Updated on March 26, 2025
6 min read
Byte vs. Invisalign Review (2025)
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Notice: On October 25, 2024, Byte paused its shipment and processing of new and recent clear aligner orders due to safety concerns identified by the FDA. For further questions and concerns, people are encouraged to send a support request through Byte’s Patient Account Center.
We are maintaining this article as a historical reference to help patients understand the evolution of the clear aligner industry and the different treatment models that have existed. If you're currently seeking clear aligner treatment, please see our updated recommendations for current, safe alternatives.
Byte and Invisalign are popular clear aligners you can turn to if you want straighter teeth but don’t like wearing metal braces.
However, one is an at-home clear aligner, and the other is an in-office treatment that requires frequent visits with a licensed dental professional. Each brand has its pros, cons, and approach to teeth straightening.
Our opinions are based on information available prior to Byte’s pause and now function as a historical review to compare against Invisalign's services. We strongly urge you to consult an orthodontist before starting any teeth-straightening treatments.
Here are the key differences between the two clear aligner brands:
| Byte | Invisalign | |
| Treated Cases | Mild to moderate | Mild to complex |
| Average Treatment Time | 4 to 6 months | 6 to 18 months |
| How To Start Treatment | Impression kit | In-person |
| Progress Monitoring | Remote | In-person |
| Treatment Cost | $2,099 to $2,499 | $3,000 to $8,000 |
| Financing | $89 or $106/36 mos | Depends on your provider |
At-home clear aligners are the perfect choice if you have mildly crooked teeth and prefer convenience and affordability above anything else. It straightens your teeth at home, so there’s no need for dental visits. Instead, a licensed dentist or orthodontist will monitor your progress remotely through an app.
Straighten your teeth at a fraction of the cost. Learn about clear aligners.
We recommend Invisalign for complex teeth misalignments, bite issues, and anyone who prefers in-office care. While it costs more than Byte, a local dentist or orthodontist will personally oversee your treatment and adjust it as needed. This ensures your safety and that your teeth move as planned.
Byte and Invisalign both offer effective teeth straightening solutions, but which one is the better fit for your lifestyle and goals?
Let's break down their best features to help you decide:
Invisalign provides up to 50 clear aligners and moves all of your teeth. Your doctor can also install attachments to your aligners for precise movements.
This allows Invisalign to treat a wide range of issues, including complex cases of crooked teeth and some problems with bites.
Children as young as 6 years old are eligible for Invisalign. Providers may offer up to five treatment plans based on your age and condition:
Byte doesn’t move your molars, and no attachments are offered, so it can only correct mild to moderate alignment issues.
Your options are also limited to daytime and nighttime aligners. Children must be at least 12 years old to qualify for the treatment.
Byte can straighten your teeth in as little as 3 to 4 months (with its All-Day Aligners) and 5 to 6 months (with its At-Night Aligners). Invisalign treatments take much longer and can last up to 24 months.
One reason behind its shorter treatment time is that Byte only corrects minor and moderate issues. These take less time to fix than complex cases.
However, Byte also includes HyperByte with your kit for faster treatments. It’s a mouthpiece that emits high-frequency vibrations (HFV) to loosen the gums and encourage tooth movement.
Similar HFV devices have been proven to move teeth faster than clear aligners alone. Thanks to the HyperByte, Byte can straighten teeth faster than Invisalign and most at-home clear aligners.
Byte lets you start and finish your entire treatment at home. You can take the online quiz to determine if you’re a candidate and buy its aligners. If you don’t qualify, they can refund you the full amount.
Alternatively, you can purchase the impression kit and take dental impressions at home. From there, you can decide to push through with the treatment or back out if you think it isn’t right for you.
A licensed orthodontist will design your personalized treatment plan and send it to you digitally. Once you approve the plan, all your clear aligners will be made and shipped out to you when they’re ready.
The Byte app will remind you to switch aligners and to upload photos of your teeth. Your assigned Byte doctor will review your progress and tell you if you should wear a tray longer or if you can change to the next aligner.
After you finish your treatment, you can order Byte retainers online.
Invisalign requires you to see a local dentist or orthodontist for a consultation. You also have to visit them during the initial fitting and every 4 to 6 weeks—whenever you need to switch to your next aligner.
This makes it a less convenient option than Byte, but it’s also more comprehensive. Frequent in-person visits with a dental professional ensure safe and effective treatments.
Invisalign can cost you up to $8,000 which is nearly 70% more than Byte. Attachments and other dental procedures can add to these costs.
Maintaining your teeth with Vivera® retainers after you complete Invisalign treatment can also be expensive, and a pair may cost $200 to $750.
With Byte, you only need to pay $2,049 to $2,499 for the whole treatment and $149 for each pair of Byte retainers if you want to maintain your smile.
Both companies accept payments through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and dental insurance.
However, Byte is more transparent with its financing options. If you opt for Invisalign, each provider will have different payment plans.
Byte isn’t just a cheap alternative to Invisalign. It also provides great value for your money. When you purchase the kit, you won’t just get all your clear aligners. The following are also included with your treatment:
If your teeth shift out of alignment after the treatment, Byte may provide free clear aligners with the Byte for Life™ Guarantee.
Invisalign doesn’t offer these perks with your treatment costs. You would have to spend on additional teeth whitening, refinements, and retainers.
Find the best at-home clear aligners for mild misalignment. See our expert recommendations.
Byte and Invisalign each have something unique to offer. When deciding between these two options, you need to consider these factors:
Byte’s relatively low cost, convenient treatment process, and faster treatment times make it an attractive option for most people.
However, Byte isn’t for everyone. We only recommend this brand to individuals with mild to moderately crooked teeth.
If you have a complex alignment issue, you may need Invisalign. It’s more expensive but you’ll get more personalized and comprehensive care.
Before using clear aligners, you should speak to a dentist or orthodontist. They can help you choose the best treatment option for your teeth.
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