Updated on March 4, 2025
5 min read

Candid vs. Byte Review (2025)

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Notice: On October 25, 2024, Byte paused its shipment and processing of new and recent clear aligner orders due to safety concerns identified by the FDA. For further questions and concerns, people are encouraged to send a support request through Byte’s Patient Account Center.

Candid and Byte are clear aligner treatments that straighten your teeth at home. Both brands have an app where you can send progress photos.

Candid requires an initial assessment at one of its clinics. With Byte, you can start treatment with an at-home impression kit.

We carefully analyzed both brands to help you pick the best one for your smile. Let’s take a closer look at their best features below!

Candid vs. Byte Highlights

Our opinions are based on information available prior to Byte's pause and now function as a historical review to compare against Candid's services. We strongly urge you to consult an orthodontist before starting any teeth-straightening treatments.

Here are the key differences between the two clear aligners:

CandidByte (Prior to Pause)
Treated CasesMild to complexMild to moderate
Average Treatment Time6 to 12 months4 to 6 months
How To Start TreatmentIn-personImpression kit
Progress MonitoringRemoteRemote
Treatment Cost$3,300 to $5,000$2,099 to $2,499
FinancingDepends on your provider$89 or $106/36 mos

When to Choose CandidPro Aligners

Candid Kit

Candid is great if you want a comprehensive yet convenient teeth-straightening solution. It can handle more complex cases, and you only need to see a CandidPro provider once. The rest of the treatment is remote, with a licensed dental professional watching your progress through an app.

Which Is Better—Candid or Byte?

Both Candid and Byte are effective for teeth straightening. When comparing the two, you’ll have to consider their best features.

Candid for Most Cases Treated

Candid is capable of moving all of your teeth, even your molars. This enables the brand to treat orthodontic issues that at-home aligners can’t.

Byte only moves your front teeth and is unable to shift molars. This is why it can correct mild to moderate teeth misalignments but not complex cases.

Candid for Comprehensive Onboarding

With Candid, you’ll see a CandidPro provider for an in-person scan and your treatment plan.

Byte treatments start by taking an online quiz or purchasing an impression kit. If you're qualified, a licensed orthodontist will design your personalized treatment plan and send it to you for approval.

Candid and Byte for At-Home Treatments

Once you approve your customized treatment plan for either brand, the process will be the same. You can expect to receive your clear aligners at home, where you can continue the rest of your treatment.

Both brands have a mobile app (My Byte and Pro Monitoring) where you can reach your provider. You’ll be sending them photos so they can track your progress and adjust your treatment as necessary.

Candid for Thorough Treatments

Candid treatments can last up to 12 months, especially if you have complex teeth alignment issues, as those take time.

Byte's treatment times last from 3 to 4 months, while Nighttime Aligners with HyperByte take 5 to 6 months. This is due to Byte's focus on mild to moderate misalignment and the inclusion of the HyperByte device, which produces high-frequency vibrations (HFV) to hasten the movement of your teeth.

Candid for Safe and Reliable Treatments

Candid and Byte are both safe and effective at-home aligner options. The two companies work with licensed dentists and orthodontists to create personalized treatment plans, ensuring you get professional care.

Candid Aligners

However, Candid's full-arch straightening offers a more comprehensive approach, moving all your teeth. Byte's "social 6" or "social 12" method only moves the front teeth, which may be less effective for some people. 

The nighttime aligners from Byte may be perfect if you want to straighten your teeth during bedtime. However, research shows it’s too early to tell whether they are just as safe or effective as daytime aligners.

Candid for Best Value for Money

Both Byte and Candid offer excellent value. Each includes free retainers and teeth whitening foam that freshens breath and cleans aligners.

Candid's Scanbox Pro helps take clearer photos of teeth, while Byte's HyperByte speeds up treatment. Candid may offer refinements but their availability will vary across providers.

Candid for Brand Trust

Candid has been around since 2017 and is the second-largest at-home aligner company. The brand provides excellent service. You can expect a quick response, typically within a few minutes. Candid also offers in-app support.

Candid for Natural-Looking Aligners

Both Candid and Byte aligners are designed for effective tooth movement, featuring a straight cut across the top and slight gum overlap. 

The two are also made of durable, stain-resistant materials that don’t contain bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates.

However, Byte aligners have a clear glossy finish, which can make teeth appear unusually shiny. Candid aligners have a textured and frosted finish that resembles your natural teeth, so they look great.

Byte vs. Candid: Which Aligner is Right for You?

Candid and Byte each bring something unique to the table. When choosing between these two brands, you need to consider these factors:

  • Your budget for the treatment
  • The severity of your condition
  • The treatment process
  • How soon you want to see results
  • Cost of post-treatment retainers

Byte is best suited for people with mild to moderate dental misalignment. Since its announcement, Byte has specifically identified the following conditions as contraindications for their aligners. If you have any of these conditions, you should not use Byte aligners and should consult with your dentist or orthodontist:

  • Adolescent patients with a skeletally narrow jaw
  • Known active periodontal disease
  • Severe open bite
  • Severe overjet
  • Tooth malocclusion requiring surgical correction
  • Mixed dentition
  • Dental prosthetics or dental implants

For complex cases, Candid might be a better choice if you’re willing to pay the price. It offers a more comprehensive approach but also costs more. 

Before starting any clear aligner treatment, you should consult a dental professional. They’ll help you determine the best option for your needs.

What’s Next?

Discover the best fit for your smile.

Explore top at-home clear aligner brands.

Last updated on March 4, 2025
7 Sources Cited
Last updated on March 4, 2025
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. Straighten Your Teeth in an Average of 6 Months.” Candid.
  2. Candid Clear Aligners.” Candid.
  3. Candid Starter Kit.” Candid.
  4. Our Most Frequently Asked Questions.” Candid.
  5. Discover the Candid Difference.” Candid.
  6. Proffit et al. “Contemporary Orthodontics.” Elsevier/Mosby, 2019.
  7. Wexler, A. et al. “Direct-to-Consumer Orthodontics: Surveying the User Experience.” The Journal of the American Dental Association, 2020.
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