Will I be able to find something I can eat with my braces? How do I take out my aligners without my date noticing? What about kissing at the end of the night with my braces?
If you’re currently undergoing or thinking of starting orthodontic treatment, these questions have probably crossed your mind. Dating can be stressful and complicated enough without the worry of adding orthodontic treatment into the mix. Here are six tips for not letting your orthodontics get in the way of your romantic endeavors!
1. Work it!
Be confident in yourself! It may sound cliché but it’s true. If you feel good about your smile and laugh, you will look good too. Smile big and laugh big, the more you try to hide it, the more likely your date is to notice your discomfort.
2. Keep dinner dates orthodontic-friendly
If you’re going out for a meal with your date, choose an orthodontic-friendly meal that is soft and easy to bite. The last thing you want is your date to point out food debris in your braces. If you’re having pizza, be sure to break it into small bite-size pieces rather bite into it and risk breaking a bracket or bending a wire.
3. Excuse yourself to the restroom
If you’re wearing clear aligners, excuse yourself before dinner and slip your aligners off in the restroom. Using a case, tuck them into your bag or pocket to make sure you don’t lose them. If you’re wearing traditional braces excuse yourself at the end of the date to make sure nothing is stuck in your braces. If you’re able to, bring floss and a brush to further freshen up!
4. Start out with closed mouth kissing
While it is a myth that two people who have braces will get stuck together when kissing, try kissing with your mouth closed for the first few weeks. Also, beware of the sharp edges that your braces might have. When French kissing, be slow and gentle to not cause injury.
5. Treat your braces as an accessory
A tip for the ladies: don’t think of your appliances any differently than your other jewelry or makeup. If you like to use lipstick, try a bold color that will frame and show off your braces. Be sure to choose a long-lasting and smudge-proof lipstick that will not smudge, smear, or leave stains on your teeth or aligners.
We’re willing to bet that your date is probably not even thinking of your braces as much as you are. Undergoing orthodontic treatment doesn’t change who you are as a person. If there’s a spark, that’s all that matters. Also, orthodontic treatment isn’t forever. Taking care of your appliances by using proper brushing and flossing techniques, wearing your retainer and going to follow-up adjustment appointments with your orthodontic specialist will help you show off your pearly whites sooner than you think.