What's It Like Kissing With Braces?
It takes a little time for new braces to truly feel like they're part of your mouth. Eating can be a curious experience at first, with the orthodontic additions to your teeth making the simple acts of biting and chewing feel slightly clumsy, but don't worry. You will quickly get used to your new braces, and it won't be long until they feel perfectly natural. But what about something else that you may want to do with your mouth? What's it going to be like kissing someone when you have braces?
Don't Rush Things
Even though you might be eager to lock lips with your beloved at the earliest possible opportunity, it's important not to rush. Some sensitivity is to be expected in the days after your braces have been fitted, and as such, you might not necessarily be in a kissing mood. Your gums may be slightly swollen, and you can experience some temporary discomfort as your teeth, jaw, and periodontal ligaments grow accustomed to the pressure exerted by your braces.
Minor Adjustments
Any discomfort isn't going to last, but you must be sure that kissing won't aggravate things—for you or your partner. It should also be noted that your orthodontist may need to make some minor adjustments to your braces after they've been fitted. For example, it might be that the sharp edges of your arch wire (the wire fed through the brackets attached to your teeth) will need to be trimmed. It's unlikely that an arch wire will cause any lacerations to the lining of your cheek, but it could easily irritate these soft tissues. It's important that your braces don't inadvertently damage your partner's mouth.
Scale Things Up (With Care)
When you're ready for your first kiss with braces, take things slowly. Obviously, such things are entirely your prerogative, but you might want to start with a closed mouth kiss and scale things up from there. Should there be any remaining sharp edges to your orthodontic appliance, it's best to have some dental wax handy. This can be strategically applied to any areas of concern on your braces, minimising the chance of an accidental scrape. Yes, having to apply dental wax prior to kissing might suck the spontaneity out of the moment, but it's in your best interests—not to mention your partner's. You must also be cautious that their teeth don't bump into yours. This can force your brackets against your teeth, which may not be all that comfortable.
Before you get back to smooching, make sure that any necessary adjustments have been made to your braces. It's a process of trial and error, but error is less likely if you and your partner slowly ease yourselves into it.