Teeth Straightening
Overview
Clear Aligner Brands
Teeth Whitening
In this article
NewMouth is a leading and trusted online resource for dental information, including orthodontics, at-home aligners vs. in-office aligners, and more. We have been researching and writing about clear aligners for over 3 years.
We have a dedicated team of medical writers, expert researchers, licensed dental professionals, and medical reviewers who create and oversee every piece of content published on our site. Our goal is to provide credible, accurate, and up-to-date content that is free and accessible to everyone looking for dental care.
We have determined Byte as the best option for convenient, at-home teeth straightening. We did this by:
After extensive research and product testing, this article also underwent an intensive review process:
You can get started with Byte in a few simple steps:
The first step is to order an impression kit on Byte's website. Unlike Invisalign, Byte treatment is completed 100% remotely.
The kit should arrive within a week. Once you receive it, take the teeth impressions using the impression tray, smile stretcher, and putty.
The impressions should be returned to Byte within 3 days of receiving the kit (using the return shipping box provided). Shipping is free.
If you are not a candidate for Byte aligners, you will get a full refund for the impression kit. If you are a candidate, there is no obligation to purchase the aligners.
Within the kit is a pamphlet with step-by-step instructions on how to take the impressions:
Repeat this process four times (roughly 20 minutes) to create two top and two bottom impressions. Place the impressions in the impression tray box. Seal the box and mail it back using the return shipping address provided (shipping is free).
Note: Don't touch the impression putty when removing the trays and afterward. This can alter the impressions, requiring you to retake them.
After reviewing your teeth impressions, a customized treatment plan is created using Byte's SmileScience system.
Dr. Jon Marashi, a cosmetic dentist in Hollywood, created the SmileScience system. It incorporates aesthetic precision using five points of analysis, which helps determine the best tooth placement for your unique facial structure. The result is a digital 3D model that shows what your smile might look like from start to finish.
After you and a licensed dentist approve the 3D treatment plan, Byte will deliver all of the aligners (with step-by-step instructions) straight to your door. These aligners will move your teeth a little at a time. After one set of aligners is worn for a week or two, you’ll move on to the next set. This cycle continues until your new smile is achieved.
As a Byte customer, you’ll also receive the HyperByte®, an FDA-cleared dental movement acceleration device. This device may help move teeth faster when used with your aligners for 5 minutes daily.
You'll use the My Byte app to view your treatment details, submit progress photos, and chat with customer support via live chat. You can also set up notifications for when to switch aligners, ensuring you stay on track throughout treatment.
If you're wearing the aligners for 22+ hours a day, why not whiten your teeth too? Byte includes a BrightByte system with every treatment plan. It is a 3-in-1 foam cleanser, whitener, and breath freshener.
To use the BrightByte whitening treatment, follow these steps:
After treatment, you will receive a custom-made retainer that ensures your teeth stay in place.
Your first set of retainers is included in the total treatment cost. The retainers are made for comfortable overnight wear. They also include a teeth whitening foam (BrightByte) and a carrying case.
Byte treatment typically takes 4 to 6 months. Braces can take up to 24 months to straighten your teeth, while Invisalign takes between 12 and 18 months.
Treatment length varies based on several factors. First, as with all aligners, wearing them daily is required for optimal treatment outcomes.
Two other factors influencing Byte treatment time are the type of aligner chosen and the level and type of malocclusion you have. Malocclusion refers to teeth misalignment.
The treatment length will vary depending on the type of Byte aligner you choose:
Here is the general timeline for treatment with Byte:
Byte does not offer in-person studio locations; ordering an at-home kit is the only way to get started. The kit generally arrives within a week. Within it are the impression kit, smile stretcher, and putty.
After they receive the kit within a week or two, one of Byte’s dental professionals will review your impressions. If approved, a customized Byte treatment plan will be created. If you approve the plan, a series of custom aligners will be mailed to you within 4 to 6 weeks.
Each aligner is made for a different projected stage of treatment and should be worn sequentially. The average treatment time is 4 to 6 months.
After treatment, a custom-made retainer will be used to ensure your teeth remain in alignment. The retainer is worn every night for 6 months. After that, it’s replaced with a new one. You'll have to wear a retainer indefinitely to keep your teeth straight.
Byte also offers overcorrection aligners. These aligners make “refinements” to your treatment by moving your teeth past their desired positions. This is done purposefully.
The idea is to compensate for dental relapse or when teeth revert to their original positions pre-treatment. Overcorrection aligners can be used midway through treatment or at the end to correct errors.
Byte aligners cost between $1,999 and $2,399. The impression kit costs an additional $95. This covers all clear aligners, one set of retainers, and remote monitoring.
You can also pay for treatment with affirm or a bytepay™ monthly payment plan.
Total cost: $1,999
$70/month for 32 months
$249 down payment
100% approval with no credit impact
Total cost: $2,399
$84/month for 32 months
$299 down payment
100% approval with no credit impact
Disclaimer: NewMouth is concerned about the risks of night aligners — learn why here.
