*pat pats Mala* I know how ya feel. But once you get those metal-bands-from-Hell out, it's pretty much smooth sailing. It was for me. Retainers are a piece of cake. I just have to wear mine till I'm 20 or so; and that's still a few years off. :P But at least it's easier to brush and eat. I gotta admit, my teeth do look very nice.