Safest Teeth Whiteners
The safest ways to whiten your teeth explained
Byte aligners are known for delivering straighter teeth in less time than traditional clear aligners or braces.
Byte treatment takes between 3 to 6 months on average. With daily HyperByte use (Byte’s very own tooth-straightening acceleration device), it’s closer to 3 to 4 months.
By comparison, Invisalign’s average treatment time is 12 to 18 months. Braces can take up to 24 months.
This makes Byte easily the fastest treatment for teeth-straightening on the market.
Although quick treatment may sound convenient, we (and some orthodontists) are concerned about the safety of moving teeth too quickly.
One concern is the risk of root resorption. This is when the body breaks down and absorbs tissue surrounding a tooth. Quick tooth movement also increased the risk for relapse (i.e., teeth moving back to their original positions).
For these reasons, we only recommend Byte for minor cases of teeth misalignment.
Read our full review of the HyperByte device and concerns about quick treatment.
Treatment length varies based on a number of factors. First, as with all aligners, wearing them daily is required for optimal treatment outcomes.
The two main factors that influence Byte treatment time are the type of aligner chosen and the level and type of malocclusion being corrected. Malocclusion refers to teeth misalignment.
Byte can treat minor-to-moderate alignment issues, including:
We recommend Byte for minor cases of teeth misalignment. For moderate to severe issues like underbites, overbites, crossbites, or midlines, Byte is more limited. These are better addressed through braces, Invisalign, or other at-home aligners like Candid.
What aligner you choose will also impact treatment time.
Byte has two different aligners to choose from:
Both day and night options are used with the Hyperbyte, which is included in the cost. Regular Hyperbyte use (5 minutes per day or 10 minutes per night) can cut treatment time in half.
It should be noted here that, while FDA-approved, studies of the technology behind the HyperByte have yielded mixed results. Night aligners also have some risks to be aware of. We recommend Byte’s All-Day Aligner for safety reasons.
Unlike Invisalign or Candid, Byte does not offer in-person studio locations; the only way to get started is to order an at-home kit.
The kit generally arrives within a week. Within it are a Byte impression kit, smile stretcher, and putty. The process is relatively simple, and detailed instructions are provided in the kit.
Before starting Byte treatment, you’ll take impressions of your teeth to see if you’re a suitable candidate.
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).
If you don’t have time to mail it back, you can schedule UPS to come to pick it up.
You’ll also take a couple photos of your smile at various angles and upload them to Byte’s website.
Once received, one of Byte’s dental professionals will review your impressions. If you’re not a good candidate for Byte, they will refund you the cost of the kit.
If approved, a customized Byte treatment plan will be created for you using the SmileScience system.
This system analyzes the structure of your face (based on the impressions and photos uploaded to the website) to create a smile perfectly suited for you.
The result is a 3D model of what your smile will look like after treatment is completed.
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.
Byte offers the ability to access their team of dentists, who can monitor treatment remotely. Depending on progress, the aligners are swapped out for the next ones in the set every few weeks.
After treatment is complete, a custom-made retainer is used to make sure teeth remain in alignment. The retainer is worn every night for six months. After that, it’s replaced with a new one.
The first retainer is included in the cost of treatment.
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.
70% off Impression Kit, $100 Off Aligners + Free BrightByte Whitening Treatment
Byte is significantly more affordable than Invisalign or braces, which can cost $3,000 to $8,000.6,7
By comparison, Byte costs between $1,895 to $2,295 (for the All-Day and At-Night aligner, respectively). Clear aligners, HyperByte, and remote monitoring are included in the price.
Also included is the 5-year Smile Protection Plan, which offers free retainers and coverage for any aligners that get stolen or lost.
Additional costs include the impression kit, which currently retails for $95 on the website.
Byte offers the ability to pay in monthly installments, as well as with FSA or HSA. If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, Byte will help you get reimbursed.
Byte promises to fully cover any additional kits, plans, or aligners if your teeth move out of alignment after completing treatment.
For more information about Byte aligners, read our full review here.
Byte:
70% off Impression Kit, $100 Off Aligners + Free BrightByte Whitening Treatment
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