How painful is wearing orthodentic braces?

Before you get the braces, they put "spacers" on between your teeth, they're really just small rubberbands. They'll do this so that the actual braces will go on a bit easier, the rubberbands will hurt like hell at first, but once they put the braces on, you'll eventually get used to it. As far as time, depending on the severity...perhaps a few years.

I had braces from 5th to 7th grade. It involved a neck gear, headgear and rubber bands to correct my overbite and bunny type teeth in front. I was in a lot of pain every time i went in for a check up which involved tightening the braces. To alleviate the pain my Orthodontist said to take tylenol which helped. The worst part for me was when the wiring on the back teeth bracket wouldnt be cut short enogh and would cut into the sides of my cheeks. With wax though this helps. They sell wax at every pharmacy. Keep it on hand. Bottom line it hurt when i would even close my mouth and teeth would hit eachother, there is a soreness and there is tenderness. It does go away after a couple days. Everyone is different. However I AM SO GLAD I DID IT.... totally worth it.