How do they take off braces?

I just got braces today, how long is it going to take for the braces to close up my gap?

• I just got braces today and they hurt soo much. Yesterday i had a baby tooth taken out because there was no adult one behind it so they took it out and then they will close the gap with braces. Its like 1cm! how long is it going to take to close up cos it looks awful its my canine missing so its at the front. :S My ortho put an elastic across my front teeth and over the gap which is supposed to help it close quicker. I look quite bad with braces how can i make myself look better. thanks x

• Answer:

  Impossible to say. Gaps of this size close at different rates in different people, depending on many factors. The key is that you can't move the teeth too fast, or it will cause the roots of the teeth to resorb away, risking losing them. I know you are concerned about your appearance, but stay focused on the long haul. You'll be better off.