How to make cosplay fangs?

Materials and Tools

• Thermoplastic beads (e.g., InstaMorph, Friendly Plastic, or Polly Plastics)
• Heat gun or hairdryer
• Small bowl or container
• Dental adhesive or denture glue
• Nail file or rotary tool
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Non-toxic paint (optional)
• Small paintbrush (if using paint)
• Mirror
• Cold water

Method 1: Thermoplastic Beads Technique

1. Take a small pinch of thermoplastic beads and place them in a heat-resistant container.
2. Use a heat gun or hairdryer to warm the beads until they turn clear and begin to melt together.
3. Once the beads are clear and soft, use tweezers or your fingers (be careful, as they may be hot) to form them into a small ball or cone shape.

1. Allow the plastic to cool slightly so it's comfortable to handle but still pliable.
2. Shape the plastic into a rough fang shape, creating a pointed end and a flatter base that will adhere to your tooth.
3. Place the shaped plastic over your canine tooth, pressing it gently to mold it to the contours of your tooth and gum line.
4. Use your fingers to further shape and refine the fang while it's in your mouth.
5. Remove the fang before it fully hardens and dip it in cold water to set the shape.

1. Once the fang has cooled and hardened, use a nail file or rotary tool to smooth any rough edges and refine the shape.
2. Test the fit by placing the fang back on your tooth, making any necessary adjustments by reheating and reshaping small areas.
3. If desired, use non-toxic paint to color the fangs, matching them to your natural tooth color or adding special effects.

1. Clean your teeth thoroughly before application.
2. Apply a small amount of dental adhesive or denture glue to the inside of the fang.
3. Carefully place the fang over your canine tooth, holding it in place for about 30 seconds to ensure a secure bond.

Variations and Tips

• Size and Shape: Experiment with different fang sizes and shapes to suit your character. Some may require longer, more pronounced fangs, while others might need subtler points.
• Placement: Consider placing fangs on teeth adjacent to your canines for a unique look or to better match your character's dental structure.
• Bottom Fangs: Don't forget about bottom fangs! Apply the same technique to create a full set of fangs for a more menacing appearance.
• Snaggle Tooth: For characters with a single prominent fang or "snaggle tooth," focus on creating one larger, protruding fang.

Method 2: Fake Nail Technique

• Fake nails (preferably ones with a natural-looking enamel finish)
• Scissors
• Nail file
• Denture adhesive
• Sandpaper (fine grit)

1. Select fake nails that closely match the size of your canine teeth.
2. Use scissors to cut the nail into a pointed, fang-like shape.
3. Hold the shaped nail up to your tooth to assess the size and make any necessary trims to ensure it fits well.

1. Use a nail file to smooth the edges and further refine the fang shape.
2. Sand the surface of the nail with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any shine and create a more natural tooth-like texture.

1. Clean your teeth thoroughly.
2. Apply a small amount of denture adhesive to the back of the fake nail fang.
3. Carefully place the fang over your canine tooth, holding it in place for about 10 seconds to ensure it adheres properly.

Considerations for Comfort and Safety

1. Material Safety: Always use non-toxic materials that are safe for oral use. Avoid using super glue or other harmful adhesives.

2. Fit and Comfort: Ensure that your fangs fit comfortably and don't cause irritation to your gums or other teeth. If you experience any discomfort, remove the fangs and make adjustments.

3. Speaking and Eating: Practice speaking with your fangs in place before your event. Be cautious when eating or drinking, as the fangs may affect your ability to do so normally.

4. Duration of Wear: Avoid wearing the fangs for extended periods, especially if you're new to using them. Give your mouth breaks to prevent any potential irritation.

5. Hygiene: Clean your fangs thoroughly after each use and store them in a clean, dry place. Avoid sharing your fangs with others to prevent the spread of bacteria.

6. Removal: Be gentle when removing the fangs to avoid damaging your natural teeth. If they're difficult to remove, use warm water to help loosen the adhesive.

Advanced Techniques for Realistic Fangs

1. Custom Molds: Create a custom mold of your teeth using dental alginate and plaster. This allows you to craft fangs that fit your unique dental structure perfectly.

2. Dental Acrylic: Use dental acrylic to create highly durable and realistic fangs. This method requires more skill and specialized materials but can produce professional-quality results.

3. Airbrushing: Learn airbrushing techniques to add subtle color gradients and effects to your fangs, enhancing their realism.

4. LED Integration: For futuristic or magical characters, consider incorporating small LED lights into your fang design for a glowing effect.

Maintaining and Storing Your Cosplay Fangs

1. Cleaning: After each use, clean your fangs with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using hot water, which could deform thermoplastic fangs.

2. Drying: Allow your fangs to air dry completely before storing them.

3. Storage: Keep your fangs in a small, padded container to protect them from damage. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

4. Touch-ups: Before each use, inspect your fangs for any chips or wear. Use your original materials to make small repairs or touch-ups as needed.

Incorporating Fangs into Your Overall Cosplay

1. Makeup: Use makeup to enhance the appearance of your fangs. For vampire characters, consider pale foundation and dark lip colors to make your fangs stand out.

2. Prosthetics: Combine your fangs with prosthetic ears, noses, or chin pieces for a complete transformation.

3. Contact Lenses: Special effect contact lenses can complement your fangs and complete your character's look.

4. Practice: Spend time practicing facial expressions and speaking with your fangs in place to embody your character fully.

Conclusion