Going on a first date always comes with a bit of nerves. What should you wear? Where should you go? What will you talk about? Now add orthodontic treatment into the mix, and the whole experience just got a bit more complex. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be the case! Here are four must-know tips for dating with braces.
#1. Brush and Floss Thoroughly Beforehand
Have you ever met someone and immediately been repulsed by the odor on their breath? It didn’t exactly make a good first impression, right? Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance that you thoroughly brush and floss your teeth beforehand. You should also keep breath mints on hand to freshen up throughout the evening. After all, one study found that a whopping 58% of people decided not to date someone due to their bad breath!
#2. Smile!
Whether you have traditional braces or clear aligners, you may be tempted to hide your smile. However, confidently smiling communicates several appealing attributes, including trustworthiness and likeability. Plus, showing off your orthodontic treatment communicates to your partner that you care about your oral health, which is one of the most desirable characteristics someone can have. So, don’t hesitate to flash your pearly whites throughout the date.
#3. Choose a Braces-Friendly Date
One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to pick a braces-friendly date. For example, going to a fair where you won’t be able to eat caramel apples, meat on the bone, and corn on the cob likely won’t be very fun. In the same vein, an activity, like a pickup game of tennis with another couple, might not be the best since a broken bracket or wire from a rogue ball can quickly dampen the experience.
#4. Be Gentle When You Kiss!
If the date has gone well and you’re looking forward to a first kiss, don’t worry – your braces won’t get in the way! Just make sure to be gentle. After all, the last thing you want is to accidentally bump their mouth or cut their lips with your braces. So, it’s often best to stick with a closed-lip kiss at first.
If you’re currently crushing on someone, you’ll be happy to know that your orthodontic treatment won’t get in the way of exploring that relationship. Just be sure to keep the above tips in mind for a successful date!
About the Practice
With a board-certified orthodontist leading our team, patients from all over the Dallas area can turn to Richardson Orthodontics for smile-transforming care. In addition to being a 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider, we’ve been recognized as a “Best D” winner from D Magazine three times! That’s because we create truly beautiful smiles and help our patients enjoy their treatment along the way. If you have a question about life with braces or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team via our website or by phone at (972) 238-7101.