i had braces growing, i had an underbite and a problem with my jaw 
My dentist told me that I should get them, but I was too scared. Do they wire your jaw together?
they didn't, it wasn't so bad, braces are cosmetic or structural, what is the reason your dentist gave you?
She said that I have an overbite. I was worried that they would be really painful!!
well you might be refeerred to orthodontics which is a dentist who fixes issues like that, they have been around for 2000 years
I remember she recommended an orthodontist. I'm sure they've made technological improvements over the past 2000 year, maybe I shouldn't be so worried!
archaeologists have found mummified people with metal bands around their teeth, so i garuntee it has gotten better than that
Hopefully the braces isn't what killed them! But you're right, I'm sure that they're much better these days. Maybe I'll finally get around to making an appointment.