just yesterday i finished treatment with my orthodontist, had braces in for 15 months and then top & bottom retainers for a year. Had to haev elastic bands for the final 9 months of wearing the braces, they were a pain to fit at first, but then once i got used to where the pins were, i could hook them up in the dark. Worst part of the whole thing for me was the first week or two, had to have 4 teeth out to make room, and there was some pain with eating for the first few days, but after that it was a breeze. Now i just have to wear my retainers one night a week minimum, but I'm done with my treatment, i have a lovely set of teeth now
also, wow, never heard of half the stuff you lot are mentioning....(waterpick, pendulum etc...) all i now about are the train tracks, and fixed & removable retainers :/