Clear aligners are perhaps the greatest orthodontic innovation of the past few decades. Yet as new producers have emerged, they’ve shown there’s still plenty of room to keep innovating. 3M Clarity Aligners and Byte are two of the most popular aligner companies out there, and they’ve transformed thousands of smiles.
Both companies create clear aligners that incrementally shift your teeth into their new positions, but their approaches are fairly different. Which one is best for you? We’ve got all the info you need to decide right here.
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Company Overviews
3M is one of the largest, most well-known companies in the US. Founded in 1902, they’ve spent over a century expanding into various industries. So while they’re most famous for their adhesives and office supplies, it’s hardly surprising to find them producing stellar orthodontic products as well.
They launched the Clarity brand with their Clear Braces, then they introduced Clarity Aligners in 2018. Their current Clarity Aligner system launched in 2021, introducing a second type of plastic and new ways to plan treatment. Although their aligners are pretty new, they’ve gained a lot of traction thanks to their unique approach to aligner design and ability to address a wider scope of conditions than even Invisalign.
Byte emerged the same year as Clarity Aligners. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Jon Marashi had previously crafted some of Hollywood’s most recognizable smiles, but in 2018 he launched Byte with the goal of delivering teeth-straightening treatment straight to patients’ homes. Since then, they’ve vaulted to the top of the industry, becoming one of its most well-established producers. Because they don’t require any hands-on care, Byte cannot treat as many cases as Clarity Aligners can, but we think they make up for it in convenience and affordability.
Which of these two companies is best? It depends on your unique situation. Clarity Aligners and Byte each have a lot to offer, so let’s see where each company excels.
Our Review Methodology
Smile Prep’s reviews are prepared and presented from the perspective of a well-informed consumer. Our starting point for all of our reviews is a careful survey of a company’s marketing claims and available third party customer reviews. We rely on the accuracy of company claims and do not independently verify them. Our reviews use this information to help our readers get information about the available options in a centralized location. You can learn more about our review process by checking out our publishing principles.
At-Home vs. In-Office Treatment
The most notable difference between these two is how their treatments are administered. You can only receive Clarity Aligners treatment in person from an orthodontist, while Byte delivers your aligners and you administer them at home.
Which approach is better? There is no straightforward answer. Each has unique benefits and drawbacks.
Pros of In-Office Treatment
- In-office treatments can incorporate supplemental attachments, such as elastics, engagers, expanders, and buttons. These give the aligners greater force and more precision, allowing them to correct more complex misalignments.
- Regular office visits let your doctor monitor your progress and alter your treatment plan — either to address problems or to speed up treatment that is going well.
- We think in-office treatments can deliver highly personalized customer service. Your doctor knows you well and is happy to answer your questions at visits.
Cons of In-Office Treatment
- Typically, in-office treatments cost more than at-home ones. That’s primarily because you are paying for your doctor’s time and because the aligner company charges them lab fees.
- Seeing your doctor every few weeks isn’t ideal for your schedule. Depending on how long your treatment lasts and how frequent your visits are, you might have a lot of appointments, each roughly one hour long (plus travel time).
Pros of At-HomeTreatment
- While prices vary, most at-home treatments are significantly more affordable than in-office ones. You can save thousands of dollars by opting for remote treatment if you are eligible for it.
- You don’t need to fit office visits into your schedule, which makes remote treatment more convenient, especially for busy adults.
- Most at-home clear aligners advertise an average treatment plan length of about six months. Typically, in-office treatments take 12–18 months. However, this is often because at-home services only treat mild and moderate misalignments, which don’t take as long to correct.
Cons of At-HomeTreatment
- Since they cannot use attachments or incorporate hands-on care, at-home clear aligners cannot treat a wide variety of orthodontic conditions. They are limited to minor crowding and spacing.
- While some companies work to personalize their customer support, we still don’t think it can match the individualized care of seeing a doctor in person.
Whether you choose in-office, at-home, or hybrid treatment, there will be both benefits and drawbacks. The key is figuring out which option best aligns with your needs and goals. To help you better understand 3M Clarity Aligners and Byte, let’s dive into the details.
Scope of Treatment Comparison
3M Clarity and Byte are both aligner systems that can help adults smile with confidence. Over the years, they’ve corrected hundreds of thousands of misalignments, and based on testimonials, many customers and patients are satisfied with their results. But before you get to those results, you need to confirm that 3M Clarity or Byte can treat your case in the first place.
