Updated on November 7, 2024
5 min read

Byte HyperByte Review (2024)

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Important Safety Notice: As of October 25, 2024, Byte has permanently ceased operations and stopped shipping aligners globally due to safety concerns identified by the FDA. This decision came after regulatory reviews found that their patient screening process might not adequately prevent certain contraindicated patients from starting treatment. While Byte stated the potential risk to patients was low, they have advised current patients with specific conditions to stop treatment and consult a local dentist.

We are maintaining this article about the HyperByte device as a historical reference to help patients understand the technology and its purported benefits and risks. This information may be valuable for understanding similar devices in the orthodontic market. However, please note that the HyperByte device is no longer available for purchase, and existing Byte patients should consult their local dental professionals about continuing their treatment journey.

The following article contains our original analysis of the HyperByte device and its scientific basis, maintained for educational purposes.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace medical advice. We always recommend consulting with a qualified dental professional before starting any teeth-straightening treatment.

Byte Hyperbyte Review

Byte offers an at-home teeth-straightening system often including the HyperByte device. It’s an FDA-registered, medical-grade device designed to accelerate tooth movement and reduce pain using high-frequency vibrations.

The long-term effects of accelerated tooth movement are still under investigation, and Byte’s treatment may not be suitable for everyone.

How Does HyperByte Work?

HyperByte is a mouthpiece that emits high-frequency vibrations (HFV). Its vibrations penetrate the gums, teeth, and nearby bone tissue. While noticeable, these micro pulses are softer than the vibrations of an electric toothbrush.

Byte is one of the few companies that offer a free tooth-accelerating HFV device with their at-home clear aligners. HyperByte isn’t based on new technology and researchers have been studying HFV as a means of accelerating teeth movement since the 1980s.

From the 2000s until the present day, scientists began exploring more compact and user-friendly HFV devices. By 2018, HyperByte was released.

Straighten your teeth at a fraction of the cost. Learn about clear aligners.

Is HyperByte Safe & Effective?

While studies suggest potential benefits, this device does not replace the need for professional dental care. HyperByte is a Class II medical device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it’s generally safe to use.

While HyperByte has many potential benefits backed by science, it also comes with risks. The device itself has FDA clearance but the long-term effects of accelerated tooth movement are still being studied.

Moving teeth too quickly could lead to complications. It’s best to consult your orthodontist to understand the possible risks and benefits associated with HyperByte, so you can better decide if it’s right for you.

Potential Benefits of HyperByte

Research suggests high-frequency vibrations (HFV) can be a safe and effective way of speeding up teeth movement and making orthodontic treatments more comfortable.

  • A clinical trial found that HFV can move teeth up to 62% faster when used with a “fixed appliance treatment” like braces. The team also discovered that higher vibrations (e.g., 120 Hz) produced more significant movement.
  • One study shows that HFV can speed up clear aligner treatment by 40%.
  • High-frequency vibrations are proven to increase bone density. This helps ensure your teeth stay in place after you complete the treatment.
  • People who use HFV devices reported significantly less pain and discomfort, especially in the first few days of wearing new aligners.
  • Another study reported that patients who received HFV therapy required fewer clear aligners and refinements than those who didn’t.

Possible Risks of HyperByte

Conflicting results and the lack of long-term studies raise concerns about the overall safety and efficacy of HFV devices like HyperByte.

  • HFV may only be beneficial for moving canines and not other teeth.
  • In some patients, HFV has no significant effect on teeth movement.
  • Not everyone who uses HFV experienced pain reduction.

Based on studies, HFV doesn’t seem to cause root resorption. However, moving teeth too quickly can increase your risk for this condition.

Tooth resorption can weaken teeth, make them sensitive, and increase your risk for bite problems and relapse. Relapse is when teeth shift back to their original position, causing you to lose progress.

Risks of Fast Teeth Straightening (Says Orthodontists)

Byte only moves your visible front teeth, known as the Social 6 or 12. 

While they’re great for mild to moderate teeth misalignments and faster treatments, they only address cosmetic issues—not bite problems.

hyperbyte
Social 6 Clear Aligner Treatment Plan
Example of Byte’s treatment plan using social 6/12 treatment

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.” 

Another board-certified orthodontist, Stephen Belli, says moving a tooth too fast can cause damage to the bone and gums. 

You could throw off the entire bite if teeth aren’t moved in the right position. This can damage and wear teeth or cause a relapse.

A full arch treatment, which treats the whole bite and moves the molars first to make room for the front teeth, is the safest way to straighten your smile.

Is the HyperByte Worth It?

We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified dental professional before starting any orthodontic treatment. They can assess your specific dental needs, determine the suitability of accelerated treatment, and discuss potential risks and benefits.

Keep in mind that rapid teeth movement can increase the risk of certain side effects, such as root resorption or gum recession. A dental professional can help minimize these risks.

The HyperByte is generally recommended for people with minor to moderate misalignments. For more complex cases, traditional orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate. By seeking professional advice, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your specific dental goals and concerns.

What’s Next?

Discover the best fit for your smile.

Explore top at-home clear aligner brands.

Last updated on November 7, 2024
12 Sources Cited
Last updated on November 7, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. Hyperbyte: Straighten Teeth Faster & More Comfortably.” Byte®.
  2. Shipley, T. et al. “Effect of high-frequency vibration on orthodontic tooth movement and bone density.” Journal of Orthodontic Science, 2019.
  3. VIBRATION CAN HELP REDUCE PAIN, SAY RESEARCHERS.” The Journal of the American Dental Association, 2011. 
  4. ORTHODONTIC DISCOMFORT REDUCTION USING HIGH FREQUENCY STIMULATION.” Advanced Orthodontics and Education Association, 2017.
  5. Nimeri, G. et al. “Acceleration of Tooth Movement During Orthodontic Treatment.” Progress in Orthodontics, 2013.
  6. Alansari, S. et al. “The Effects of Brief Daily Vibration on Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment.” Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists, 2018.
  7. Woodhouse N.R. et al. “Supplemental Vibrational Force during Orthodontic Alignment: a Randomized Trial.” Journal of Dental Research, 2015.
  8. Pascoal, S. et al. “Effects of Vibration on Accelerating Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Clinical and In Vivo Studies: A Systematic Review.” Dentistry Journal, 2024.
  9. Roscoe, M. et al. “Association of Orthodontic Force System and Root Resorption: A Systematic Review.” American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2015.
  10. Jing, D. et al. “The Effectiveness of Vibrational Stimulus to Accelerate Orthodontic Tooth Movement: a Systematic Review.” BMC Oral Health, 2017.
  11. Miles, P. et al. “The Effects of a Vibrational Appliance on Tooth Movement and Patient Discomfort: a Prospective Randomised Clinical Trial.” Australian Orthodontic Journal, 2012.
  12. How Do Teeth Move?” Burke & Redford Orthodontists, 15 July 2020.
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