braces and dating.... new to both

[Michael1]

I lost my virginity with my braces on (lol)

She was a dental hygienist student and loved em.

[littleviolet]

lol

I have a 2nd date tomorrow.... but im getting my metal bands put in (I think thats what they are called, the things they put in after you have spacers). I hope they dont hurt too much!

[msw]

I am new to the forum and have been going through old topics as I prepare for my second round of orthodontic treatment. I had metal braces for 14 months in high school at a time when just about everyone had already gotten theirs off. I felt like an ugly duckling for sure, but I tried to exude confidence at all times, especially around guys I was interested in.

During the time that I had braces, I had two REALLY ATTRACTIVE boyfriends and another *friend* who doubled as a make out partner (teenage hormones - WHEW!). Like another commenter, I got more attention and shared more kisses over those 14 months that I was in braces than I did for the first two years after the braces came off!

So all this to say - self-confidence is so important! I'm hoping this confidence continues once I get braces as a married 28 year-old!

[Matilda]

Braces are far more attractive than crooked teeth.

[FoxPass]

Don't worry!

I dated a girl with braces cos I thought she was super cute with them. She lost that little bit of that cuteness, imo, when she took em off. But her smile was even better! Now I'm with someone else and just got braces three months ago, and she jokes about ditching me for being a teenager -_- Like many of the responses here, you should:

a) find someone interested in you
b) find someone who doesn't get the chills about your grills
c) use a less striking-coloured O-ring, if you think it catches too much attention
d) dont think too much about it

Also, on kissing, well it's very different with braces. And expect whoever it is you're kissing to have a feel around your teeth and your braces. You both get used to it, and it can help you bond (if that makes sense). But like msw above, use your steely smile to your advantage!!

[SJB1138]

Haha, I'm in the same situation... I had a few relationships, maybe my braces will attract a new calibre of women. lol

There's nothing wrong with braces, honestly. I think it's cool that people are willing to get braces. It's never too late to get healthy, right? One thing some might overlook is that you could inspire others with crooked teeth to do the same. A friend of mine has braces, she inspired me to finally go ahead and get them. I'm glad she did.

She'll be one to thank when I get them off. :)

[mapleleafman888]

Interesting post this one, and I see the original post is almost 3 years ago but perhaps there are others who wonder about this still so I'll add my thoughts---

There's no need to worry about braces affecting your love life. For me personally I am not a huge relationship guy and have been in only a couple serious ones, but I have braces now and my girlfriend keeps saying I look so cute with them. I met my girlfriends entire family when I first got braces, and no one really made a big deal about it. My girlfriends 19 y/o sister has braces too so I'm sure it wasn't too big of a shock to see me with braces. In fact they are more supportive and curious as they ask questions because their kids may need braces, and I catch them looking more at my mouth than at my eyes.

Kissing is not bad at all, just got to make sure that you don't press to hard, plus it seems that some people may view braces the same way as others would view a tongue or lip ring---something more to play with when kissing

[zdenka]

Had braces for the last 17 months. Not even one coffee date. Too bad but I think it is because I am not all that attractive overall. I don't truly believe the braces had anything to do with it. I know people who dated throughout their whole treatment!!! Good luck