I really want to get braces to align and straighten my teeth but, I worry about the pain.
I wore braces for over two years, and I can understand your apprehension - they're painful. However, they do offer something called invisalign now
Yea I know, but in 2014 a systematic review concluded in insufficient evidence proving that they worked. 
Oh interesting. So the braces weren't effective in the long term, or the alternative treatments  - like invisalign - weren't working like braces?
Invisalign, but some research can be misleading, they are considered effective  for moderate crowding of the front teeth, but not as effective as braces.
I see. Can you tell me about the differences in the treatments at all, e.g. do people experience pain with invisalign, similar to traditional braces?
The aligners can hurt when they press against the teeth, they can also cause soreness in the mouth as well.
Hmm doesn't sound too different from traditional braces in that sense. But, I know the metal ones can cut the mouth and lead to canker sores.
I hate canker sores I have to eat differently when I get them, and I love food.