I've had them for two years, they were alright.
I ate all the stuff my ortho told me not to eat; caramel, syrup, gum - I was a rebellious kid. =3
But, they also have me lots of cuts on my lips, and hurt a lot. ;w;
Anything and everything I ate got stuck in them.
It was pretty embarrassing to have people tell you that you had sauce or meat or bread in your teeth all the time. D;
Now I've had them off for a little over a year, and I'm happy with my smile.
If it's painful for you, just remember how great you'll look in a year's time. It'll be all worth it. :3