My brother, sister and I all had braces as children, but never the retainer.

I got mine at the age of 13 and off just before my year 10 formal. I hated them, but then again I believe I didn't need them. I have had a lot of issues since as my teeth were so badly damaged by the glue they use to stick the "metal dots" on.

I remember my biggest thing was that so many of my friends at school had them it wasn't anything new, although they all ended up with nice straight pearly whites, and mine not so much (through reactions to the glue, damage made by the metal strips, etc)

I was very rigorous with cleaning, as it is a bit harder with all that metal in the mouth. I know my brother being the first to get them (and he had them for 3-4 years) took it as a bit of a joke and ended up not looking after them, and even though he has reasonably straight teeth, they are very rotten in places.

The hardest thing being a child/teenager with them is definitely the ridicule at school, so you would really have to assess the maturity of your DD against the urgency of getting them. If some of her friends have them or are getting them then that good.

One thing, and not wanting to scare you or her, but the main was unbearable at times, and the aftercare (once braces off but still regular visits with orthodontist) were some of the worst times.

For myself, I definitely regret being made to get them, but then in saying that I can't remember my teeth before hand (I just remember the 2 teeth which I believed may of been an issue - and they weren't fixed!)

Good luck to you and your DD. it would be worth also bringing up your concerns with orthodontist and perhaps dentist for their input. If delaying a bit won't affect her then there is no harm in waiting.

ETA - I just worked out that my mum has paid over $20,000 in orthodontist bills, and none of us kids are really happy with our teeth. It's definitely and investment so you need to make sure your DD knows what care is required and ensure she does it