Byte vs Invisalign

Key Takeaways:

• Byte and Invisalign are both popular clear aligner companies
• Invisalign can treat more teeth alignment issues than Byte
• Byte costs less and has faster treatment times than Invisalign
• Byte offers HyperByte and At-Night aligners, but there are safety concerns
• Invisalign treatment is monitored in person
• Byte treatment is totally remote with no visits to the dentist’s office
• Byte is better for convenience and affordability
• Invisalign treatment is in-depth but expensive and takes more time
• We recommend Byte’s daytime aligners for mild teeth alignment issues and Invisalign for more serious issues

How Byte and Invisalign Compare

Byte and Invisalign are both well-known aligner brands, but there are important differences between them.

Byte costs much less and is known for its fast treatment times (but not always better results). The aligners work best for mild cases of teeth misalignment. Moderate to severe cases require more intensive treatment with Invisalign or a similar brand.

Invisalign is a well-known aligner brand that monitors all treatments in-person. And, it can treat a variety of conditions.

Byte Aligners Overview

Byte is an at-home aligner company known for its affordable cost ($1,999 for the All-Day Aligners) and fast treatment times. At 3 to 4 months on average, Byte’s treatment time is among the quickest of any aligner brand. 

Key to this fast turnaround is the HyperByte, a device that uses high-frequency vibrations. Byte claims that using this device for 5 minutes per day helps move your teeth faster. The HyperByte is included in all Byte treatment plans.

It’s important to note that there is currently no scientific backing the safety and efficacy of moving teeth too quickly. Teeth realignment requires precise and accurate movement. 

Read our review of the Hyperbyte.

Besides fast treatment and affordable cost, Byte is known for its strong customer service. Customers have access to Byte’s customer service team seven days a week to ask questions.

Of the over 1,300 Byte reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com, the overwhelming majority are positive. Reviews praise Byte’s customer service, affordability, and convenient treatment.

How Does Byte Work?

Here’s how to get started with Byte aligner treatment:

1. Go to Byte's website and take a short quiz. The quiz will ask you questions about what kind of teeth alignment issues you have.
2. Byte will then ask you what kind of aligner you want. They have two options: All-Day or At-Night aligners. Note: Because the evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of night aligners is currently unclear, NewMouth recommends the All-Day option.
3. Enter your shipping address and payment information to receive your Byte dental impressions kit.
4. Once you receive your kit in the mail, you’ll find a pamphlet with step-by-step instructions for taking impressions. Follow them and mail the impressions back.
5. A dental professional will review your impressions to see if you are a suitable candidate for Byte treatment. If they approve you, they will create a customized treatment plan and a series of aligners. If they do not approve you, they will refund your money.
6. You’ll wear each aligner in the series for two weeks (with the HyperByte, it’s every week). At the end of treatment, the final aligner will double as a retainer.

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Invisalign Overview

Invisalign is a favorite of dental professionals and customers alike. It’s treated nearly 11 million people since its introduction by Align Technology in 1998. Invisalign currently leads the clear aligner market.

Invisalign clear aligners are made from special, medical-grade plastic. This plastic, known as SmartTrack, is a polyurethane resin. It’s FDA-approved for medical devices and free of toxins like BPA and BPS.

In addition to being medically safe, they’re also comfortable. Invisalign clear aligners are trimmed to contour snugly along your gum line, which makes them less irritating than other aligners.

Average treatment time with Invisalign is between 12 to 18 months. However, it can be as short as 6 months or as long as 24 months, depending on the severity of the teeth alignment issues. 

The price also varies, ranging anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. It will depend on the provider’s location, your treatment length, and other factors.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign treatment works a little bit differently than Byte.

This is the treatment process:

1. Invisalign treatment begins with a (usually free) in-person consultation with a dental professional. During this consultation, the dental professional will digitally scan your teeth. Then, they will create a customized treatment plan for you.
2. Next, they will make a series of clear aligners based on both your current and desired teeth alignment. Over the course of treatment, these aligners will gradually move your teeth into their correct positions.
3. You'll wear your Invisalign aligners for 22+ hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, or floss.⁶ The aligners will straighten your teeth by 0.25 to 0.3 millimeters every 2 weeks.⁶
4. You’ll return to the dentist or orthodontist after two weeks for a follow-up appointment. After reviewing your treatment progress, you’ll receive your remaining sets of Invisalign aligners. 
5. After that, appointments occur roughly every six weeks, and you’ll continue switching your aligners every two weeks. The final aligner will double as a retainer to keep your teeth straight while you sleep.

Byte vs. Invisalign: The Main Differences

1. Byte is Faster

The average treatment time for Byte is four months. This is much faster than Invisalign, which in the best-case scenario, still takes two months longer. 

Part of the reason for this is that Byte treats less severe or less complicated teeth alignment issues than Invisalign.

2. Invisalign is Monitored In-Person

Because it’s an in-office aligner, your dentist or orthodontist will monitor Invisalign treatment in person. This means more visits to the dentist or orthodontist, which may be inconvenient to some people. But regular visits also reduce the chance for errors.

With Byte, on the other hand, treatment is monitored remotely. 

Note: While less predictable without regular in-person office visits, remote treatment is generally safe and effective.

3. Byte is More Affordable

Invisalign can be expensive, which is why many consumers look to alternatives such as Byte. 

Byte daytime aligners cost $1,999, and there are financing options available as well. There are also payment plans available with Invisalign.

4. Invisalign Can Treat More Bite Issues

Part of the reason clear aligner treatment with Invisalign is more expensive is that it can treat more teeth alignment issues than Byte. Invisalign can fix minor-to-severe bite issues (in some cases, it’s even a better option than braces).

Byte is more limited in what it can address. This is because Byte aligners only move your top six and bottom six teeth. 

These teeth are known as the “Social 6” or “Social 12” because they’re the teeth most people see.

5. Byte Offers Night Aligners

For those who find daytime aligners inconvenient, Byte offers a nighttime aligner option. Rather than 22 hours per day with Invisalign, you wear them for 10 hours per night. 

However, this option is more expensive ($2,399) and extends treatment time. There are also some risks associated with straightening teeth this way.

Which Aligner is Right for You?

This depends on a several factors:

• Budget
• Level of malocclusion (teeth-alignment issues)
• Timeframe
• Desire for convenience

If you only have a minor level of malocclusion (such as crowded teeth) or have a busy schedule, Byte may be a good option for you. Byte’s relatively low cost also makes it attractive for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on treatment.

If you have more severe issues (such as a crossbite) or simply want more personalized and precise care, Invisalign could be a better choice. 

You should speak to a dental professional about which treatment option is right for you.

Byte 

• Treatment costs $1,999 with daytime aligners
• Treatment is totally remote; no in-office visits are required
• Mainly treats mild teeth-alignment issues
• Strong customer reviews
• Average treatment time is 4 to 6 months
• HyperByte included with every treatment plan
• We recommend Byte daytime aligners over the At-Night aligners 
• Best for minor teeth alignment issues

Invisalign

• Treatment costs between $3,000 to $8,000
• In-office; consultations are required
• Can treat a range of bite issues, from mild-to-severe
• Treatment time can take anywhere from 6 to 24 months
• Well-established and respected
• Best for those who want more precise treatment or those with more severe malocclusion