Now that February has arrived, Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it! If you’re currently undergoing Invisalign treatment, you may be wondering if it has an impact on your dating life. The truth is, even though the aligners are convenient and discreet, they can certainly affect any social situation. With that in mind, here are a few things you should know about dating with Invisalign.
How Can Invisalign Impact My Dating Life?
These are points to consider when romance is in the cards while you are in the midst of Invisalign treatment:
It May Alter Your Speech
When you first get Invisalign, you may find it difficult to speak clearly. Don’t worry – it’s completely normal for patients to develop a temporary lisp when they wear clear aligners for the first time. The good news is that practice is all you need to get rid of it! By reading aloud and having more conversations with loved ones, you can get rid of any speech alterations sooner rather than later.
You’re At Risk of Bad Breath
One of the most common complaints about Invisalign is that the retainers give you bad breath. Luckily, you can avoid that problem by keeping your aligners clean. Make sure you clean your teeth and retainers thoroughly before slipping the trays back into your mouth. That way, you can prevent odor-causing bacteria from accumulating on your aligners.
It Makes You More Confident
Crooked or misaligned teeth can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem, making them feel self-conscious every time they smile, speak, or laugh. Fortunately, Invisalign can take away this insecurity. Once you complete your orthodontic treatment, you’ll have a beautifully straight set of pearly whites that you’ll confidently show off to every date!
The Clear Aligners Are Hardly Noticeable
Since Invisalign clear aligners have a smooth plastic design, they’re virtually invisible to other people. Of course, they’ll become more noticeable if you fail to keep them clean. By taking proper care of your plastic trays, you can ensure they remain undetectable by others. In the end, they’re still a much more discreet option than metal wires and brackets.
What Are Helpful Tips in Advance of My Valentine’s Day Date?
- Keep your aligners in place. For successful treatment, your Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 20-22 hours a day. That means you’ll need to keep them in while on a date!
- Remove your aligners before eating. Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything that’s not water. Otherwise, you can damage them by causing stains or cracks.
- Watch your alcohol consumption. Alcoholic beverages can stain your aligners, turning them from clear to a shade of yellow or brown. Therefore, you should remove your trays before drinking any alcohol.
- Brush your teeth after eating. It’s incredibly important that you brush your teeth after every meal before you put the aligners back in your mouth. It’ll help you avoid problems like cavities and decay.
Dating with Invisalign is not as stressful as you might think. By keeping your aligners clean and wearing them as recommended, you’ll be one step closer to finding true love and achieving the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always dreamed of!
About the Author
Dr. Justyna Balicka did not receive the best dental care as a child growing up in Poland. Fortunately, when she moved to America, her first orthodontist was very personable and made her feel comfortable. This positive experience changed her outlook on dental health and sparked her journey to become a successful orthodontist. If you are considering Invisalign treatment, she offers zero-interest payment plans and $250 off same-day Invisalign treatment on the way to your subtle-yet-superior, smile-correcting solution. You can schedule a consultation on her website or by calling (631) 423-7857.