It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, and you have a date lined up! Whether you are planning on going out to a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant, seeing a movie, or having a whole night out on the town, it is exciting to get out there again on the dating scene. That being said, if you have recently gotten started with Invisalign, you may be feeling some hesitation before your first date. Fortunately, you don’t need to let your orthodontic treatment get in the way of your big night. Here are a few tips to help you feel confident wearing your clear aligners during your date.
Stick to an Orthodontic-Friendly Meal
If you’re going out to dinner, you may want to think twice about what you order. While having baby back ribs with corn on the cob is delicious, they aren’t very easy to eat when your mouth is sore from your orthodontic treatment. Try sticking to softer foods that are easy to eat, like soup, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and tender meat, like seafood.
Excuse Yourself to the Bathroom
When you have Invisalign, you should excuse yourself to the restroom in order to take them off before eating dinner or having a drink. When you take them out, give them a thorough rinsing to keep them fresh and place them in their case so you don’t accidentally lose them. Don’t forget to put them back in your mouth after you’re done with your food and drinks. If you are able, brush and floss too!
Be Careful While Kissing
If everything goes well and you get a kiss at the end of the night, don’t worry. You certainly have the ability to kiss when you have aligners, but be extra gentle. Start with your mouth closed and be careful. Keeping it slow is key.
Embrace Your Braces
Confidence is key, but if you feel self-conscious about your clear aligners, there are plenty of other steps that you can take to lift yourself up. Before your date, head to the salon or barber shop, wear a perfume or cologne you like, and pick an outfit that helps you look and feel your best. When you are feeling great, this will show in your appearance as well!
Your clear aligners don’t have to get in the way of your upcoming date. By using the tips listed above, you will have a night to remember!
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana is an experienced dentist who has been working in the dental field for nearly a decade. He earned his dental doctorate from the prestigious New York University and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Dallas County Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Mesquite, visit his website or call (469) 399-7288.