Getting braces at 22...

So the braces are on. After wearing a full set of train tracks for 3 years, from the age of 14-17, I clearly didn't learn the importance of dental care and lost my retainer, allowing my teeth to reset in a wonky position. Now, at the good old age of 22, I've finally decided to go for the full shabang again and get them put back on in my quest for the perfect smile.

I understand that being a metal mouth isn't really a great fashion statement, so I've tried to make them as inconspicuous as possible by not going for bright pink elastic bands like I did as a teen, plus I've only had them put on my top set of teeth (the bottom are still fine thankfully!). So as I try to come to terms once again with all the horror braces bring - ulcers, wax strips, food in the brackets - I've decided to whack together a gallery of all of the coolest kids who have ever had them. Gwen Stefani (above - no, it's not me...) is my ULTIMATE style icon, so it's made me feel a bit better seeing her rocking hers around the same age.

Read on to see some absolute Gs with a serious case of brace face...

Katy Perry sported some metal wear for her TGIF video... they weren't real but hey, she made them cool

True gangster Estelle had a set of clear ones during her adult years

So not all of Claudia Schiffer's beauty came naturally after all...

And does anyone remember Lisa of Steps fame with her braces? I thought they were so cool at the time...