Some people like to get tied, some prefer pink panties. We just happen to like braces!
It's too bad that you had a difficult time with yours, but it's a good thing you had it done. I have known many people who did not mind having braces, even though they were not overly interested in them. It all depends on what someone finds inconvenient. There are people who put gold, jewels, and other things on their teeth, so if you think about it, fake braces for fashion is really not a stretch.
Keep wearing your retainers or you will find yourself in braces again, staring at a pizza without being able to take a bite!