I had braces a few years ago. It's really not so bad, though it will seem it at first. You'll be real sore at first, but that passes after a few days. Try planning a meal plan though for that time, meals and snacks that are soft. Like really soft. Think mashed potatoes or soup. But again, that'll pass.

It'll feel really weird in your mouth, but like the soreness, it passes with time, and it just becomes another part of daily life. Flossing is a tinge of a struggle at first, because you have to lace it over the wire. Just keep practicing, and don't let it fall to the wayside. You can still eat a looot of stuff, just a few things like popcorn and caramel that get stuck in or coat your braces you can't. But once you figure out your limitations, you'll find you don't eat that kind of stuff that often, and it once again becomes no big deal.

For me, getting braces tightened didn't really stop hurting until the very end. But you won't be in utter agony. Take a painkiller or two before you go, to prevent being sore, then take them before bed for a couple days each time you get them tightened. 

If you get to select rubber band colors, I suggest taking discoloration into account. Things like orange tend to fade a bit and look a little odd, so if you get a color like that, try pairing it with something like a blue or green so people can tell it's rubber bands, not something stuck in your braces. 

And finally just don't be afraid to smile! Braces are a completely natural thing, and honestly do NOT look dorky or bad, I'm serious. I've known a number of people who actually looked really really good with braces. They won't last forever either, those three years will fly by.  As long as you keep up with brushing and flossing (I sound like your dentist) you'll be fine. Cause seriously, brushing and flossing is the key to suriving braces. Your experience will be ten times better with regular maintanence, and it can change your entire dental future too. I was specifically told by my dentist that because I kept up so regularly, as opposed to a lot of other kids they'd seen, I wouldn't have nearly any of the issues that can come around after getting braces removed.

So the three things to remember: Maintanence, Painkillers, and Smile! That's it, do that and braces will not be an issue for you at all.

Hope it goes well for you!

I got my braces off in January. I didn't even have them for a year, so I was fluffin' lucky. I don't know what you need them for, so I'm not sure what to say. I had a small overbite, so I only got braces on the 4 bottom front teeth and the 6 top front teeth. There wasn't much pain in the whole process (except for watching my brother eat movie theater popcorn... buttery... warm...)

Also, it's so cool that you might be moving to Japan, by the way!

Tip, top, tippity, top

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Why do I always get stuck on topping a bottomed page?

It doesn't make sense. 

Brace yourselves lads and lasses!

I know, bad pun. 

I've had braces for almost two years. You only notice them when you're brushing, eating, and after you get them adjusted. I eat basically everything with them even if I'm not supposed to. The only things that have damaged mine are really hard things like frozen candy bars and fast biting into a Granny Smith apple, and gum when I wasn't being careful. You shouldn't take as many risks near the beginning of you and your braces' relationship together because you won't have a very strong wire. But after two wire changes, you can risk it. Popcorn, bacon, and nuts will get stuck the most. Good luck with braces and Japan!

I have braces right now. They aren't actually too bad, but for the first few days they hurt like crazy. I still eat sticky candy and popcorn, even though I'm not supposed to. I was actually kind of excited to get them because I was one of the first people in my grade to get them. At the end of the first day one of my brackets popped out and it really hurt. I've gotten used to them by now, and it's fun to choose colors. Sorry for making them sound so much worse than they actually are, they aren't that bad. 

On an unrelated note- You're (possibly) moving to Japan?! Wow! 

There's nothing to be afraid of. There was nothing at all to getting my braces. Now, I didn't have anything very wrong with my teeth, so that made it easier, but the prrocess is nothing:) I've actually enjoyed mine.

Wait  minute, you're moving to Japan? Wah?!?! 

Wow Japan?! That's so cool! If you go to any shops, you have to ask if they have an tamagotchis!

Google that word to see what I mean. They're actually really popular, but most only come in the Japanese language.

Anyway, I don't have braces, but the dentist says I'll probably need them soon. This was actually helpful to me Cx because I was worried, also. I didn't think that many people had them. Oh, and I though you had to get them on all your teeth. Heh.