3M Clarity Treatment Scope
Byte Treatment Scope
- Treats all classes of malocclusions, including many skeletal components.
- Can move all the teeth, including the molars.
- In-person check-ins are usually required every 4–10 weeks.
- Treats mild-to-moderate cosmetic concerns.
- Can’t move the molars.
- Monthly photo check-ins are suggested, but not required.
What 3M Clarity and Byte Treat
According to 3M Clarity and orthodontic partner websites, their aligners can treat the following conditions:
Byte is quite a bit more limited in its scope. According to its website, Byte aligners can treat:
- Mild-to-moderate crowding
- Mild-to-moderate spacing
- Some cases of overbite
- Some midline misalignment cases
Yet you also have to consider which teeth a system can move. 3M Clarity can move all the teeth, including molars. Byte, on the other hand, says they can’t move the molars, and typically, their aligners don’t even cover them.
As you can see, 3M Clarity has a significantly wider scope of treatment, but this doesn’t mean that Byte is a bad option. Since it is a remote system, it’s inherently limited in what it can do, since it cannot utilize attachments or benefit from in-person oversight.
3M Clarity can, though. The company also designs smaller attachments than many of its competitors, allowing orthodontists to place multiple attachments per tooth. Their software is also programmed to accommodate placement on the backs of the teeth, allowing the system to direct force in different ways.
What 3M Clarity and Byte Customers Say
A quick Google search will reveal many 3M Clarity patient reviews, largely on video platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Overall, these reviews back up the company’s claims, showing that the system can make major changes to tooth alignment, and even alter jaw placement in some cases.
You don’t need to search the internet for Byte customer experiences, because many have shared their reviews directly with us! Most of these individuals received treatment for simple crowding, spacing, and overbites, while a few had more complex cases, like crossbites and underbites. People who addressed simpler issues tended to give four- and five-star reviews at a higher rate than people who used the system for more complex issues.
Clinical Oversight
In-office aligner therapy inherently involves in-person visits and direct doctor oversight. 3M Clarity only allows orthodontists to provide their treatment, and they must undergo company-specific training before they can offer it. Plus, 3M encourages orthodontists to engage in continuing education specifically focused on their products, ensuring they are genuine experts and up to date on new developments. So when you see your orthodontist — typically every 4–10 weeks — you’ll benefit from their expertise and extensive training.
Byte offers photo check-ins through their My Byte app. For most customers, these check-ins are optional, only required if the company thinks your case requires extra oversight. Even if they don’t require it, you can choose to check in once a month just to feel a bit more confident in the process.
Quality of Materials
3M Clarity is pretty unique in the world of clear aligners because it gives orthodontists two different materials: Flex and Force. Flex is their newest plastic, made from five unique layers, resulting in flexibility. Force is the original plastic and it’s stiffer. 3M Clarity notes that the two types of plastic are better at different types of movements:
- Flex is better at correcting rotations and incorrect angles.
- Force is better at expansion, torque, and raising or lowering teeth.
Orthodontists can switch between the two plastics based on the movements each aligner needs to make. For example, if they need to expand the arch first, they can order the initial aligners with Force, then switch to Flex to rotate the teeth once there is room.
Byte was acquired by Dentsply Sirona in 2020. They don’t give many details on the specific plastics they use, but Dentsply Sirona is a well-established and trusted company, so we feel confident that they use quality plastics in their Byte aligners.
Affordability Comparison
Clear aligners don’t just give you straighter teeth — they can give you more confidence and better oral health. Still, those benefits shouldn’t come at the expense of your financial wellbeing. We think both companies deliver plenty of value, but as an at-home service, Byte is the more affordable option.
Clarity Aligners Affordability
Byte Affordability
- Treatment ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 in most cases.
- Typically does not include any retainers, which cost an extra $100–$300.
- Financing options vary by doctor.
- $2,199 sticker price (or $2,599 for Byte At-Night).
- Includes one set of aftercare retainers in the cost of treatment.
- Approves everyone for financing, but requires a down payment.
