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How to Make a Mold of the Mouth

Special-effects makeup artists prepare custom-made teeth for actors performing in horror or fantasy films. In order to craft convincing, perfectly fitting prosthetics, artists make a cast of the actor's mouth and use it as a mold for realistic fangs or crooked teeth. You can make a mold of your own mouth using dental equipment. Though buying and using dental supplies can be expensive and uncomfortable, it is the best way to create realistic, movie-quality molds.

Things You'll Need

  • 3-minute set dental alginate
  • Bowls
  • Dental tray
  • Paper cup
  • Dental labstone
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Instructions

  1. Making a Negative Mold

    • 1

      Mix two ounces of alginate in a bowl with two ounces of water until combined. The mixture will still be slightly lumpy.

    • 2

      Fill the dental tray to the rim with alginate. Work quickly, since the mixture will set in three minutes.

    • 3

      Place the tray in your mouth, alginate-side-up, and bite down on it. Keep your mouth in the same position until the alginate sets.

    • 4

      Carefully remove the tray from your mouth and inspect the mold to ensure good quality.

    Making a Positive Mold

    • 5

      Mix three ounces of labstone or plaster in a bowl with three ounces of water and stir until smooth and creamy.

    • 6

      Place the alginate mold in a paper cup with the molded side up.

    • 7

      Slowly pour the labstone mixture into the cup. Tap the bottom of the cup to release any trapped air bubbles.

    • 8

      Allow the labstone to sit for 20 minutes. Peel off the paper cup and remove the alginate to reveal the positive mold.

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