So, which hurts more? invisalign or actual braces? i only need a little bit of correction...and i've heard it both ways! thanks!

Both are Good Option: Discuss your individual situation with your dentist. They can give you an opinion on which choice might be better for you. Each method has certain advantages & disadvantages. Your clinical situation of jaw position, tilt & rotation of each tooth, the space available, the contour of the line-up of the teeth in each jaw will affect each type of treatment. Get a couple of second opinion consultations.

No contest: Invisalign by far is more comfortable than actual braces with the benefit of being able to brush and maintain much better hygiene and lower risks for cavities and gum disease.

Neither: Both are relatively painless, braces do have a chance or irritating gums in rare cases however.

Braces: There are different levels of discomfort from braces or clear aligner treatment that varies by how difficult the tooth movement is and also your individual tolerate to discomfort. After some appointments where braces are adjusted, the teeth are tender. When you change to a new clear aligner, teeth may also be tender for a couple of days as well.

Braces hurt more: To move teeth we have to put pressure on your teeth. Invisalign does it more gently, but there may still be discomfort. Braces apply more force and can cause cutting of your lips and tongue when you eat and speak. For simple corrections i think that invisalign is the winner.

Braces: The gentlest is invisalign. I have never had a patient complain of their teeth hurting. The incremental adjustments in the aligners is calibrated.

Invisalign: Invisalign is slightly more comfortable, more esthetic, takes longer, and considerably less effective than the gold standard, braces. Invisalign/braces are not equivalent. Please see a fully qualified Orthodontic Specialist for initial examination (usually free) to help you determine the complexity of your malocclusion and the best treatment choices.