I had them put on on my 6th birthday and taken off on my 13th. That's right, 7 years! I had some serious issues in my mouth. But my teeth are still straight, 12+ years after having them taken off.

I don't remember them hurting so much but my teeth were sore, especially after having them tightened.

One recommendation for those about to get them. If you have a strong gag reflex, don't eat the day they put them on, the day they take them off, or anytime you have impressions made. I wish someone had told me to my mother that before I had my first impressions done.