i had braces for three or four years they only hurt after tightening and when you get a spacer on the roof of your mouth and rubber bands. oh and when they break off after smashing your face
but other then that you don't feel them they just distort your gum's for a time but it is all good. oh did i forget when they forget to cut the wire in after they change it and it digs in the back of your mouth causing pain and infection. it really not bad don't be afraid.