1- I had to wear twin block braces (kind of like retainers) for a while before I got regular braces, so in total about 3 1/2 years ?
2- the twin block braces at school were kind of uncomfortable because I couldn’t talk very well in them, but I got used to them after a while. Nobody cared, though.
The normal braces were literally no bother whatsoever at school. So many people get braces now, there’s absolutely no reason anybody would make fun of you for them.
3- regular braces took no effort, sure you have to be careful with brushing and maybe avoid super hard foods, but they’re fine. Twin block braces were a bit of a nightmare cause I had to eat in them and it wasn’t enjoyable- but, like I said, I got used to them.
Btw you’ll need twin block braces if you have a severe overbite, otherwise you won’t and you’ll just have elastic bands to fix a slight overbite.
Good luck and don’t worry!
Got my braces off yesterday and it was all worth it :-D