I'm a 25 year old girl from India and a newbie in the Braces World.
I have an overbite and overcrowding. I have wanted to correct the alignment of teeth since for the last 10 years but folks at home were against it. (Will make teeth, weak, teeth will fall out sooner, no extractions etc). However I finally took the plunge and got metal braces fitted on the upper row of teeth on 10th August. 
I got 2 teeth extracted - upper premolars. Prior to that had separators(rubber bands) for a few days prior to that. There was slight pain due that but bearable. I have a case of Class 2 Division 2 Malocclusion. Others having a similar condition can share their experience with me through this site.
This site provides a lot of information so I have been reading up others' experience, Lynn's Journal etc and found it very informative and helpful. I consulted 3 orthodontists of which 2 said 2 extractions would be necessary. The third said he could start treatment and decide after 6 months whether extraction would be required or not. I was in two minds regarding extractions.
Then consulted another Ortho who reiterated the same thing- 2 teeth have to go. 
So finally I opted for them and have begun treatment. The bicuspids that were to be removed didn't appear that big. Once removed they have left such gaping holes 
that I'm wondering whether they will be filled properly or not. 
The dentist and orthodontist have assured that it will be fine. I am hoping all turns out well. The estimated time is minimum 1 year with metal braces and at least 6 months with retainers after that. The countdown begins! 
.. I hope the pain subsides soon.. Yes so much of brushing and cleaning is bothersome 
.. but its for some time 
I do not suppose there is any dearth of dining places there where spoons, forks, etc would not be available. But then learning anything new is fun. Besides eating with hands is not only simple,natural(our hands are our best tools),quick,easy but scientifically proven to be very beneficial. So why complicate life? 
In fact Indian food is best had with fingers. If you try eating Indian breads such as roti, naan etc with knives and forks it'll be impractical if not impossible.
However I understand that for people who are not used to it, its a little cumbersome. I t may even be amazing or unthinkable.. 
[just goes to show how much more there is in the world that we are yet to know of.. isn't it?] Also for those who are used to very sanitised environments, the immune system isn't as strong.. so it may cause indigestion or other problems.
