Tips for Dating with Invisalign

You are probably enjoying the positive shift in your smile since you began Invisalign treatment, but if you haven’t gone on a date yet, you might be wondering what to expect. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, this is the perfect time to get some answers. While clear aligners are a discreet treatment, a romantic situation is one of those times when someone may become aware of them. Read on to learn about dating while wearing Invisalign.

Be More Aware When Eating or Drinking

It makes sense you might plan to have a meal or get coffee with your date. Since you don’t want to have your aligners in while consuming anything other than water, try to have a plan to discreetly take them out first. A quick bathroom trip at the restaurant or café should suffice; just be sure not to lose track of them in your purse or elsewhere you store them.

Make Sure to Keep Your Aligners Clean

This is always important, especially on a date when you are prioritizing fresh breath. If you skip opportunities to clean your aligners, they will start to develop bacteria that lead to bad breath. Each time you brush your teeth, make sure you also clean your Invisalign. Remember not to use toothpaste on your aligners, however, since it can scratch the plastic and actually create channels to spur bacteria growth.

Work to Keep Your Speech Sharp

Especially if you are in the early stages of Invisalign treatment, you may have started to talk with a lisp. It makes sense – these are foreign options that your lips and tongue are still getting accustomed to. You just need to practice to eliminate the change in speech – talk to friends or family you are comfortable with often, perhaps for an hour or so each day. You’ll make progress and return to speaking normally.

Your Aligners May or May Not Be Noticed

Look at it this way, if you were wearing traditional metal braces, your date and everyone around you would surely know about your treatment. Invisalign is discreet enough that it becomes a situation of maybe your aligners will be noticed. That could depend on how cozy you two get, but at least if you are keeping your aligners clean, there’s a chance your date won’t discover them until you decide to mention it.

Enjoy the Confidence Invisalign Provides

If you started Invisalign treatment a while ago, you’ve probably already noticed an improvement in your smile. Perhaps that progress in confidence can counteract you not wanting your date to know about your aligners. When you feel better about the way your teeth look, you are more likely to flash a grin, laugh, and be a fun companion.

While it may take some work early on when speaking with Invisalign, and it’s up to you to decide if you tell your date about your treatment, the improvements it provides for your smile are likely to give you a boost of confidence that is a net win for your romantic endeavors!

About the Author

Dr. Anita Kianimanesh earned her dental doctorate from Nova Southeastern University after achieving her master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a particular focus on Biotechnology while at Georgetown University. She has proudly led Purple Plum Dentistry since 2013 and is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Kianimanesh is a Preferred Invisalign Provider, dental insurance is accepted, plus an in-house membership plan and third-party financing are available. You can schedule a consultation on her website or call (703) 998-4244.