I liked having braces. Expanders suck, but that is another story!

Fun things you can do with braces:
Get cool bands when you get your wires changed
Put a staple hooking the top and bottom and see what happens!(This is one of my favorites!)
If you get to have rubberbands these are non-stop enjoyment. Just opening your mouth, flicking them with your tongue, etc.
Brushing your teeth is more fun... you get the groovy toothbrush!
When you are bored you can always play with wax.
Test the myth that if two people with braces kiss they get stuck together.
If you are missing your orthodontist you can always break off a bracket.

Afterwards you get retainers... I can't even begin to tell you where the fun starts with those!

Yes, your teeth will be sore when you get your wires changed. Think like a muscle ache. This only lasts for a day or two.