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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.
Aligner treatment causes inflammation and, sometimes, pain.
There is also a lot going on below the gum line that you can’t see, including tissue swelling and the breakdown and rebuilding of bones. This pain can be uncomfortable for many people, leading to less compliance with treatment.
The HyperByte is a vibration-based therapy device that claims to reduce pain, discomfort, and treatment duration. Here’s how it works:
In the world of orthodontics, HFV is not new. These devices have been studied since the 1980s. However, there are mixed reviews as to whether vibration-based therapy is worth it.
Many studies mention positive results with HFV and similar therapies.2-8
For example, one study found that high-frequency vibration allowed for early aligner changes and shorter treatment (for minor to moderate cases).
Another study reported that HFV patients required fewer aligners and refinements compared to the control group.
According to Byte, some of the advantages of the Hyperbyte include:2, 9
Although HFV is generally effective, some orthodontists are concerned about the safety of moving teeth too quickly.
One concern is the risk of root resorption.10, 11 This is when the body breaks down and absorbs tissue surrounding a tooth. One study found that increased force levels increase the risk of root resorption.1 It can also occur if the teeth are moved too slowly.
Lastly, quick tooth movement can increase the risk for relapse (i.e., teeth moving back to their original positions).
Some potential side effects of vibration-based aligner therapy include:1, 12, 13
Order an Impression Kit Read Full Byte Review
Black Friday Sale: Impression Kit for only $14.95 with $600 off retail pricing.
The HyperByte is a flat, horseshoe-shaped device. It is about the size of your hand. To use the device, follow these simple steps:
Although some studies show that vibration-based therapy effectively reduces pain and decreases treatment time, NewMouth is still concerned about the risks of straightening teeth too fast.
In order to safely straighten teeth, it’s essential to treat the bite as a whole. Byte’s treatment plans ‘flare’ out the front teeth to make space (social 6/12 treatment). This technique results in quicker treatment but focuses on cosmetic concerns.
Social 6/12 treatment does not move the molars, potentially causing an 'off' bite and tooth damage over time. There is also a higher chance that the teeth will become crooked again.
According to Dr. Hurst, Chief Clinical Officer at Candid, “a risk you run if you just move the front teeth, for example, is pushing them out of the bone.” A more comprehensive alternative is full arch treatment, which moves your molars first to make room for the front teeth.
Another board-certified orthodontist, Stephen Belli, says moving a tooth too fast can cause damage to the bone and gums. If you don’t place the tooth in the right position, you could throw off the entire bite, leading to additional damage and wear on the teeth. There is also a high risk for relapse.13
Despite these concerns, Byte has many satisfied customers and positive reviews. And some studies do show that vibration-based therapy is safe and effective.2-8 Orthodontists have also been using similar devices since the 1980s.
However, other studies have found no advantages of using vibrational appliances to speed up orthodontic treatment.12, 14, 15 Excessive force may also increase the risk of root resorption (although rare). Risks include tooth loss.1
Byte is known for its quick treatment time. For this reason, we only recommend Byte if you have minor teeth misalignment like crowded or gapped teeth. Complex cases require longer and more comprehensive treatment.
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