This just reminded me of my situation many years ago now.
I wouldnt say 'significant other' exactly but....
I advertised for someone to rent the second bedroom in my rented cottage and share expenses. I received an assortment of replies and, of course, some were instantly unsuitable but a couple were possibles. One male and one female.
After some thought, I phoned both of them and booked appointments for each of them to come round. I met the male applicant first but had some reservations, then the young lady, probably aged about 25 and a couple of years younger than me. She came to the door and the first thing I noticed was her wide smile and mouth full of fixed braces. (Just to be clear, I never have had much of a thing for fixed braces really. For me its much more about removables, all that plastic etc).
Anyway, and I swear it wasnt anything to do with the braces, (!) we instantly got on well. We discussed the possibility of sharing and asked if she was happy to share with a relatively unknown male and she was. (I may have a 'thing' for retainers etc but I like to think I am totally trustworthy).
All went well and I must admit to being more interested in the fixed braces than I thought, but, much as I tried, I couldnt find the right opportunity to bring up the subject of braces. I really began to wonder what it would be like not to be able to take them out and I also wondered if there was any chance she had anything hidden like some sort of expander as her speech was a little affected, but I still somehow couldnt find the right moment to ask. If it were now, I think I would have had much more confidence and would simply ask. I really dont think I would mind someone knowing I was interested in such things.
Then one day I had a standard dentist appointment for a checkup. When I got home she asked me how it had gone and I saw an opportunity. I Lied and told her that the dentist had commented that my teeth could do with some alignment.
Perhaps I was expecting some instant in-depth discussion about braces to start, but I was rather disappointed. She really only just accepted the comment and told me that she was hoping her braces would come off soon and hopefully she wouldnt need further treatment, but if i agreed with the dentist then perhaps I should go for it. I did manage to prolong the discussion by saying that I would prefer 'some sort of removable brace' but still no real reaction. I managed to continue by saying that I thought I would be prepared to wear a 'plate' for a time if it worked and I wondered what that would feel like....but then I had to stop before she noticed that I was pushing the conversation to far.
I can only really assume that she found her braces rather embarrassing and was hoping they would not be a major talking point.
Anyway, I would never find out if she went on to retainers or anything else, which I was secretly hoping for, of course, as she met someone at work and eventually moved in with him before there were any further developments.
Oh well, my fault for lack of confidence !!
Ps...
Great to read other people's stories, I know I am on dangerous territory here and I am not trying to criticise but Brace_Face, its a little easier to say 'He and I are enjoying them'.