Hold still while the polyvinyl goo sets!

Dr. Konen is making an impression of my teeth. She is holding a U-shaped piece of plastic in my mouth that is filled with a rubbery goo that sets up in about three minutes and retains its shape even after it's pulled away from the teeth.

Molds of objects are extremely useful in many different areas of mechanical engineering. They are the principle means used to make an exact copy of a three-dimensional object, and also to create a new object that fits perfectly against another.

Later on, this mold of my teeth will be used to help shape the exterior of the temporary bridge.