It can be fun to wear fake braces or a fake retainer as part of a costume. It can also be fun if you just like the way braces look, even if you don't need them. You can make fake braces and a fake retainer with hairpins, wax, and earring closures. While it can be fun to wear these types of products in the short term, keep in mind that you shouldn't use them in place of actual braces if you need orthodontic treatment. Also, you should never wear fake braces for a long time, as they can cause damage to your teeth and gums.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making Fake Braces
Step 1. Gather your supplies
Before you start making your fake braces, you need to gather some supplies. To make the fake braces, you will need the following:
- a hairpin
- a small rubber band
- butterfly clasps for earrings
- a pliers
- pair of scissors
- silly bandz bracelets in various colors, if you want to make colored braces
- a hot glue gun
Step 2. Spread the fork apart until it forms a 90 degree angle
To start, unfold the fork. Stretch it out until it is at a 90 degree angle. Hair pins are not very strong, so you can do it with your fingers.
Step 3. Stretch the hairpin with the pliers
The fork should be as straight as possible. This will make the fake braces look more real. Use the pliers to form a straight line with the hairpin. Then use it to smooth out the waves or pleats of the hairpin.
- Be patient. It may take a long time to do this, depending on the unevenness of the fork.
- The straighter the hairpin is, the more realistic the fake braces will look when you put them in your mouth.
Step 4. Wash and dry the hairpin
When the hairpin has turned into a straight line, wash it with antibacterial soap and warm water. Since you will be putting the hairpin in your mouth, it should be clean. Be aware that the pliers could be very dirty. Then, set the hairpin aside until it feels dry when you touch it. The forks are not very big, so it shouldn't take long.
Step 5. Bend the hairpin into a U shape until it fits your mouth
Then use your fingers to bend the hairpin into a U shape to fit your mouth. It may be helpful to place the hairpin in the mouth and shape it over the upper teeth. Make sure the curve is smooth as it will help the braces look more realistic.
Step 6. Insert the earring clasps over the fork so that they are facing the teeth
Now you will have to place the clasps on the fork. Place about four clasps along the fork, so that the flat back of the clasps faces the teeth. You should position the clasps so that each back is over the front of one of your teeth. You may need to place the fork in your mouth from time to time to identify where you will be placing the clasps. This can be time consuming as the zippers can slide off easily. Be patient. Place the clasps at the same distance.
- The butterfly closures have two small rings on the front. The idea is that you pass the fork through the space between these rings. It may be difficult, so take it slowly. Don't be surprised if the clasps slip out of your hand from time to time.
- Four closures should be enough to create the false braces. However, if you have a wider mouth, you may need a few more closures. You will need enough clasps to cover all the teeth when you laugh.
Step 7. Secure the zippers with hot glue
The zippers slide on easily, so you'll need to apply a dab of hot glue to each one. This will keep them attached to the fork.
Make sure the glue dries completely before continuing to make the fake braces
Step 8. Insert the silly bandz bracelets into the clasp rings
If you want to add a little color to your braces, grab a silly band bracelet. Tuck one end of the bracelet through one of the clasp rings. Then, go around the clasp and pass it through the other hoop. Trim the excess of the bracelet and repeat the process with the rest of the clasps.
- You may need to trim the end of the bracelet with the scissors to form a point. This will make it easier to slide it through the closure ring.
- This step is optional. If you don't want to make the colored braces, you can skip it.
Step 9. Place the rubber band around the braces
Take the small rubber band. Roll it around the ends of the hairpin. This keeps the braces in a U-shape. It is also a way to fix the braces in the mouth. False braces should be in a "D" shape when the rubber band is in place.
A good way to attach the rubber band is by bending both ends of the fork to form small rings. This not only keeps the rubber band from moving, but also takes the pointy look of fake braces a little bit away. You shouldn't have anything too pointy in your mouth for long
Step 10. Put the braces in your mouth
Now, you can put the braces in your mouth. Press the ring over your teeth. Place the rubber band between two teeth at the back of the mouth on both sides of the mouth to hold the false braces in place.
Part 2 of 3: Making a Fake Retainer
Step 1. Prepare the materials
Now, you can make a fake retainer to match your fake braces. To get started, gather your supplies. For this project, you will not need more than a few containers for wax and hot water.
- You will need wax bottles that contain juice. You can buy these types of bottles at your local grocery store or even a craft store. Packages typically contain multiple bottles, so you can make several different retainers from one bottle.
- You should also have hot water. If you want to add color to the retainer, you will need a food coloring in the color of your choice.
Step 2. Break off the top of the wax bottle and squeeze out the juice
To get started, bite off the top of the juice bottle. Then squeeze out the juice. You can drink it if you want, or you can squeeze it to flush it down the drain. Make sure to get every last drop of juice out of the bottle.
Step 3. Roll the bottle into a tight ball
Now roll the bottle with your hands to form a tight ball. It may be helpful to first roll the bottle sideways between your hands to create a long cylinder. Then roll the cylinder into a spiral. Squash the spiral between your hands, then roll it between your palms into a small, tight circle.
Step 4. Place the ball under hot water for 60 to 90 seconds
Run the water from the bathroom faucet until it is hot to the touch. Place the ball in the sink under running water. Leave it in place for 60 to 90 seconds. To test if the ball is ready, touch it. It should be smooth and you should be able to shape it easily.
Step 5. Put the wax in your mouth and mold it
You should let the ball cool a bit first if it is very hot. You don't want to burn your mouth or tongue. Then put the ball of wax in your mouth. Use your tongue and fingers to flatten it against the roof of your mouth. Keep flattening and shaping the wax until it fits and feels comfortable in the roof of your mouth.
Step 6. Wear the retainer with the fake braces
Now, put on the fake braces. You should look good with your braces and retainer. This can look great for a costume or to wear to school if you feel like wearing braces one day.
Step 7. Stain the retainer for best effect
Many people have dyed or colored retainers. If you want yours to look more realistic, take a food coloring and mix it with water. Add enough food coloring to the water to make it the color you want. Then, soak the fake retainer in the food coloring for about 10 minutes.
Part 3 of 3: Take Safety Precautions
Step 1. Do not use fake braces to substitute for real braces
Fake braces can be fun for a costume. However, they cannot substitute for actual braces. If you need to wear braces or are concerned that you will have to wear them, ask your parents to schedule an appointment with the orthodontist. Never wear fake braces instead of real ones. False braces will not correct damage, such as crooked teeth.
Step 2. Don't wear the braces for a long time
False braces can cause tooth damage over time. You should not leave them on for long periods. Always wear them on special occasions, like a costume party. If you feel pain in your teeth or mouth, remove the braces.
You should also try to remove the pointy parts of the fake braces. Make sure the flat back of the earring clasps are pressed against the teeth. You should also bend the ends of the hairpin inward to lessen the spiky effect
Step 3. Stop using them if you notice any signs of tooth damage
False braces can accumulate food and lead to a build-up of plaque. If you notice things like yellow teeth or sore gums, the false braces may be damaging your teeth. Stop using them immediately and make an appointment with the dentist.
Step 4. Avoid using products that contain lead to make fake braces
Read the labels of all the products you use. Products containing lead should be avoided. Using lead products in the mouth can cause poisoning.