How do you guys open the ETB's mouth? My vet did it so effortlessly with two long wooden sticks. He just forced them in from the front of the mouth and opened them criss crossed.

I just tried to open the snakes mouth and I was afraid that I might hurt it. I can't seem to find a way to get the sticks past those long front teeth. Maybe I'm just being too gentle, but better safe than sorry.

Anyone have any methods that work for them?