Needles=sharp. Your previous statement no longer has any truth to it.

I'm a lot more terrified of dull needles than I am of sharp ones.

braces don't hurt one bit. It's the pulling the teeth out that does. I've had mine on for a year now, and after 2-3 weeks it feels as if tey're not there. I actually think when i have them off in a few weeks, it will feel more weird than now. the only thing that might hurt is the needles, but unless you're having teeth out, you won't need them. the only other thing that hurts is when you have them tightened every 2 months, but unless you're a pussy you shouldn't care too much.