Continue adding small increments of material until all of the tooth imprints are filled. Then, begin loading larger amounts of material until the entire mould is filled.
- Allow the mixture to fully set (20+ minutes), then remove the completed cast from the mould. Discard the gloves.