How to Make a Mold of Teeth

Although making a mold of teeth is not a complicated procedure, most people prefer to go to a costume store and buy false teeth for a special costume party or Halloween. However, some people interested in stage props, theatrical teeth or realistic make-up effects, may want to make their own teeth. By making a mold of your teeth, you can design realistic and authentic looking teeth that can even include fangs.

Combine the molding material to make the teeth mold. Pour about 2 oz.of alginate into a bowl and add the same amount of water to it. Mix with the stick or tongue depressor. Work quickly as the mixture sets up in a few minutes. Since mixing instructions may be different for different brands of alginates, be sure to follow the product mixing instructions. You can buy alginate, dental trays and dental plaster online.

Fill the dental tray with the mixture by using the spoon. Fill the tray nearly to its edge. Make sure there is enough of the mixture to make a good impression of the teeth and gums. The tray will act as the mold.

Position the tray in the mouth and gently bite down into the mixture. It will take about three to five minutes for the alginate mix to set up from the time it is mixed. To know when it has set up sufficiently, look at any remaining mixture in the bowl to see if it is solid and easily pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Remove the tray from the mouth gently by moving or jiggling it from side to side until it comes loose. Use a paper towel to dry or remove saliva from the tray and the dental impression. Rinse out your mouth well to remove any material from it.

Place the teeth impressions in the cup of water until you combine the plaster mixture. It is best to make the mixture right away because there can be shrinkage of the alginate teeth impression or mold.

Pour about 3 oz. of water into a bowl, add an equal amount of dental plaster and mix with a wooden stick. It should have an even consistency when thoroughly mixed.

Fill the alginate teeth mold with the dental plaster mixture and remove any air bubbles by tapping the mold. It should cover completely any crevices or indentations. Remove the alginate mold after the plaster has set up. It can take up to an hour. Check the mold cast for any imperfections. Use the plaster rasp to remove them. The mold of your teeth is now ready. To use the mold to make fangs for your teeth, see the Resource section.