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Dating with Invisalign®
Whether you’ve been researching Invisalign® or discussing it with your dentist, you’re likely aware of its many advantages as an orthodontic treatment—it’s practically invisible, removable, and comfortable to wear. But when it comes to dating and intimacy, you might have some personal questions, such as:
- Can you kiss with Invisalign®?
- Can you eat with Invisalign®?
- Can you drink alcohol with Invisalign®?
- Will my date know I'm wearing an Invisalign® aligner?
To help you navigate dating life with Invisalign®, we’ve put together everything you need to know about romance, intimacy, and socialising while wearing aligners.
Dating tips for confidence and comfort
When preparing for a date with Invisalign, it’s essential to focus on building confidence and comfort. Here are some tips to help you feel more at ease:
- Practice Speaking and Smiling: Spend a few minutes in front of a mirror practicing your speech and smile. This will help you get used to the feeling of wearing Invisalign aligners and boost your confidence.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Clean and maintain your aligners regularly to prevent any discomfort or irritation. A clean set of aligners will make you feel more comfortable and confident.
- Prepare a Travel-Sized Oral Hygiene Kit: Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to keep your teeth clean.
- Sugar-Free Gum or Mints: These can help keep your mouth moist and fresh, especially if you’re feeling nervous.
- Prepare a Small Cloth or Napkin: Use this to wipe your mouth and aligners clean if needed.
The questions on everyone's lips
The good news? Yes, you absolutely can!
The even better news? Your date probably won’t even notice.
Invisalign’s clear, smooth design means there’s nothing to get in the way of a romantic kiss. Unlike traditional metal braces, which come with the risk of wires poking your partner, Invisalign® aligners are snug-fitting and discreet.
Even traditional metal braces have never stood in the way of a romantic kiss (despite all those horror stories about the metal locking together).
Yes! Invisalign® won’t interfere with deeper kisses or intimacy. Since the aligners are designed to fit closely against your teeth, they won’t shift, fall out, or feel awkward during intimate moments.
Lip and tongue piercings don’t stop people from deeper kisses, so Invisalign® won’t either!
Tip: If you feel more comfortable, you can remove your aligners before an intimate moment—but make sure you wear them for at least 20-22 hours per day to stay on track with your treatment.
No, Invisalign should not cause pain or discomfort while kissing or during physical intimacy. The aligners are made of smooth, flexible plastic, so they won’t irritate your lips or gums. Some people may need a few days to adjust to wearing Invisalign, but once you get used to them, they will feel completely natural.
If you experience slight discomfort in the early stages of a new set of aligners, it’s due to the gentle pressure moving your teeth—not the aligners themselves. This sensation typically fades within a few days.
The lowdown on dating with Invisalign®
While you don’t need to bring up your aligners on a first date, rest assured that Invisalign should not negatively affect your dating experience. You might want to mention them casually, especially if you’ll be eating together. Since you’ll need to remove your aligners before meals and brush your teeth afterward, it helps to give your date a heads-up to avoid any awkwardness.
Can you eat with Invisalign®?
No, you should always remove your aligners before eating. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® aligners aren’t designed for chewing and could get damaged if worn while eating. Unlike the restrictions you might face when wearing braces, Invisalign aligners need to be removed before eating, ensuring a more comfortable dining experience.
Tip: If you’re on a date, excuse yourself briefly to remove your aligners before ordering food, so you don’t have to take them out at the table.
Can you drink alcohol with Invisalign®?
Drinking alcohol with Invisalign® can cause staining and damage to your aligners. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
❌ Red wine & dark liquors can stain your aligners.
❌ Sugary cocktails & beer can lead to plaque buildup.
What to do:
✔ Remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water.
✔ Rinse your mouth with water before putting them back in.
Tip: If you're out on a date and having a few drinks, carry your Invisalign® case with you so you can store them safely while you enjoy yourself.
Taking out your aligners
Although one of the advantages of Invisalign® aligners is the fact they're easy to remove, wearing them consistently is important for the treatment to work. While it's fine to take your aligners out for special occasions, just make sure you're not doing this too regularly, as it could affect your treatment.
Good oral hygiene benefits
We understand you might feel nervous about kissing with Invisalign® or going on a date with someone new, especially in the early stages of treatment. It's totally normal to feel a little self-conscious when you're first getting used to your Invisalign® aligners - but remember that Invisalign's virtually invisible design means you're likely to be the only one who knows you're wearing aligners.
And here's the bonus - because your oral hygiene program means you'll be cleaning your teeth every time you eat, your mouth will always be clean and fresh.
Lipstick Tip: Like teeth, lipstick can transfer onto aligners. Before taking selfies or kissing, double-check to keep your aligners clean and clear.
As you can see, your Invisalign® treatment certainly won't get in the way of your dating life. So here's hoping you meet your perfect guy or girl, while Invisalign® gets to work giving you a perfect smile! If you'd like to get beautifully straight teeth with Invisalign®, book online with one of our expert dentists today!