The invisaline stuff won't fix nearly as much stuff as the actual braces will. That stuff is better for more minor adjustments, and anything requiring an expander isn't a minor adjustment.

I've have my braces for about a year now, and have one more year to go. You really do get used to them pretty quick. The first few appointments that you have where they adjust your braces you will probably be sore for a few days, but after a couple of appointments, the soreness only lasts for a day or so. It gets easier as you go.

Quick word of advice... do whatever the ortho tells you to do. If s/he says wear the elastics, wear them. I know so many people that just don't b/c they don't want to, but they don't get the same results they could, or it takes longer. My ortho has been so shocked my how my teeth have responded that he talked about sending my case to a teaching hospital, to show what can happen when things go properly. I'm 23, so it should have actually taken longer to get the results that I have than normal.

And sugar-free gum helps a lot... it takes some practice to keep it from getting stuck in the braces, but just brush every day and it won't cause any harm. Chew the gum after your appointment, or the next day... it will hurt like the devil, but by the time your done with that piece, most of the pain will be gone, and it won't be back until your next appointment. My ortho actually suggested it.

Good luck with it! Motrin/Advil/ibuprofen...they are all life savers, but use them sparingly so they still help by the time you are done!