I'm so happy happy happy! I'm finally getting these infernal contraptions removed! I've worn them for 18 months and before then, had to wear a splint for 9 months. Once these braces are removed, I will need to wear an appliance on my upper teeth for a year 24/7 that I can remove if I decide to eat or sing or play my flute. Its; hardly noticeable to the viewer - all they will see is a see-thru band across the front of my teeth. They will also glue in a wire with little round beads behind my front upper and lower teeth to keep them straight and I will wear those from 5 - 10 years. After that, I won't need anything at all! Wow..I never realized that fixing my teeth would take such a long time. Despite the costs, I'm very pleased with the results. I don't have the same type of 'bite'on my back teeth that I had before, but I can eat very well and my front teeth are beautifully straight! (It was crowded and crooked before.) Now I can smile broadly for photos!! WOOO!!! So happy!