I was a senior when I got my braces. I also had an expander. My mom freaked the first time we had to turn it (she was a single mom), fortunatly, a friend in school had one and knew exactly what to do. Mom had turned it about halfway. I went to my friend and she finished turning it and showed me how to do it. Mom never had to do it again after that. It made a huge difference in my personality is what most people noticed.

The Advil is a great idea, and the wax. The wax is made by Gum and is found with the dental floss.

Do it. You will be glad you did.