I've been reading here today, getting ready to take the plunge on Thursday July 20th! I'm 31 and live in Texas, but grew up in Colorado Springs, and this will be my first time in braces, though I have always needed them. I'm a rare case...I have an 8 mm. gap between my top front teeth. Not a cute one like Madonna...oh no...one that has always made my big brother offer me a 2x4 to use as a toothpick because of. Nice.
I also have quite an overbite...I was a thumbsucker until I was 11 years old. So I'm ALL messed up!! Hehe 
Anyway...I have been doing the preliminary visits now for a couple weeks...I got my one wisdom tooth removed and 3 fillings on the right side of my mouth on July 6th, then on July 13th, I went back in and had 3 fillings on the left side of my mouth, and got my lovely little blue spacer things crammed in between all my molars. They didn't bother me much until today. Now they hurt. And somehow, I don't know how I managed to do this, but I bit through my spacers the first night I had them! I broke 2 completely off, and have to go in Monday morning to have all 8 replaced. I must have some sharp teeth!! Anyway...I'm VERY excited to finally be taking this step in my life. Everyone I know keeps telling me I just won't be me without the gap...yeah, easy for them to say. They don't have to live with it. They don't have to live with the teasing I have always taken. They don't have to listen to the (well meaning) little ones in my son's class telling me "You lost a tooth!!!" when I walk into the room!! It is time. And I'm ready!!
So on Thursday, I'll come in and post some before and afters of the crazy gap and my tin grin
I am glad to join in with all of you!!!