I had them for 7 years and as others have said, once you get used to having them on (initially they will rub the insides of your lips) the hurt is only a dull ache and that only happens when they are adjusted. You may want to avoid really hard food when you first have them put in and for a day or so each time they are adjusted.

Just do exactly what your orthdontist tells you and you may get them off even faster.