I have braces on right now. Whenever I go to get them tightened, I usually can't eat for 1 meal afterwards, because of the pain, but if you just take small portions off of the food and chew with your molars, not your front teeth, it shouln't hurt as much. I have to wear mine for about 1/2 year more. They really aren't that bad and I think the pain gets less and less each time you get them tightened. Use a lot of wax. It might taste gross and feel weird but it prevents lots of nasty blisters. I didn't use any and I got many blisters and had to rinse with warm salt-water and that HURT like heck. Well good luck and hope the pain isn't that bad.