I've had them twice.

It's a little scary at first, and yeah, they hurt. What do you expect? Your teeth are being pulled around by a mess of metal and dental cement. Of course it's going to hurt! Only for about a week after they get put on though, and after they tighten/tweak them, of course.

It's also kind of hard to talk and swallow for a while after you first get them, or if you get any new equipment put in... After you adjust the change in the shape of your mouth you'll be fine.

It's annoying when they put them in, too, because the cement tastes and smells awful and they put these clamp things in your mouth to keep it open wider than you would be able to hold it naturally. So if your lips are dry or cracked you might want to look into chapstick or something.

You might get sores on the inside of your mouth from rubbing against the brackets or wire. If that happens, you can get wax from the dentists, or just wait it out.

Actually, though, the worst part is getting them off, because first they have to take out the wire, rip the brackets off, and then scrap away the cement.

Don't be scared. It'll be easier for both you and the dentist if you're relaxed.

I have had my braces for about 2 years, almost 3.  First I'll tell you my horror story (okay it wasn't that bad).  Basically one of my upper canines was growing the wrong way--instead of going down it was sideways.  I had to have two surgeries (I was awake for one!) and had my five remaining baby teeth pulled.  Braces aren't so bad once you get used to them.  My main advice is when you do get them, DON'T rub your tongue and lips on them--it sounds weird but you want to feel them--and if you do rub them then the whole inside of your mouth gets raw.  Otherwise, for week one just stick with soups and soft stuff--nothing you have to chew (so chips are better than bread).  Like your brother said, they do hurt for a week and after you get them tightened.  But you do get used to them.  Now my teeth don't hurt when my braces get tightened.  And my smile looks amazing!

Don't worry about the teeth being pulled. I've had a total of 4 pulled (2 times) and it didn't even hurt! (Well, not the 1st time @ least, the 2nd they didn't put enough numbing cream on so...BUT ANYWAYS) It bleeds kind of a lot, but it doesn't hurt at all. Except in my case. BUT MY CASE ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU.

I can't give you any advice on the braces, sorry (I don't have them...yet), but Good Luck!

Thank you all so much! All the comments make me feel a whooolee lot better!

Hi Maggie, I've had my braces for roughly a year and three quarters. I'm getting them off in a month, yay! But really, I actually like them. I know that sounds weird, but they're really not bad for me at all, and before my mouth was so messed up it hurt to close it, and the braces have fixed that. For me, my mouth was tender for a couple days after getting them put on, but not for too long. Just make sure to have SOFT FOODS afterwards. There's this really good cookbook called The Braces Cookbook. It was developed by a 13-year old girl with braces, and her mom, and has all sorts of recipes that are braces-friendly yet still really good. It also suggests substitues for the foods you can't have with braces. From my experience and my various friends', two years is pretty much the average length of braces-time for everyone. However, if you take really good care of your teeth and braces, it can be less! That's what happened for me. I had teeth pulled as well before I got my braces on, and I didn't even remember it happened because they gave me that sleeping gas. If it helps, you can always bring a small, loved stuffed animal to squeeze at the dentist's. Above all, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS YOUR ORTHODONTIST GIVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wear all devices, whatever they may me, how you're supposed to and when you're supposed to. Depending on what your situation is, your devices may be uncomfortable now, but if you don't wear them properly, you could have your braces on longer than predicted - and that's no fun! Furthermore, always feel free to ask your dentist and orthodontist as many questions as you need to so you can feel comfortable and knowledgable with what's happening. If you don't understand something, just ask them to explain - you'll be glad they did. Good luck with your braces! (and sorry for typing so much!) :)