I'm Getting Braces!

A few years ago I went to my first orthodontist appointment, who was recommended by my dentist, he took one look at my teeth and told me that the treatment would be cosmetic and that he would not cover them under the NHS so I should go somewhere else if I wanted them done through the NHS. Safe to say, we did not return. 
Last year I visited another orthodontist who had a better look at my teeth, took a mould of them and took an x-ray. He decided that I did need braces but once again, my teeth weren't bad enough to be covered by the NHS which I wasn't too bothered about. The only braces that were offered to me were those brightly coloured beaded ones that everyone had when they are about 12-16. Slightly lame at 18.. We were told that they would be in contact when they had the moulds sent back and a treatment plan written up. It took them forever to get back to us, must have been a good three or four months so I gave up waiting during that time. 
A few months ago I saw a video on Meganheartsmakeup vlog channel on youtube about an orthodontic treatment called Invisalign. I did some research on Invisalign and found out that it is a clear, removable, brace that you change every two weeks which helps to straighten your teeth in the same way the typical metal brace does. Since I saw them I had my heart set on them. I loved that they were practically invisible and could be taken out. I looked for local orthodontists that supplied Invisalign and contacted them for an appointment. Last week I went for my 90 minute assessment (if you follow me on twitter, you may have seen that tweet.) During that time my orthodontist had a long chat with me about what I want from the treatment and how perfect I want my teeth. I told him that I wasn't looking for A* Celebrity looking teeth but for them just to be a bit neater and straighter (I have overcrowding) He took some pictures of my teeth by making me pull my mouth apart with some plastic rods, it hurt a lot, so much that my mouth went numb! This was followed by an X-ray which showed my wisdom teeth right near the top of my gums (ahh!) The outcome of the assessment was that Invisalign was probably not the best option for me as they would straighten my teeth but will cause them to stick out up to 6mm! My next option was a ceramic brace with a white wire and transparent beads which I will wear for about 9 months, have taken off, have two of my teeth on the top row taken out and then have the brace put back on. After 18 months I will have a super thin metal wire retainer fitted at the back of my teeth on the top and bottom which will be on for the rest of my life. I will also have to wear the plastic retainers for 2 nights a week for the rest of my life (chore!)
I'm not sure I'm completely ready to become a metal mouth but if I don't do it now my teeth will only get worse. My parents are still having to pay for them (oops!)
Have any of you had braces before, Please feel free to give me some advice on what not to eat or what I should carry with me at all times or help with pain, anything! 
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