1. Braces Promote Health and Beauty
Braces stave off potential health problems, such as tooth decay and gum irritation, which could ultimately increase your kissing activity. Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Although you might feel self-conscious about your braces at first, remember that the end result will be a better appearance. Teeth that work better also tend to look better,and an attractive smile is a pleasant side effect of orthodontic treatment.
2. The Pain of Braces
You probably won't want to engage in kissing immediately after your braces are put on, as your teeth and gums will be tender for 3 to 5 days. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for 1 to 2 weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. Likewise, you may experience pain immediately following having your braces adjusted and tightened. But this doesn't have to mean the end of kissing. Once patients have become accustomed to their braces, they may even forget they have them on.
3. The Myth of Locked Braces
Although some movies have shown two braces-wearing teenagers "locked" together after kissing, you'd have to aggressively mash your braces against your fellow kisser's braces in order for this to be remotely possible. Braces these days are a lot smaller and smoother than they once were. If you were to get anything stuck in your braces, it's probably going to be a stringy piece of dental floss, not the girl from your English class.
4. Braces as Fashion Accessory
If you want an oral fashion accessory, you need to choose braces or a tongue piercing--not both. Tongue-piercing jewelry may contribute to breakage of braces and to tooth and gum damage from contact with the stud.
In his book "The Art of Kissing" (Macmillan, 2005), author William Cane states notes that "Recently I've started hearing that with the growing interest in tongue piercing, braces are coming into their own as a form of jewelry. So if you have braces, my advice is to think of them as "mouth jewelry." That way you'll feel more confident and kissable and you'll be more likely to attract partners who will enjoy kissing you."
5. After Your Braces Come Off
Generally speaking, patients wear braces from 1 to 3 years. Treatment times vary with factors that include the severity of the problem, patient growth, gum and bone response to tooth-moving forces and how well the patient follows the orthodontist's instructions on dental hygiene, diet and appliance wear. Once your braces are removed, your orthodontist might fit you with a retainer. A retainer is easily removable, so you'll be able to kiss whenever the mood strikes you.
