i had them until 19 (whole time i was pregnant with 1st child) and yes, you'll be able to eat. the pain at the beginning and when they get adjusted is awful, I remember it feeling like my teeth hit a brick wall! I would just take Tylenol around the clock while you're in pain. You'll be able to eat but you really can't bite into things like sandwiches, hamburgers,ribs, and corn on the cob, without it getting all stuck in your front teeth. I used to just cut up those things and put them in the back of my mouth. Also, with sushi, I always had rice stuck all in my braces, but just dealt with it since I couldn't give it up and the bites are so big, you can't really cut it up. You'll get used to them though and it'll be worth with. Your teeth will feel so silky smooth when they come off, you won't be able to stop running your teeth over them! good luck!