Adults and teens with braces often worry about whether it will be awkward to date during treatment. These tips and ideas will help you prevent your braces from putting a stop to your romantic endeavors!
Own your look!
Feeling confident with braces can be easier said than done, in particular when you’re still getting used to them. If you want to date successfully with braces, though, you will likely want to embrace them rather than trying to downplay them.
Try the following:
- Smile and laugh like you normally would. There's really no point in trying to hide your braces under your lips; your date is going to notice them anyway, and you'll have less fun.
- Try Coloured braces! Orthodontic elastics come in a full rainbow of colours, so you can choose one that you like, or that suits your skin tone or eye colour.
- Bold lipstick (if that’s your thing) that frames and shows off your braces.
- Try thinking of your braces as an accessory that add your unique look.
Check for debris.
Nothing puts a damper on a romantic meal faster than your date politely pointing out that most of your dinner is stuck in your brackets.
If you’re out for a meal, choose a braces-friendly meal. Bring a small hand-held mirror along and check your braces throughout the evening to make sure you’re in the clear. If you think this sounds too distracting for a first date, you may be better off going on dates with no eating involved until you and your date get to know each other better.
Remember: Your date cares less about your braces than you do.
However awkward you may feel about your braces, your date is unlikely to be as concerned about them as you are. He or she is probably feeling nervous and awkward too!
You won't have your braces forever, and they don’t change who you are as a person. If there's a spark between you two, your date will not care if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. And if he or she does… is that really the kind of person you want to be dating?
Try a more inconspicuous treatment option.
If you don't want to deal with the obvious look of traditional braces, there are a several less conspicuous orthodontic treatment options available for teens and adults:
Invisalign clear plastic aligners are almost invisible when worn, and you can take them out while you eat.
Translucent braces are made of a tooth-coloured ceramic material that blends in almost seamlessly with your teeth.
In-Ovation System braces feature small, streamlined brackets and no elastics or ties.