When I had braces I ate everything I wasn't supposed to, I brushed less than what some people may find hygenic (once a day, twice if I was feeling ambitious) and I had no problems at all.

I hated those braces every day I had them on. When they came off I felt like a new man with a new aura of confidence. Those first couple weeks after you get them off are heavenly. I had mine on for a year or two.