The clear aligners included in treatment plans will be the bulk of the cost for Byte.
However, additional costs include:
The cost of replacing any Byte aligners or lost or stolen retainers is $129. If you purchase the Byte Protection Plan, Byte will provide any replacements free of charge.
As part of Byte’s Byte for Life Guarantee, extra aligners are provided for post-treatment issues.
To begin treatment, you need first to take impressions of your teeth. A Byte impression kit costs $95.
If you are ineligible for Byte treatment, this cost will be refunded, with no obligation to purchase the aligners.
With the purchase of a protection plan, any lost or stolen retainers will be replaced for no extra cost.
Byte aligners may be covered by insurance if your plan provides orthodontic benefits. You will be reimbursed directly by your insurance company.
Byte can provide the forms you need to file the claim with your insurance company. However, they will not accept direct payments from your provider. Visit byte.com to see if you qualify.
After submitting your insurance information, Byte’s reimbursement specialists will verify your coverage. If your provider is partnered with Byte, you may be eligible for discounts on the price before you pay.
Byte’s insurance partners include:
Byte doesn't guarantee you'll get reimbursed. You’ll need to check if your insurance policy covers clear aligner treatment for adults.
There are several ways to check if your insurance covers clear treatment. First, you can speak with Byte’s team of specialists to help you check your coverage.
You can also check coverage yourself. Some insurance companies let you review your policy details online.
You can call if you're still unsure if your plan covers Byte treatment. You can usually find your insurer’s phone number on the reverse side of your health insurance card.
Most states also offer consumer assistance programs (CAPs), which provide free counseling services to consumers trying to understand their health care choices.
Your state’s CAP can help determine what options your plan gives you if you're eligible.
You'll have to contact your insurance carrier directly for clarification if your claim is denied. If you disagree with their reasoning, you can submit an appeal.
There are two steps to this:
If this body finds the denial invalid, it can reverse the decision.
Here are alternative ways to pay for Byte treatment:
You can use your HSA or FSA debit card to pay for any Byte products or treatments. Your insurance may reimburse you for a portion of the expenses.
You can also split the cost of treatment between your insurance and your HSA or FSA card.
This is a monthly payment plan with a 100% approval rate. A credit check is not required.
With a $249 down payment, you can start treatment with Byte’s All-Day Aligners. You’ll then make 32 monthly payments of $70/month.
Byte offers two different treatment options. Here's how they compare:
Byte's All-Day Aligners cost $1,999. They must be worn for 22+ hours a day. Because these aligners stay on your teeth for nearly 24 hours, treatment can take as little as 4 months. They should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and other oral hygiene practices.
Additionally, according to Byte, you'll use the HyperByte device for 5 minutes daily to accelerate tooth movement and reduce discomfort.
Byte's At-Night Aligners cost $2,399 and require 10+ hours of continuous daily wear. They cost slightly more than the traditional aligners because treatment takes longer. The average treatment time is between 5 and 6 months, sometimes more.
These aligners are designed to be worn while you sleep rather than for 22+ hours a day. Like the All-Day Aligners, you'll use the HyperByte device for 5 minutes daily to accelerate treatment and reduce pain.
Although night aligners may be convenient, we do not recommend them over traditional aligners. Many oral health experts are concerned about their safety and effectiveness.
There is no scientific proof that night aligners are safe. They may actually do more harm to your teeth than good.9 From a clinical perspective, there are also concerns about what could go wrong if aligners are only worn for a few hours each day (less than 20 to 22 hours).9, 10
Every additional hour that you are not wearing the aligners increases the likelihood of your teeth shifting in an undesired direction.9, 10
In addition, without a longer and more consistent wear schedule, your teeth can be left in a limbo state of inflammation. This means it would take your teeth and gums much longer to heal, if at all.9
Other side effects and risks of night aligners include:
Byte stands out in the at-home aligner industry because of its quick treatment time. This is made possible with the HyperByte, which stands for high-frequency vibrations.
HFV uses soft micro pulses that transmit through the roots of teeth to the surrounding bone. The gentle vibration has been shown to reduce discomfort and help set the aligners. This results in quicker tooth movement and faster treatment times.
Here’s how the device works:
According to Byte, the advantages of the Hyperbyte include:
Potential side effects of vibration-based aligner therapy include:
Are byte aligners right for you? Compare the pros and cons:
Clear aligners have been around for more than 20 years. With advancements in 3D modeling, video conferencing technology, and digital cameras, creating an at-home clear aligner treatment plan is safer and more effective than ever.
It is important to remember that not everyone is eligible for clear aligners. For example, if you have:
While at-home aligner treatment comes with risks, current research shows they are generally low for mild and moderate malocclusions. More specifically, at-home aligner treatment is generally considered safe and effective if you carefully follow instructions throughout treatment.
According to one study, 87.5% of respondents were satisfied with their at-home aligner treatment, while 6.6% had to visit their dentist after treatment due to adverse effects.8
If you're not sure which type of treatment is best for you, read the comparisons below:
Invisalign is the most established in-office aligner brand. These FDA-approved aligners stand out in the industry because they are made of a patented thermoplastic material (called SmartTrack®). Invisalign claims this material is more comfortable, accurate, and discreet.
