hi,
i also wear braces before, just took it off in june 2008
i did it for like 6k (i think so.. cos my dad paid for it.. haha)
im using the ceramic one
i agree with all of u here, yes at first u will feel so painful (yes.. i cried too.. huhu. cos on the first day i cant even chew even those tiny little rice.. have to swallow it.. only drink soup.. huhu)
but thats only for first few days..
after that not much pain aldy
every month also after tighten it, only feel the pain for few hours..
need to drink lot of water..
i cant really remember but i think i didnt get the ulcer that much
but i did have a bit luka when the hujung of the steel (is it called steel?haha) got stuck at the inside skin of my pipi..
and sumtimes my tongue also get luka if i lick it at the end of the steel.. haha..
but nevertheless, now my teeth have become straight aldy
i wore it for about 1 year as my teeth dont have that much problem
just a bit jarang here and there..

but the problem now is.. i hardly wear the retainer..
waahhh.. so lazy one lah..
and now.. my teeth have move a bit..
hohoho.. i dont want to wear the braces again..