our kids went through it, but i never saw the prep phase of things. when my wife got her braces, i tagged along and saw everything form the consult to the records appointment, and then getting the braces on. It did seem like a lot of steps, but none of it was painful or hard. I did the consult and record process myself and ready to get braces on as soon as dentist takes care of a crown situation that flared up. I enjoyed the appointments - the big x ray machines were nice, the scan of my teeth was pretty cool, though have to admit the molds didn't taste that great. When I would be in for appointments and see others getting the records appointments or their braces on, they all seemed scared to death. I've only had a tongue appliance installed and that was not too bad (except for the spacers, which did hurt a bit for a few days), but guessing when i sit in the chair to get the braces put on, I'll be a bit nervous.