Sticker Price
3M Clarity doesn’t have a set price tag, which is standard for in-office treatments, since each doctor sets their own rates. Multiple factors determine how much you will pay, including the complexity of your condition and how many office visits you need. Clarity Aligners can cost between $3,000 and $8,000, although the average is around $5,000 — similar to Invisalign. If your orthodontist feels you need combination treatment (Clarity Aligners and Clear Braces), the price will be even higher.
Where Clarity Aligners is one of the most expensive options, Byte is one of the more affordable ones. You’ll pay $2,199 for their all-day aligners or $2,599 for their nighttime system. And this includes the HyperByte (a high-frequency vibration device, which, according to Byte, helps reduce discomfort), whitening foam, and your first set of aftercare retainers. So, Byte costs less than even the most affordable Clarity Aligners treatment.
What About Insurance?
Thousands of dollars isn’t exactly what you’d call pocket change. But if you have dental insurance with orthodontic benefits, it might help you lower your cost. Clarity Aligners from an in-network doctor should be at least partially covered. Be sure to review the details of your policy, though; most cover 50% of treatment or less, but some have a lifetime orthodontic limit of several thousand dollars instead.
Insurance companies are typically less open to covering Byte since it is a remote treatment. However, they now partner with several insurance agencies. If yours is one of them, you’ll need to pay for treatment first, then Byte will help you file for reimbursement.
And don’t forget about your HSA or FSA if you have one. Talk to your account administrator about applying funds to clear aligner therapy.
Financing Options
If you don’t have orthodontic benefits (or already exhausted them) but still have significant out-of-pocket costs, financing could break them into more manageable pieces. For Clarity Aligners, check with your orthodontist to see if they offer any financing plans. If not, you can look into third-party financiers. Just keep in mind that third-party plans often require a credit check and include higher interest rates.
Byte has an in-house financing plan called BytePay, and it doesn’t require a credit check. All-day treatment requires a $249 down payment, and you’ll pay $70/month for 36 months after that. Byte At-Night is slightly more expensive — a $299 down payment followed by 36 monthly payments of $84.
Retainers
After any orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to wear retainers for the rest of your life to keep your teeth from shifting back — first all day long, then just overnight. With either treatment, you can get clear plastic retainers that you’ll need to replace periodically.
As we mentioned, Byte includes one set for free, but charges $129 for every replacement. However, the Byte Protection Plan provides five years’ worth of retainers for $749. Instead of placing individual orders twice per year, Byte will ship your replacements automatically. You’ll get ten sets in total, so you’ll pay around $75 per set instead of $129.
3M doesn’t make their own retainers, but you can still get one from your orthodontist. In-office plastic retainers typically cost $100–$400 per set, and you’ll need to replace them around every 12 months. Hawley retainers are removable plastic-and-wire appliances that often cost a few hundred dollars more, but last years longer. Or, your orthodontist can install a permanent retainer — a metal wire bonded behind your teeth, holding them in place.
Convenience Comparison
Many adults live busy lives. Work. Family. Friends. Chores. Self-care. Repeat. It’s not ideal to fill your small windows of free time with doctor’s appointments. Byte and their at-home peers deliver everything to your home, which we think makes them more convenient than in-office options like Clarity Aligners. However, there is more to convenient treatment than simply eliminating office visits.
Clarity Aligners Convenience
Byte Convenience
- Your orthodontist will handle the start-up process, which includes a 3D scan, X-rays, and photos.
- You’ll schedule office visits around every 4–10 weeks.
- Treatment can take anywhere from six to 24 months, often around 15.
- There is no nighttime-only option.
- Ordering an impression kit online is the only way to get started.
- You’ll complete treatment entirely at home — no office visits required.
- Byte says the average treatment time is 4–5 months for standard treatment and 5–6 months for nighttime-only treatment.
- Offers a nighttime-only option (Byte At-Night) that only requires ten consecutive hours of daily wear.
Getting Started
To start your Clarity Aligners treatment, just use the directory on their website to find a provider near you, then set up your consultation. At your visit, your doctor will confirm that you’re a candidate for treatment, then scan your dental anatomy using a digital scanner. They may also take some other diagnostic images, such as X-rays and photos.
Byte is a little trickier. You will need to order an impression kit from their website and use it to create molds of your teeth. Some customers say making these molds can be tricky, and most people have to do more than one — sometimes, they even need a second kit. Once you have usable molds, send them back to Byte and they’ll evaluate them to see if you’re a good candidate for treatment.
