The ortho originally estimated me at 18 months as a moderate case, but after seeing my X-rays, she said that my case was moderate to difficult. So who knows how long I will be braced? I am hoping for a miraculous case of 12 months.

I don't know what kind of braces I have. She did mention they were self-ligating when I asked her what she was clicking in my mouth. I didn't get any fancy swag ortho tools from her. I am pretty sure what I got cost her $1 max each in bulk and that's including the nearly 10% sales tax. I also got a retainer with fake teeth to fill in gaps in the front temporarily. You can see the two teeth on either side without brackets? Is that the name? My teeth shifted after I got extractions without replacing the extracted teeth. My braces will cost $6500, records, $400; and retainer, $450.
ETA: Insurance is covering $1500. I will get implants to replace my extracted teeth when they is all over.