Braces have been the worst things ever. No exaggeration. To begin with I don't think my teeth were bad. Maybe a little crooked but not gappy.
July 2012 I had a horrible retainer which gave me a lisp. It embarrassed me so much and was teased about it so much. Everyone who didn't have a retainer before the actual train-tracks were lucky. They were like my current retainers with massive blocks which stopped me from closing my mouth and gave me tooth ache after wearing them overnight.
This part of treatment was like heaven. Sure, it ached when it was tightened but it certainly didn't give me toothache. Though, the first time I tried to eat I couldn't eat anything solid. The colours I had were so cute. I had pink, orange, light blue and dark blue.
Now I have the braces off. Hooray! It's only been 1 year 1 month. I am so relieved they're off for prom in June. Though I have a retainer. They are only to be worn at home and nights. So, I don't have to be worried about the teasing caused by my lisp.