I never thought they were "cool" - just a "necessary evil" of sorts. I had 4 teeth pulled before I even got them on, and then it ached after every appointment and the wire was tightened/adjusted. It was worth it, of course, and when people compliment my smile, I credit my orthodontist. My teeth are otherwise too big to fit in my very narrow jaw. Had my 4 wisdom teeth out as well, there was no rrom for them either, but now - ever since braces - my teeth do not overlap, and I am able to brush and floss between them, something that was impossible before.