I was really nervous about the extractions, mostly because I developed a bad infection about 8 years ago when I had my wisdom teeth removed. Well, so far so good. The extraction of four teeth literally took less than 10 minutes--about 5 for the novicane and then literally a minute per tooth or something. It was way easier than I expected, and boy was I thankful!
Now, I've been taking it really easy and letting myself sleep whenever I want (I'm on break from grad school, so I have the luxury!) I'm continuing to try to drink lots of liquids and water. I've eaten various soups, tuna salad, mashed potatoes, hummus...frankly, all of those have left food in the sockets, no matter how hard I try to keep that from happening. It's kinda scary, but I think I remember this happening with my wisdom teeth, too (and that wasn't the cause for the infection.) I think it's inevitable. I do notice that if I'm diligent about drinking and swishing gently, the food seems to pop out (literally) on its own at random. I called the dentist just to check and they confirmed not to work the food out but just to drink and swish gently. They said by tomorrow I should be mostly out of the woods on the dry socket issue, so I could 'swish more aggressively'
My extractions went so well I didn't even get pain medication--they just told me to use over-the-counter pills as needed. I didn't take anything for hours, though I'm taking advil now because I'm finding that my jaw is sore (kinda like being punched in the chin) and that my gums are irritated (just like they were with the spacers.) This increases when I eat, so I've been trying to take advil after eating, not before.
I'm hopeful I can clean my teeth well and be pain free enough to take on the braces tomorrow! I'll let everyone know how it goes.
Just try to get a good nights sleep tonight even though you'll be nervous and excited. 
Just remember lots of lip balm and don't be afraid to use wax. your teeth will probably be a little sore tommorrow so don't be afraid to use ibuprofen (its my very good friend.) 
