Valentine’s Day is approaching and you may be preparing for a special date! As you get ready, you may be wondering how your dating life will be affected by your new Invisalign treatment. While the clear removable aligners are very discreet, they can still impact a social situation. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make it as smooth as possible! Here’s what you should know about dating and Invisalign.
How Can Invisalign Impact Your Dating Life?
Here are some factors to consider when romance meets Invisalign treatment in your life:
It May Slightly Alter Your Speech
You may find it difficult to speak clearly when you first get Invisalign. But have no worries! Most patients tend to develop a temporary lisp when they wear clear aligners for the first time. The good news is that with practice, you will get rid of it sooner than later. By reading aloud and having conversations with loved ones, you are sure to get rid of any speech alterations.
You’re At Risk of Bad Breath
One of the most common complaints about Invisalign is that the removable aligners give you bad breath. Fortunately, this can be avoided by regularly cleaning them. The key is to brush your teeth and trays thoroughly before slipping the trays back into your mouth. This helps to prevent odor-causing bacteria from accumulating on your aligners.
The Clear Aligners Are Hardly Noticeable
Since Invisalign aligners have a clear, smooth plastic design, they’re virtually undetectable to other people. Of course, they will be more noticeable if you fail to keep them clean. By taking proper care of your plastic trays, you can ensure they remain unnoticed by others.
It Makes You More Confident
Having a smile that you are not proud of can negatively affect your self-esteem, making you feel too self-conscious to freely talk or laugh. Invisalign is an amazing treatment to fix crooked or misaligned teeth and give a boost of confidence. Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will have a beautifully straight set of pearly whites that you’ll confidently show off on every date!
Helpful Tips While on a Date
Do you have a special date for Valentine’s Day? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Keep your aligners in your mouth. For your treatment to be successful, your aligners must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Therefore, you will need to keep them in while on your date!
- Remove your aligners before eating. The only time you should remove your aligners is before eating or drinking anything that’s not water. Otherwise, you can damage your trays by causing cracks and stains. If you want to be discreet, you can always go to the bathroom to take them out. Place them in their container and put them in your pocket or purse.
- Limit your alcohol consumption. Drinking alcoholic beverages with your aligners in can cause your trays to become discolored. To keep your clear aligners from turning into a shade of yellow or brown, it’s best to remove them before socially drinking.
- Brush your teeth after eating. Make sure you brush your teeth after every meal right before slipping the aligners back in your mouth. Doing so will help you avoid problems like cavities and decay.
As you take the road to your new smile with Invisalign, there may be some alterations while you date. However, with a little planning and consistency in the care for your aligners, your love life can stay on track too!
About the Author
Dr. David Tillman and his team are committed to providing high-quality dental care to you and your family! He received his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston and has completed over 2500 hours of post-graduate dental education. Listed multiple times as “Best Dentist” by Fort Worth Magazine, he can help you achieve your dream smile with Invisalign. To schedule a consultation, contact him through his website or call 817-870-4746.