What are thermoplastic beads?

Thermoplastic beads, sometimes called moldable plastic pellets or InstaMorph, are small granules made from a polymer that softens when heated and hardens when cooled, without undergoing chemical change. In essence, they behave like a reusable plastic clay: when warmed above a certain temperature, the reusable polymorphic beads become pliable and can be molded; when cooled back to ambient temperature, they solidify into a rigid shape. This reversible phase change is characteristic of thermoplastics in general. 

These thermoplastic pellets are composed of a polymeric plastic with a low melting point and are perfect for use in crafts, cosplay, small repairs, prototypes, and dental or theatrical effects (such as fangs) due to their ease of use, reusability, and ability to adopt fine details.

This product cannot be painted very well, meaning that it practically repels all paints. You could paint pieces to use in a costume or cosplay prop, but keep in mind that the paint could scratch easily if those parts rub against something. It is best to paint it with airbrushing and always apply an acrylic primer to improve adhesion.

One of the appealing features is that once cooled, they are stable and retain shape until reheated. This makes them ideal for repeated adjustments or remolding.

How to melt thermoplastic beads?

Melting thermoplastic beads is actually more like softening rather than a full melt: you bring them to a temperature where they become transparent and pliable, but you don’t drive them to a full liquid state (which might degrade the polymer). When softened, they blend together and can be worked easily.

The most common method is as follows:

1. Heat water or use a heat source — One safe and common method is to heat water (e.g., in a pot or heat-resistant container) to around 60–65 °C (140–150 °F). 
2. Immerse the beads — Place the reusable polymorphic pellets into the warm water. As they warm, they will become translucent, soften, and begin to stick together. You can then extract them (with tweezers or a spoon) before they fully separate into a liquid.
3. Work quickly before cooling — Once pliable, the reusable polymorphic beads can be shaped using hands (wearing heat-resistant gloves), sculpting tools, molds, or even pressed against a surface or object to form details. Because the working window is finite (they will begin cooling), plan your shape ahead.
4. Cool to solidify — After shaping, allow the piece to cool (ambient air or room temperature) until it is opaque white again. The cooling phase locks the shape in. At that point, the plastic is rigid and stable again.
5. Reheating for adjustments — If you want to re-adjust, reheat the piece in warm water or with a gentle heat gun until pliable again, and then reshape.

Some users also use a hot air gun for small pieces, but applying direct heat requires more care to avoid overheating or charring. Always work with incremental heating and monitor the clarity of the plastic pellets to judge when they are pliable but safe.

How to use thermoplastic beads for fangs?

Using moldable thermoplastic beads to craft theatrical “fangs” is a popular application—especially in cosplay, Halloween, or theatrical effects.

Here’s how to do it in a safe, reproducible way:

1. Shape the base fangs — After melting the plastic pellets as described above, you form small elongated shapes that roughly mimic the shape of fangs (tapered “tooth” shapes). Work in small amounts so you can maintain control and detail.
2. Create a backing/shelf — Many fang designs include a little shelf or flange that rests against the natural tooth to help secure the piece. You may press the softened plastic bead onto a temporary model or directly against a mold or your (clean, safe) cast of the tooth to seat the backing. Remember that the pieces can be cut and sanded with tools to achieve sharp shapes.
3. Attach to your real teeth (temporarily) — Once the shape is ready, you warm a small amount of bead (or reheat its backing) and press the fang against your real tooth (or a dental-safe covering) to get a snug fit. Hold it in place until cooled and secured. Some users add a tiny bit of denture adhesive to improve grip. Naturally, these are cosmetic and temporary — intended for events, performances, or photo use, not long-term wear. Several DIY guides and community forums describe this method.
4. Test fit and comfort — Before fully committing, test the fangs for fit, speech, comfort, and movement. Because thermoplastics can be reheated and adjusted, you can remold slight misfits. The result is a custom-fit fang that stays in place reasonably well for short periods (particularly if worn in dry, non-eating conditions). 

How to remove thermoplastic beads from teeth?

Removing thermoplastic-bead-based fangs or veneers is usually easier than applying them, because the bead becomes pliable again with heat.

Here’s a step-by-step removal strategy:

1. Warm water rinse — The simplest approach is to take a cup of very warm (but not scalding) water, hold it in your mouth, and gently allow the warmth to penetrate the bead–tooth interface. The heat softens the thermoplastic and helps release its grip. Many users report that the piece “pops off” with minimal force once softened. 
2. Gentle prying or twisting — After warming, gently twist, slide, or nudge the piece using a finger or a safe instrument (e.g., dental pick or a soft tool). Because the bead softens, it should give way without jerky force.
3. Localized reheating (if needed) — If certain edges remain stuck, you can apply a small amount of warm water targeted to that area (e.g, via syringe or dropper) to soften just that region, then ease it off.
4. Cleaning and cleanup — Once removed, clean both the fabricated piece and your natural tooth (or underlying surface) with mild soap and water to remove any residual plastic bits or adhesive. Inspect for any residual fragments, and if necessary, use a warm rinse or gentle brushing to remove them.
5. Re-molding or reuse — Because the thermoplastic remains reusable, you can re-melt the removed bead in warm water and reuse it for future fittings or modifications.

It’s safe to remove these kinds of appliances without damaging the underlying tooth as long as you are gentle, avoid excessive force, and ensure that reheating is moderate (not high enough to melt or degrade the base tooth or any dental work). 

Important Safety Note:

These moldable thermoplastic beads are not designed for prolonged oral contact and should only be used temporarily for costume or cosplay purposes. It is strongly advised to:

• Limit wear time — Avoid keeping these plastic pellets or shaped fangs in your mouth for long periods.
• Do not eat or drink hot foods or beverages while wearing them, as heat can soften the plastic and cause deformation.
• Maintain proper hygiene — Always clean both your teeth and the thermoplastic piece before and after use to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Risk of choking — Since small molded parts can come loose, there is a serious choking hazard if swallowed.
• Not recommended for children under 14 years old — Adult supervision is required for safe handling and use.
• For safety, these beads should be considered a temporary cosmetic or modeling material only, not a dental product or a substitute for professional fittings.