February is approaching and that means love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day near, you may be wondering how your dating life will be affected now that you are wearing traditional braces. While you are excited to be getting straighter pearly whites, you may feel anxious as you wonder how the metal wires and brackets on your teeth will impact your dating life. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make it as smooth as possible. Here are four must-know tips for wearing braces while dating.
#1. Make Your Oral Hygiene a Top Priority
While there can be many faux pas made on a date, there is probably none worse than having bad breath. It’s not exactly the first impression you’d like to make, right? As a matter of fact, it is so important that one study found that a whopping 58% of people decided to no longer date someone due to their bad breath! With that in mind, it is essential that you thoroughly brush and floss your teeth before you leave for your destination. It’s also handy to keep breath mints with you to freshen up throughout the evening.
#2. Choose Braces-Friendly Food
No one wants to feel embarrassed but especially not on a date with someone you really like! And there are few things more awful than discovering you have food stuck between your teeth during a date. Now that you have braces, you will want to be even more aware of the meals and snacks you eat while enjoying your time with someone special. Therefore, be sure to avoid ones that can get stuck in your metal brackets, such as tough meats or sticky candy. Go for braces-friendly options, like soup or soft ice cream. This way you will be able to enjoy your time much more without worrying about particles of food in your orthodontics.
#3. Smile Brightly and Freely
Did you know that your date is likely to remember your smile above everything else about you? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly half of all people believe that a smile is the most memorable thing about a person after one meeting. While you may be tempted to hide the metal wires and brackets on your teeth, remember that what you are conveying through your smile is the most important thing. In addition, freely flashing your pearly whites is also attributed to feelings of trustworthiness and likeability.
Perhaps most importantly, when your date sees your orthodontic treatment, it will communicate to them that you care about your oral health. It is always attractive when someone takes care of their well-being. So, don’t hesitate to smile, smile, smile!
#4. Go for “Smooth Smooches”
If your date has gone well, you may look forward to a first kiss. If you are worried about your braces—there is no need to! They will not get in the way. The key is to be gentle; too much pressure could make it uncomfortable for both of you. A helpful tip is to put dental wax on your braces to ease any abrasive rubbing of your braces against your mouth (or theirs). It’s also often best to stick with a closed-lip kiss at first.
If you have a special date for Valentine’s Day, you can be assured that your orthodontic treatment won’t get in the way of having a wonderful time! Keep these tips in mind for a successful romantic life while wearing braces.
About the Practice
Richardson Orthodontics is eager to give you a more confident smile! Their two board-certified orthodontists offer a range of services, including traditional braces. With specialized plans for each patient and the use of advanced technology, they can help you achieve your dental goals. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (972) 732-1400.