Imagine a childhood where you can’t always do what you want or eat what you want. There are even times when you can’t say what you want. Add regular visits to the dentist to that list, and let’s not even get started about the nicknames you get in school. Imagine a childhood like that. That’s exactly what growing up wearing braces feels like.

Here are 10 struggles of people who wore braces as kids:

1. You can’t talk properly.

Because some of the words sound funny when you speak with braces on.

2. You can’t eat fast.

Chewing takes forever.

3. Some of your favourite food items are a complete no no.

No chocolates, no chewing gum. They get stuck in your braces.

4. Regular visits to the dentist.

As if childhood wasn’t hard enough as it is!

5. Constant ridiculing in school.

“Hello Mr Metal Mouth!”

6. Making out is tough.

Don’t believe me? Try kissing someone while you have braces on.

7. It can come off anytime.

Out of the blue, the braces can get loose which means an emergency case of Point No. 4!

8. All your photographs suck.

All your photos from that phase of your life will look uncool because of your braces.

9. It can hurt anytime, anywhere.

This isn’t always the case but you never know what can happen to your braces and you’ll have weird aches in your mouth.

10. Sporting activities are dangerous.

Imagine getting hit in the face with a football!

And the worst part is that just when you’re getting used to having braces on, the time arrives to take them off. And then, it feels like all your teeth are missing. Your mouth feels empty!