I just got my braces off after about 5 years and i've never felt better! Braces were totally worth it in the end.
I had braces when I was 15 until I was almost 17 years old. To be honest i hated the whole experience. My teeth were actually pretty straight but my parents insistent that I get them for some reason. They're not too bad to deal with I'm just not a fan of how they look. I'm sure they'll be good for you in the long term as long as you brush and flow regularly. They require a lot of up keep.