Blue dental impression trays with the text “How to Take Perfect Impressions for Custom Grillz” in pink script overlay, used as a blog cover image for grillz impression guide.

How to Take Perfect Impressions for Custom Grillz

Before You Begin

Take your time to carefully read through this entire guide before starting your impression. It's packed with essential tips to help you get it right the first time.

Prefer visuals? Scroll to the end of this guide to watch our step-by-step video tutorial.

What’s in the Kit

Depending on your order, the number of trays or putty may vary. Every kit includes:

  • 3 Plastic Mouth Trays
  • 3 Sets of Putty (Blue + White)
  • 1 Light Body Syringe with Multiple Tips
  • Ziplock Bags
  • Gloves
  • Prepaid Return Satchel (Pre-labelled)
  • Grillz Order Form

📝 About the Grillz Order Form
Each kit includes a printed Drip Daddy Grillz Order Form, where you can mark which teeth you want grillz on and jot down any design notes or custom requests. You can also sketch your ideas by hand directly on the form — it’s a great way to visually communicate your vision when sending your impression back.

Prefer to work digitally first? You can download the form here to fill it out on your device before printing and including it with your return.

Illustration of dental impression tray sizing for custom grillz, showing upper and lower trays in small (6.5 cm), medium (7 cm), and large (7.5 cm) sizes, with labeled examples for accurate fit selection.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Impression

1. Mix and Take Your First Mold

  • Brush your teeth and wash your hands.
  • Mix one blue and one white putty together for about 20 seconds until the color is consistent - no marbling.
  • Roll it into a log and press it into the tray evenly from edge to edge.
  • You have 1 minute total from the start of mixing to placing the tray in your mouth.
  • Insert the tray and press firmly but gently onto your teeth.
  • Pull your lip over the front of the tray and close your mouth.
  • Hold still for 3 minutes - no talking or movement.
  • Make sure the putty captures both your teeth and gumline, but don't press so hard that the tray shows through.

2. Use the Light Body Syringe for Extra Detail

  • Remove the cap and attach one of the provided tips.
  • Squeeze a small amount onto a tissue to make sure the two materials are mixing correctly.
  • Apply the material directly into the spaces for the teeth you're getting grillz on (e.g. top fangs).
  • Carefully reinsert the same tray and bite down gently in the same position.
  • Hold still for 4 minutes.
  • If you're doing both upper and lower arches, swap the tip - one syringe covers both.

This step helps capture fine tooth details for a better fit.

3. Rinse & Dry Your Impressions

  • Rinse gently under cool running water - no scrubbing or hot water.
  • Shake off any excess water.
  • Dry naturally with a light pat from a paper towel and leave to air dry at room temperature. Avoid using hair dryers or anything heated - it can distort the mold.

What Makes a Good Impression

✅ Clear tooth detail with no drag marks
✅ Full gumline visible
✅ No tray breakthrough
✅ No distortion or shallow spots
✅ Putty is intact and undamaged

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Drag marks from uneven pressure or movement
🚫 Shallow or partial impressions
🚫 Tray showing through the putty
🚫 Forgetting to pull your lip over the tray
🚫 Talking or moving while the putty is setting

Proper dental impression of the upper arch showing visible gumline, single imprint, no broken putty, and deep impressions of back teeth — example of a correct mold for custom grillz.
Example of a correct lower arch dental impression. The tray shows clear and defined teeth marks, no drag lines, and the distinct shape of each tooth.
Examples of bad dental impressions with explanations of common mistakes. Top left: teeth break through putty exposing the tray. Top right: shallow impression with missing gums and double marks from front teeth. Bottom left: drag marks from not pressing fully, teeth and gumline unclear. Bottom right: lip not covering tray, teeth too far back from front edge.

Packaging Your Impressions for Return

  • Place each mold in its own ziplock bag with a little air inside.
  • Wrap in soft padding like tissue paper or bubble wrap.
  • Pack securely in the original box or any other sturdy container.
  • Seal the box tightly with tape.
  • Drop it in a yellow Australia Post box or take it to your local post office.
  • 🚫 Do not use red post boxes — it will delay delivery.

     

Conclusion

Taking high-quality impressions is the most important step in getting custom grillz that fit well and look incredible. By following these steps and avoiding the common mistakes, you’ll get the best results possible.

Take your time — and if you’re unsure, reach out. We’re here to help.

Need a Replacement Impression Kit?

If you’re having trouble getting your impressions just right, don’t worry! You can order a replacement impression kit here. It includes everything you need to redo your molds and ensure a perfect fit for your custom grillz.

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