The Office Visit Trade-Off
Office visits can enhance treatment; they allow for personalized support and can typically treat more severe misalignments than remote options. The flip side is that they make it more time-consuming — some people make 16–24 office visits by the end of their treatment. That’s a lot of time!
Byte, on the other hand, doesn’t require a single office visit. They don’t even require virtual check-ins unless you have certain conditions. That means they aren’t nearly as intensive, but it also saves you a lot of time.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Your teeth are unique, and so is the length of your treatment. It all depends on the severity of your misalignments and how quickly your teeth shift.
Clarity Aligners treatment can take anywhere between six and 24 months, but it typically falls around 15 months. In contrast, Byte claims their average treatment plan length is just 4–5 months for their all-day system and 5–6 months for Byte-at-Night. Just remember that Clarity Aligners treat more complex cases, which take longer than milder misalignments.
What About Nighttime-Only Treatment?
Clear aligners are pretty convenient, but taking them out to eat and drink anything besides plain water can be annoying. If you’re a frequent snacker or have a serious coffee habit, this can mean taking them out several times a day — then cleaning the aligners and your teeth before putting them back in.
Nighttime-only treatment means wearing your aligners for ten consecutive hours every night. Compare this to 22 hours per day for all-day aligners. The problem is that many companies don’t offer this type of treatment, Clarity Aligners included. But Byte does. So, if you want that nighttime-only convenience, you’ll have to go with Byte.
Appearance Comparison
Clear aligners’ fame was built on their appearance. Their invisibility showed a vast improvement over noticeable metal brackets. So all clear aligners are discreet, but since attractiveness is subjective, your ideal aligner might look different from someone else’s. While they look very similar, Clarity Aligners and Byte each craft unique aligners with subtle differences between them.
Clarity Aligners Appearance
Byte Appearance
- Uses a matte, smooth plastic.
- Lets your orthodontist choose the cut.
- Can incorporate supplemental attachments, but they’re low profile and the orthodontist can sometimes place them behind your teeth.
- Aligners are smooth and shiny.
- Uses straight-cut aligners.
- Cannot use attachments, so aligners stay clear and discreet.
Aligner Material
Clarity Aligners may have two different types of plastic, but both offer the same look: ultra-clear, smooth, and matte. Their clear finish allows the natural teeth to show through and we think the matte finish avoids an artificial-looking shine. However, in our opinion, a slight texture would make the aligners even more discreet, since it helps aligners mimic your enamel’s naturally porous surface.
Byte’s plastic is also pretty clear and smooth. However, it has a shiny finish, which we think can make your teeth look unnaturally glossy. Yet some people like that extra “gleam,” so it’s up to your personal aesthetic preferences.
Aligner Cut
Both Clarity Aligners and Byte can cut their aligners straight across the top, so they overlap your gums by a couple of millimeters. A straight-cut can help make your aligners more retentive, but observant people might notice the slight overlap, especially if your gums show when you smile or laugh. Clarity also has the option for a scalloped cut, if your orthodontist feels it’s advisable in your case.
Supplemental Attachments
Elastics, buttons, and engagers are supplemental attachments that empower clear aligners to make more significant, complex dental shifts. The trade-off is that they increase visibility. Clarity makes their attachments either tooth-colored or clear, and they’re smaller than attachments from other companies — so small that your orthodontist might even place them behind your teeth, hiding them completely.
Byte doesn’t use attachments, so it’s not an issue for them.
Patient Experience Comparison
Manufacturing details, dental networks, pricing, and plastics have a tremendous influence on your treatment, but between the start-up process and your final results, a lot of details add up to form your patient experience. Many customers say Byte is supportive and helpful throughout, but we think it’s tough to replicate the personalized care of an in-office treatment like Clarity Aligners with a remote team.
Clarity Aligners Patient Experience
Byte Patient Experience
- You’ll typically need to contact your orthodontist’s office by phone or email.
- Office visits around every 4–10 weeks give you regular opportunities to consult your orthodontist face to face.
- Each orthodontist sets their own policies for refinements and guarantees.
- Each customer is assigned a Byte advisor who can help you get started.
- You won’t have oversight during treatment unless you have certain conditions.
- Offers a lifetime warranty and will deliver new aligners if your teeth shift in the future.
