Hehe....I know what all you guys are saying because this is my second phase in braces!!! Yeah, the big #2 The first time, I only needed to have top braces, which is what I have right now. In a coulple of months, I'll get my bottom bracketts. One time, when I had braces before, I got gum stuck on a bracket, but I was doing exactly what the ortho said, 1/2 a stick of sugarless gum (which is just too small). I also chewed gum with my retainer in, at least I could take that one out!!!! I know what you're saying, Logan, this is really expensive. My mom was saying that it's like a good used car in my mouth when we're all done But since my mom and dad are divorced, dad has to pay 1/2, so it's a little eaiser on us (I live with my mom). She and I have been dissagreeing latley, and I was just using this as an excuse to take it out on her, which I shouldn't have Anyway......When she said that I couldn't eat ice, I was so dissapointed. I LOVE to crunch on ice at those hot horse shows! I also was looking for something to eat earlier, and was about to get out some fruit snacks (gummy snacks kinda like gummie bears), and then I remembered They don't really hurt, they just rub a little, but not enough for wax I know I'll get used to them.....at least I only have them for a little over a year A friend I know has had them for 5 And she follows the rules pretty well