When it comes to dating, first impressions matter.
This fact is even more true in the world of online dating – where your profile picture is the first thing potential partners will use to judge you. If your face fails to attract Prince Charming or Cinderella’s attention, you’ll likely never even get to meet him/her.
We all agonize over our appearance when choosing a profile picture for an online dating site or dressing for a first date, but for people with braces, the anxiety is magnified. So, what’s the story? Are braces really a turn-off, or do they not matter at all in the search for Mr. or Ms. Right? Would you date someone with braces?
Braces and Dating: Your Options
Sadly, it seems that a mouthful of metal can sometimes be a barrier to love (or at least lust) at first sight and you can be overly judgemental on your first date. Some people associate braces with adolescence and steer clear for that reason. Others assume that kissing will be difficult or dangerous. You know that those myths don’t ring true, but what if your dream guy or girl hasn’t heard the news?
The good news is that you have an alternative to fitting obvious metal tracks across your teeth. Clear braces, such as Invisalign, are practically invisible plastic retainers that fit snugly onto your teeth, gently repositioning them without being an obvious presence in your mouth. You can even take them out to eat, drink or lock lips with your partner.
We wish it weren’t true, but people do judge based on looks, particularly during the very early stages of a relationship when they have little else to go on. The major benefit of clear braces is that most people who see your smile won’t even be able to tell that you are wearing them. You can flash a winning smile at your crush, or upload a toothy grin as your profile picture, safe in the knowledge that they are seeing through your braces to the person beneath.
Also, see what Quora says here about dating someone with braces.
Confidence is Key
In the long run, braces are definitely worthwhile. Both clear and traditional braces can significantly change the positions of your teeth, making them straighter and better aligned. People who have had braces often speak of the massive increase in confidence that their new smile brings them. Confident people are often more successful in relationships and find it easier to attract new partners.
Clear braces allow you to maintain that confidence during the teeth straightening process. Not only are clear plastic retainers almost invisible, but many people also find them more comfortable than metal braces. Metal wires on traditional braces can cause irritation to the soft parts of the mouth, and it’s difficult to keep smiling when your mouth is in pain. Opting for clear braces means never having to awkwardly grimace your way through a date because a metal wire is catching painfully on your cheek or gum.
Whatever type of braces you have on your teeth, don’t let them stop you from smiling. Both men and women are drawn to people who smile. It doesn’t matter whether your teeth are straight or crooked, covered in metal tracks, or enclosed in a clear plastic retainer, smiling makes you look friendlier and more approachable. So, if you are going on a date or choosing a picture for an online dating profile, forget about your teeth and smile with confidence.
