I had to use an expander (to widen the top part of my mouth, since my mouth was awkwardly shaped) back in the beginning of '07. It was not that big of a deal, but it was annoying. I had to have my parents turn a key that would force it out further and thus force my top teeth out a litte bit. I got my braces on 6/29/07. It was a bit long, and I was worried they would do something. I obviously came out okay, so don't worry

I had my braces all throughout the rest of 2007 and 2008. I finally got them off in February this year. Relaxing feeling!