initially, brush after meal. later, i brush only brush twice a day
after meal, just gargle and clean with tap water

normal toothbrush.. i started with 6 years old toothbrush (soft and small), then change adult toothbrush (very soft - Colgate/ Systema/ whatever brands as long as it "soft" or "extra soft") and now using a charcoal Darlie toothbrush (soft)... remember to change your toothbrush every two months and i can observed that there are vast improvements when using different types of toothbrushs - personal opinion. 

pains are normal.. and we have different level of pain tolerence

i just used whatever brands available in the market - darlie, colgate, systema except oral-b
even the cheap and hard toothbrush from the hotel for two weeks.. just try whatever available because different pressure needed to stimulate our gums.. do bite/chew (it is an exercise to your gum)

saw yr post - "installed" in april, it may takes another 3-4 months
did your ortho extract any of yr teeth(s)?

For me, it is incremental, but once all teeth moved into position, it's just feeling great after that...
i have teeth growing at 4th month (surprised at the age of 31), and the dentist just wait and see how and which way it "grow"

i have three removed - 1 in the 2nd month, and 2 at the mid-way.
for the sake of beauty, aiiiii