[SoLiDUS]

I had braces for two years way back when I was in high school: it wasn't a
pleasant experience, to say the least, but it was well worth it. I needed a
retainer for about 6 months after that and I was finally free.

As for food, well... here are some things I had no trouble eating:

- protein shakes (err, not food but worked)
- soup (chicken, whatever)
- pudding (very good for the two days after you get your elastics changed)
- macaroni or another type of pasta (tortellini w/ pink (rose) sauce kicks)

I loved pizza and popcorn but some little pieces always seemed to get
stuck... but it was well worth it

Gum was never a problem for me.