Communication Channels
Your orthodontist’s office will be your main contact during your Clarity Aligners treatment. Their communication channels will usually include phone and email, but if they have a patient portal, web chat could be an option, too.
You can reach Byte’s customer service team by phone, email, text, and web chat from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm PST, seven days a week. You can also reach out on social media, but they aren’t as responsive there, or you can reach out through their My Byte app. Also, Byte assigns you a personal advisor to keep in contact with you throughout treatment, and they will help with most of your questions and concerns.
Oversight
You might not like what direct oversight means for your schedule, but many patients love what it does for their overall experience. Choose Clarity Aligners and you’ll enjoy regular in-person supervision from your orthodontist. Though the quality of care varies depending on the practice you choose, we think that in-person options typically offer highly personalized support.
Some at-home aligner services require you to submit photos of your teeth every few weeks so they can monitor your progress, but Byte only does if you have certain conditions. After you receive your Byte aligners, you’re more or less on your own. If you have a concern, you can reach out to Byte’s support team, and they might elevate it to the clinical team.
Refund & Warranty Policies
If you reach the end of your Clarity Aligners treatment and aren’t happy with your results, contact your orthodontist so they can come up with a plan to finish the job. Some orthodontists will cover the first set of refinements (extra aligners) if you follow your treatment plan correctly; others will require you to pay extra. Rarely will any orthodontist give you a refund after your treatment is complete, but they’ll work with you to perfect your smile.
Byte doesn’t offer refunds, but their Byte for Life Guarantee states that if your teeth shift in the future, they will make more aligners to restore your smile. To maintain eligibility, you must replace your retainers twice a year and wear them as instructed.
Which Should You Choose?
We think it’s hard to go wrong with either one of these companies. Neither is inherently better than the other, but each one is best suited to different situations.
Who Should Consider Clarity Aligners?
People who want to make big changes to their alignment and consistent in-person oversight from an orthodontist.
Who Should Consider Byte?
Anyone who has a mild-to-moderate misalignment in the front six teeth and prefers the convenience of fully remote treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with Clarity Aligners or Byte?
With Clarity Aligners, you need to find an orthodontist to visit for scans and other diagnostics. Byte is fully remote, so you’ll need to order an impression kit from their website, create molds of your teeth, then send them back to Byte for analysis. If you’re approved for treatment, they will make your aligners.
How much do Clarity Aligners and Byte cost?
Clarity Aligner treatment ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on your orthodontist’s rates and how many aligners you need. Byte’s standard all-day plan costs $2,199, and Byte At-Night costs $2,599.
How long do Clarity Aligners and Byte take?
Clarity Aligners treatment can take anywhere from six to 24 months, but averages 15. Byte says their average treatment plan length is just 4–5 months (5–6 for Byte-at-Night). Keep in mind that Clarity Aligners often treat more complex cases, which take longer to correct.
Can I wear my aligners only at night?
With Byte, you can. They offer a nighttime-only plan called Byte At-Night that uses a premium plastic. This allows them to stand up to overnight jaw clenching and allows them to move the teeth more effectively.
What conditions can Clarity Aligners and Byte treat?
Clarity Aligners can treat all three classes of malocclusions, including conditions of the jaw and raising and lowering teeth. Byte can address mild-to-moderate crowding and spacing in the front six teeth, and more complex misalignments on a case-by-case basis.
What is the cheapest clear aligner company?
AlignerCo. They are the most affordable company we’ve reviewed — just $995.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
Sometimes. You need to make sure your policy has orthodontic benefits, and if it does, find out which systems it covers. Depending on your policy, both Clarity Aligners and Byte might be covered.
Are home aligners safe?
At-home clear aligner treatment plans are always designed and/or approved by a licensed dentist or orthodontist — as long as you’re buying from a legitimate clear aligner service.
The main concern regarding the safety of fully-remote clear aligner treatment is the lack of face-to-face care. Since you won’t be seeing a dentist in-person during treatment, you won’t receive the same level of support that you’d get with traditional in-office aligners like Invisalign or ClearCorrect. That said, a recent NIH-funded survey found the majority of at-home aligner customers were satisfied with their results, and only 6.6% experienced side effects necessitating a visit to their local dentist.
Read our guide to safe home teeth straightening treatment for more information.
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