Getting Started

Please make sure to read all the instructions, watch the impression video, and review the common mistakes before taking your impressions. Producing high-quality impressions is crucial for well-fitting retainers. It is worth investing 10-15 minutes to fully understand the process and take your time. Rushing through this process is not recommended.

 

Step 1 - Preparation

Before You Begin

  1. Brush and floss your teeth.

  2. Grab a timer and make sure you are in front of a mirror.

  3. Pick the larger tray of the two sizes that will fit inside your mouth, and make sure your teeth don't touch the side walls of the tray.

  4. Practice placing the tray in your mouth a few times beforehand.

Important: If you ordered both upper and lower retainers, make sure you are using the correct tray for each impression, as the trays are different.
See the image below for the difference.

    Impression trays, impression putty, and phone timer

     

      Step 2 - Mix the Putty & Place Inside Tray

      Caution: The putty begins to harden immediately once the two putties come into contact. It is critical that you follow the timing instructions exactly, or you may make a mistake. It is also important that you have reviewed the entire instructions before starting this step. Steps 2 and 3 should be done continuously, without any breaks in between.

      • Remove one full white putty and one full colored putty from their containers. Mix them together for exactly 45 seconds as quickly as possible. The putty should not have any streaks at the 45-second mark.

       

      mixing the impression putty with hands

       proper putty mixture

      Warning: The impression should be in your mouth by the one-minute mark. Only mix the putty for 45 seconds, place it into the tray, and then take the impression immediately.

      Shape Putty Into Tray (15 seconds max)

      Immediately after mixing the putty, roll it into a ball and then shape it into a log.

      Place the putty inside the tray, ensuring that there is more putty in the front of the tray and it tapers off towards the back end. This is important as your front teeth are longer, and we need to capture your gum-line effectively.

           

          showing impression putty inside of the tray

           

          Step 3 - Take Your Impression

          Upper Impression

          1. Insert the tray with putty into your mouth and use a mirror to center the tray underneath your upper teeth.

          2. Ensure there is at least 2-3mm of space between your front teeth and the inside wall of the impression tray to avoid scraping the plastic on the way in.

          3. Position your thumbs underneath the tray, with your right thumb along the right underside and your left thumb along the left underside of the tray.

          4. Once the tray is properly positioned, press it straight up with a single, firm push, aiming to reach depth and ensure even pressure. The putty should completely cover your teeth, extending beyond the gum line.

          5. Pull your upper lip up and over the edge of the tray.

          6. Keep the tray still for a total of 4 minutes and try not to move it at all.

             


            Lower Impression

            1. Insert the tray with putty into your mouth and use a mirror to center the tray over your lower teeth.

            2. Ensure there is at least 2-3mm of space between your front teeth and the inside wall of the impression tray to avoid scraping the plastic on the way in.

            3. Position your fingers over the tray—right fingers along the right side and left fingers along the left side of the tray.

            4. Once the tray is properly positioned, press it straight down with a single, firm push, ensuring even pressure. The putty should completely cover your teeth, extending beyond the gum line.

            5. Pull your lower lip down and over the edge of the tray.

            6. Keep the tray still for a total of 4 minutes and try not to move it at all.

            Caution: It is likely that you will produce extra saliva and drool while waiting for the impression to harden. We suggest having paper towels present.

            Step 4 - Remove the finished impression from your mouth

            Gently press against an area of putty with your fingertips to check if it has fully hardened. If the putty is still squishy, wait an additional 30 seconds.

            Grip the top and bottom of the tray and gradually pull downward (there may be some resistance) until it pops off your teeth.

            Do not remove the impression putty from the tray unless instructed to do so!

            *** When shipping in the final impressions, it is important to keep the impression in the tray and not remove it. ***

            Step 5 - Send photos for approval

             

             

            1. Rinse your impression with water, then use a paper towel to remove any excess water and saliva.

            2. Your impression should capture the full shape of your teeth and gum line.

            3. Take multiple photos of your dry impression from different angles to ensure all details are visible.

            4. Send the photos to support@simplyretainers.com or text them to 949-478-4962. Be sure to include your full order name in the email or text.

              Please include the following
              - Photos showing all angles with good lighting
              - Order name
              - Order number (located on your status label)
              - Email

              If you send your photos over the weekend, please note that we’re closed, but we’ll check messages periodically and get back to you as soon as possible.

            5. Wait for our approval before shipping your package to us. Remember, the quality of your retainer depends on the quality of your impression!

               

              Step 6 - Shipping your impression

              After completing your impressions, place them—still in the trays—along with any unused putty back inside the original box.
              Do not remove the impressions from the trays, and do not include any additional packaging inside the box.

              Seal the box securely, then attach the prepaid return shipping label (included in your kit) to the outside of the box.

              No extra packaging is needed—your box is designed to protect everything during transit.

                 

                What's Next?

                Once you get your impression(s) approved. We will send you an return tracking number on your impression kit so you can monitor the status.

                Need Help?

                If you need additional putty or have any questions, please reach out to us and we can assist you. If you would like any additional tips for retaking an impression, please let us know. 

                Email: support@simplyretainers.com

                Text: 949-478-4962

                Common Mistakes

                Below is a list of the most common mistakes that people make while taking impressions:

                1. Not reading the instructions and watching the instructional video beforehand.

                2. Not following the specified timing exactly.

                3. Failing to apply enough pressure while taking the impression.

                4. Accidentally hitting the sides of the tray.

                5. Failing to capture the gum-line in the impression.

                By being aware of these common mistakes, you can ensure a better impression-taking process.


                  Impression Videos

                  Upper Impression

                  Lower Impression