Positive Experience Dating
I am a lady, 43. I recently had another few teeth removed and now have a partial upper that replaces all but three of my upper teeth.
I was so worried about dating. What would people think? What would they feel? Can I still be awesome and unbothered and have the fun and intimacy Ì like? My mind kind of fell into an unhealthy rut about it.
I had to have conversations with partners about being careful of my tooth coming out. And that I would be loosing one of my main front teeth. And then that I would be getting a denture.
I don’t know what I was expecting but I gave people the chance to walk away without hurting my feelings. I was feeling very vulnerable.
Honestly Ì was also anxious about what giving oral would be like with or without the denture in. Even if people would feel weird kissing me with or without the denture. (For reference Ì have a free standing natural front tooth left, not exactly poised for good gummer yet lol)
In my recent experience people are way more understanding than I’d given them credit for. (It helps that I date around my age and a little older I think. More life experience can bring another level of understanding and compassion. )
But I would offer the advice to give people a chance to surprise you pleasantly. Have the conversations! Be kind to yourself. No one ran away. I actually liked people more after having the conversations. They showed me what they are made of and what they prioritize.
Having come to this subreddit, I feel even better about being one of many many people who wear a denture. It felt like the biggest deal in my head. Now I feel accepted and like I am far from alone. So many of y’all are beautiful and rocking it!!!
As for the research I have now done… it doesn’t seem to phase someone if my teeth are in or out during our hot and heavy sessions. It seems to be me who thinks the most about it.
I like giving oral more without the denture (less to distract me, but I’m about a month in to wearing the almost full denture so I know it will continue to feel more natural).
Last time I gave my partner oral I kept the denture in and didn’t mention it. Waited until a little later and asked him if he had noticed a difference. He did not. He said it felt smooth but he would not have known if I didn’t say anything.
I consider this a win. Like I could keep them in if I wanted to, but he also is fine if I don’t have the denture too.
All in all I wanted to share my experience for any others out there wondering about these things. It was such a source of anxiety for me. I think it’s going to be ok! lol.