HyperByte: Too Good to Be True?

Key Takeaways

• The HyperByte is Byte’s very own tooth movement acceleration device. It claims to safely increase tooth movement by up to 64%.²
• In this article, we compare the positives and negatives of vibration-based aligner therapy. We also talk about the risks of moving teeth too fast.  
• Based on our research, we recommend Bye if you have minor teeth misalignment. More severe cases require longer and more comprehensive treatment plans. 

What is the HyperByte Device? 

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. 

How Does the HyperByte Work?

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:

1. The device produces electricity pulses that gently shake your teeth. The small connections between your gums and teeth loosen, reducing stress and tension. 
2. The electricity also helps the bones break down and rebuild easier. This is what speeds up tooth movement. 
3. Lastly, the pulses help sit the aligner trays over your teeth, potentially providing a more comfortable fit. 

Is the HyperByte Device Safe & Effective?

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. 

Advantages

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}

• Increases tooth movement by up to 64%
• Significantly decreases treatment time (but this isn’t always safe — read side effects) 
• Class II medical device (FDA-cleared)
• Reduces pain and discomfort during the straightening process
• Better aligner traction 
• Only needs to be used for 5 minutes a day 
• Vibration-based therapy has been used in orthodontics for many years

Concerns 

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}

• May only be beneficial for accelerating canine movement
• May not reduce pain intensity in some people
• Excessive force on the teeth increases the risk of root resorption
• Moving teeth too fast can cause bite issues and increases the risk for relapse 

How to Use the HyperByte (Step-By-Step)

The HyperByte is a flat, horseshoe-shaped device. It is about the size of your hand. To use the device, follow these simple steps: 

1. Put your aligners in
2. Hold the handle
3. Put the bite plate between your teeth
4. Turn the device on and hold it in your mouth for 5 minutes
5. You’ll feel a gentle, buzzing vibration during the therapy (similar to an electric toothbrush)
6. Charge the HyperByte (via a USB port) and save it for next use 

Risks of Quick Orthodontic Treatment (According to Orthodontists)

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