I had them too...they are not any where near as bad as people make them out to be. They hurt at first because they're moving your teeth but it's not horrible, after about 3-5 days they pain is gone. When you get them adjusted they hurt a little because again, they're moving your teeth but it's not bad at all. I had mine on for 2 1/2 years, I didn't mind them at all, in fact I kinda missed them when they were off...lol...it felt like I was missing something. The retainer afterwards is really annoying though, I thought.