Invisalign treatment is monitored in person. Your dental office acts as the ‘middleman,’ which means you’ll receive a higher standard of care. However, this also means the aligners are more expensive.
With Byte, your progress is tracked via virtual scans. These appointments are completely remote and flexible. In-office aligners like Invisalign are recommended for patients with complex teeth misalignment. We only recommend Byte for minor cases.
Invisalign typically costs anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000. This does not include the cost of the retainers that keep your teeth straight after treatment. Byte costs significantly less (under $2,300).
Traditional metal braces consist of small brackets and wires that fix to the front of teeth. They gently apply pressure to each tooth, pulling them into the correct position. The brackets are metal and sometimes feature colored or clear elastic rubber bands.
Aligners are a nearly invisible and removable alternative to braces designed around convenience and comfort. They can be removed anytime for cleaning, eating, and brushing. The trays are made of clear, BPA-free, medical-grade plastic.
Braces are recommended over at-home aligners if you have more severe bite issues or skeletal (jaw) misalignment, as treatment is more precise. Aligners like Byte are ideal if you only need to fix minor discrepancies and prefer a discreet orthodontic experience.
Traditional braces can cost more than $10,000 in some cases, while Byte costs under $2,300.
| Byte | Invisalign | Braces | |
| Cost | All-Day Aligners: $1,999 |
$3,000 to $8,000 | $3,000 to $12,000 |
| Treatment Time | 4 to 6 months | 12 to 18 months | 12 to 24 months |
| Best For | Mild misalignment, some moderate may qualify (take the candidacy quiz) | Mild to severe misalignment, excluding skeletal issues | Mild to severe misalignment, including skeletal issues (jaw) |
| Monitoring/Care | 100% remote monitoring via an app | In-person, every 6 to 8 weeks | In-person, every 4 to 8 weeks |
How does Byte compare to other aligner brands? Read below:
The average cost for Candid treatment is $3,300 since it's more in-depth. There are mandatory in-office visits at the beginning and end of treatment. This helps reduce the chance of errors.
Byte has strong customer service and fast treatment times (4 to 6 months), but its onboarding process isn’t as detailed.
Candid treatment takes between 4 and 12 months, and they don’t offer a night aligner option for safety reasons.
Byte's “All-Day Aligners” ($1,999) cost less than SmileDirectClub aligners ($2,050). Byte's "At-Night Aligners" cost $2,399, which is more than SDC's night aligners.
The average treatment time for SmileDirect is 4 to 6 months, while Byte typically takes between 4 and 5 months. Excluding adjustments (results vary).
ALIGNERCO is the most affordable at-home aligner on the market ($945 vs. $1,999 to $2,399 for Byte).
Although cost-effective, ALIGNERCO treatment takes longer than Byte. The average treatment time is between 8 and 12 months. Byte’s average initial treatment plans are between 4 and 5 months (excluding any adjustments).
NewSmile aligners cost $1,495, a few hundred dollars cheaper than Byte. Treatment time with NewSmile aligners usually takes 4 to 6 months. This is around the same time it takes for Byte to provide full results as well.
We recommend Byte if you have minor teeth alignment issues. The aligners might be suitable if you have moderate issues, like crowding or gapped teeth. However, we don't recommend Byte for more complex issues like underbites, overbites, and crossbites.
To determine if Byte is for you, take a free candidacy quiz. We also recommend talking with a dental professional before beginning any orthodontic treatment.
At-home aligners like Byte are monitored remotely. This means you never have to visit an orthodontist for progress scans throughout the treatment process.
Rating by Alyssa Hill
Byte stands out in the at-home aligner industry because of its quick treatment time. This is made possible with the HyperByte — Byte’s very own HFV device that’s included in every treatment plan.
HFV stands for high-frequency vibrations. It uses soft micro pulses that transmit through the roots of teeth to the surrounding bone. The gentle vibration has been shown to reduce discomfort and help set the aligners. This results in quicker tooth movement and faster treatment times.
Invisalign is the most well-known clear aligner brand. Treatment is monitored in person by a dentist or orthodontist, which means it is safer than at-home clear aligner treatment. Byte treatment is monitored remotely.
With daily HyperByte use, you'll change your Byte aligners weekly (with your orthodontist's direction). Remote checkups will occur every two weeks.
You should only use your HyperByte for 5 minutes a day.
Yes, Byte offers a premium aligner system that allows you to straighten your teeth while you sleep. You'll wear the aligners for a minimum of 10 hours a day (paired with 5 minutes of the HyperByte).
If you have mild to moderate teeth misalignment (like crowding, spacing, or tooth rotation), Byte may be an excellent option for you.
Byte’s average initial treatment plans for daytime aligners are just 4 months and only 5 months for the night aligners (excluding any adjustments).
Byte's aligners treat patients who are 12 and older. If you are under 18, you'll need a legal guardian's consent.
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What’s Next?
The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here:
