Wearing clear aligners for 22 hours per day isn’t always ideal. You might cringe at the thought of removing and replacing them for every business lunch, date, or morning cup of coffee. If so, Byte has a workaround: nighttime-only aligners that require just ten hours of continuous wear.
While other clear aligner brands advertise nighttime treatment, Byte is the only one that’s designed a totally different product for nighttime-only wear. But are Byte’s At-Night aligners a viable option for you? This guide will outline the major pros and cons of this innovative new approach to at-home teeth straightening.
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Byte At-Night Overview: Is It Worth It?
Byte At-Night costs slightly more than the All-Day treatment plan, and for good reason: Byte designed a premium product specifically for nighttime wear. When combined with their HyperByte device, Byte’s At-Night aligners are designed to deliver safe and efficient results, even with less daily wear time.
Pros & Cons of Byte At-Night Aligners
At first glance, nighttime treatment might seem like a can’t-lose situation — and for some people, it is. But it’s important to consider all aspects of any treatment before committing. Byte At-Night is fairly different from their All-Day treatment, and it has its downsides too. See how each one stacks up against your priorities to determine if it’s a good fit for you.
Before we delve deep into Byte At-Night treatment, here’s a quick overview of its pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
If any of those points caught your attention, keep scrolling. We’ve got a lot more information on each one below — everything you’ll need to decide whether Byte At-Night is the best option for you.
How Does Byte At-Night Work?
Getting orthodontic treatment while you sleep might sound too good to be true, but Byte uses premium materials, designs, and personnel to make it happen. These aren’t like average aligners. They’re thicker than all-day aligners, grind-resistant, and designed specifically for shorter daily wear.
Along with the HyperByte device, these sturdy aligners help to achieve safe and efficient dental shifts. Of course, not everyone is a suitable candidate for this treatment. Whether you choose daytime or nighttime treatment, Byte can only correct mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing.
You’ll need to complete and submit an impression kit to see if your case fits the bill. If so, Byte’s dentists and orthodontists will take a second look to see if nighttime treatment will work for you. If they determine that a more robust wear schedule would benefit your smile, you might need to go with standard daytime treatment instead.
While most at-home aligner companies mail all of your aligners at once, Byte sends 15 weeks’ worth at a time. This is so that they can periodically evaluate your progress and make any necessary adjustments before producing your next group of aligners.
You’ll contact Byte when you get to your 13th aligners to order your next batch — what they call your “continuation aligners.” They’ll request a few photos of your teeth, and you’ll wear your 15th aligners until your new ones arrive, to keep your teeth from shifting back.
Byte At-Night vs. All-Day Treatment: Key Differences to Consider
The most obvious difference between Byte’s nighttime and daytime aligners is how much you wear them each day. But it’s not the only one. When deciding between Byte At-Night and their standard daytime treatment, it’s important to consider all the differences in timelines, materials, cost, and more.
Treatment Plan Length
Byte At-Night requires you to wear your aligners for less than half the time of daytime treatment. Basic math would suggest that nighttime aligners would take twice as long, but Byte claims their average All-Day treatment plan is just 4–5 months long, and their average At-Night treatment plan is 5–6 months. Of course, it all depends on the severity of your misalignment.
Wear Schedule & HyperByte Usage
Picture this: you finish dinner, do the dishes, and it’s time to settle in. Before you kick back on the couch, you take a few minutes to brush your teeth, floss, pop in your aligners, and use your HyperByte device for five minutes. Then you can go about your night. The next morning, you’ll head to the bathroom, take out your aligners, and go about your day. That’s it.
All of this takes around ten hours. By comparison, you’re required to wear daytime aligners for 22+ hours per day — to work, school, and social gatherings, only removing them to eat and drink.
The HyperByte works with both treatments, and no matter which one you choose, you’ll need to use it for five minutes per day. Byte says that brief commitment can help reduce discomfort, while certain preliminary studies suggest devices like this might encourage faster teeth movement.
We should also note that after your teeth shift, they tend to move back. This is why dentists and orthodontists will tell you to wear a retainer after your treatment is complete, and why companies like Invisalign recommend wearing your aligners for 22+ hours per day. The less you wear your aligners, the more time your teeth have each day to shift back.
Does this mean that nighttime treatment is ineffective? No. It just means that there might be a little more discomfort when you put in your aligners since your teeth have had all day to move.
Materials
How does Byte At-Night maintain efficient treatment times for many customers on an adjusted wear schedule? It’s all in the materials. They use a thicker, grind-resistant plastic in their nighttime aligners that they selected specifically for nighttime-only wear.
Compare that to SmileDirectClub, NewSmile, and AlignerCo’s nighttime treatments, which use identical designs, manufacturing processes, and materials in their daytime and nighttime aligners. With either of these companies, you’ll get roughly the same aligners that you would if you ordered standard, all-day treatment. The only differences are the wear schedule and the treatment timeline.
Price
These benefits aren’t free, of course. Since they require special materials and design, nighttime aligners come at a slightly higher cost. You’ll pay $2,399 for Byte At-Night while their standard treatment costs $1,999.
All customers qualify for BytePay with either plan. All-Day treatment requires a $249 down payment, then 36 monthly payments of $70. Choose Byte At-Night and you’ll make a $299 down payment followed by 36 monthly payments of $84. BytePay costs slightly more because it includes a five-year “Smile Protection Plan,” which provides biannual retainer replacement and two free replacements for lost, broken, or stolen retainers.
Treatable Conditions
Byte’s All-Day treatment can correct cases of mild and moderate crowding and spacing, but can’t handle more severe cases or bite issues like overbite or underbite. And Byte At-Night can correct a pretty similar catalog of conditions.
However, not every case of mild-to-moderate crowding or spacing is a good fit for Byte At-Night. Certain conditions might not be well-suited for reduced daily wear. When you submit your impression kit and photos, your assigned dentist or orthodontist will determine whether nighttime treatment is an option for you.
Are There Any Other Nighttime Treatment Options?
Maybe you’re the type of smart shopper who wants to examine all of your options before making a decision. For nighttime aligners, you’ve got three other options: SmileDirectClub, NewSmile, and AlignerCo.
SmileDirectClub’s Nighttime Aligners, NewSmile’s Night Aligners, and AlignerCo’s NightOnly aligners are the exact same ones you would receive for their daytime treatments — just on a different wear schedule. So, these nighttime aligners aren’t quite the same as Byte’s. See at how they compare.
| Byte At-Night | SmileDirectClub Nighttime | NewSmile Night | AlignerCo NightOnly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wear Schedule | 10+ hours per day | 10+ hours per day | 10+ hours per day | 10+ hours per day |
| Advertised Treatment Plan Length | 5–6 months | 10 months | 8–10 months | 6–8 months |
| Price | $2,399 | $2,050 | $1,595 | $1,095 |
| Aligner Design | Thicker, grind-resistant plastic selected specifically for nighttime wear | Same as daytime aligners | Same as daytime aligners | Same as daytime aligners |
| Treatment Designer | A state-licensed dentist or orthodontist | A state-licensed dentist or orthodontist | A state-licensed dentist or orthodontist | A state-licensed dentist or orthodontist |
| Accelerator | HyperByte (5 minutes per day) | None | None | None |
Which Is The Best Option?
AlignerCo, NewSmile, and SmileDirectClub might be cheaper, but we think that Byte is the overall better option. Byte At-Night’s special nighttime design, HyperByte device, and Byte-for-Life Guarantee more than justify the extra cost.
That said, if affordability is your top priority, you might consider AlignerCo or NewSmile instead. And if you want a larger and more experienced company, SmileDirectClub might be the choice for you. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
Visit our in-depth reviews of SmileDirectClub’s Nighttime Aligners and AlignerCo’s NightOnly Aligners for more information.
Final Thoughts: Is Byte At-Night Right For You?
Despite the convenience of nighttime treatment, we generally recommend Byte’s standard All-Day treatment for its versatility, speed, and lower price. But if you definitely want nighttime treatment, Byte has taken the extra measures to ensure safe, effective teeth adjustments while you sleep. So, it’s a great option if you can swing the higher price.
Our Recommendation
We recommend Byte At-Night for anyone who’s set on nighttime-only treatment. Although it comes at a higher price point, we think Byte At-Night offers much more bang for your buck than any other nighttime aligner treatment.
If you decide Byte is the right treatment option for you, be sure to take advantage of this special promotion. Byte is currently offering its impression kit for just $17.95 ($80 off its list price). In addition, as part of this offer Byte will include with your impression a free whitening pen to help you brighten your teeth on the go. Enter the code SMILEBRYTE at checkout to claim this promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are nighttime aligners as effective as daytime treatment?
When it comes to your end results, yes. Nighttime aligner treatment can achieve the same smile transformations that daytime treatment can. However, nighttime treatment moves slower because you’re wearing your aligners for less time each day.
How is Byte’s At-Night treatment different from their standard aligners?
Byte’s website says they use a “medical-grade, grind-resistant polymer material designed specifically for night-wear” in their At-Night aligners, and they cut these aligners slightly thicker than normal.
How long does nighttime treatment take?
Byte advertises an average nighttime treatment plan of 5–6 months, but it could be shorter or longer depending on the severity of your condition. SmileDirectClub’s Nighttime Aligners take an average of 8–10 months, while NewSmile’s Night Aligners usually take 8–10, and AlignerCo’s NightOnly plan often takes 6–8.
Am I a candidate for nighttime aligners?
If you have a mild case of crowding or spacing and no jaw misalignments, then you’re likely eligible for nighttime treatment. To find out for sure, you’ll need to complete and submit an impression kit or visit one of SmileDirectClub’s SmileShops for a free teeth scan.
Do nighttime aligners cost more?
Yes. Byte’s standard all-day treatment costs $1,999, while their nighttime treatment costs $2,399. This is because Byte At-Night requires specialized materials and manufacturing procedures. NewSmile and AlignerCo’s nighttime plans also cost more than their standard ones, but SmileDirectClub charges the same amount for daytime and nighttime treatment.
How does Byte At-Night compare to competitors?
SmileDirectClub, NewSmile, and AlignerCo are Byte’s only competitors in the nighttime aligners game. Unlike Byte, they don’t use special materials or design, but their treatments are also cheaper. AlignerCo’s NightOnly costs $1,195, NewSmile’s Night Aligners cost $1,595, and SmileDirectClub Nighttime Aligners go for $2,050.
How long do I need to wear my aligners each night?
10+ hours. We realize that you probably don’t sleep for ten hours, so just pop them in a couple of hours before bed and you’ll be good to go.
Can I switch from Byte’s daytime to nighttime aligners mid-treatment?
Unfortunately, no. Not only do these treatment types have different wear schedules, but they also use different aligners. Because Byte’s nighttime aligners have a different design, switching mid-treatment would require a whole new set.
What if I have questions during my treatment?
Byte assigns each customer with a personal advisor who knows your case and is available to address questions and concerns throughout your treatment.
Can I get a refund for my aligners?
After you’ve agreed to treatment and purchased aligners, Byte doesn’t offer any refunds. But that doesn’t mean they’ll leave you high and dry. If you finish treatment and your smile doesn’t match your treatment preview, Byte will work with you to create new aligners and finish the job. And if your teeth ever start to drift back, even years down the road, their Byte-for-Life guarantee has you covered — as long as you’ve purchased two sets of their aftercare retainers per year and worn them as directed.
Are nighttime aligners safe?
For a vast majority of cases, yes. Nighttime treatment, however, allows your teeth to very slightly shift back during the day before correcting them again at night. This back and forth has a tiny risk of damaged tooth roots, but these cases are extremely rare.
Do nighttime aligners hurt?
Most customers find home aligners fairly comfortable. Nighttime aligners allow your teeth to shift back and forth a bit more, which can cause some additional discomfort. But you’ll be asleep most of the time you’re wearing them anyway.
Don says
I’m traveling between several countries outside the US for the next 3 years. Can I begin the Byte program while in Italy?
Smile Prep says
Hi Don, our understanding is that Byte cannot ship aligners to locations outside of their coverage area (USA and Australia). However, if you are able to take your impression and receive your aligners in USA, you could certainly take them along with you and continue treatment while traveling abroad. Keep in mind, however, that Byte often breaks up shipment of aligners for longer treatment plans, which could be problematic if you are not planning to return to the USA for an extended period of time. In any event, I’d definitely suggest reviewing your travel plans with Byte’s support staff to confirm whether they can accommodate you.
Heather says
How many times should i reuse the same aligners before i switch to the next set?
Smile Prep says
Hi Heather – sorry for the delayed reply. Our understanding is that you’ll usually use each set of Byte At-Night aligners for one week before changing to the next pair – so seven times using each set of aligners before changing to the next pair. With that said, your specific plan may be different. If you’re an existing Byte customer, I’d strongly encourage you to reach out to Byte support to confirm your wear schedule if you are in doubt.
Carmen says
Would it make a difference if I wore my night aligners more than 10 hours per night?
Smile Prep says
Hi Carmen,
What kind of difference are you hoping to achieve by wearing night aligners more than 10 hours per night? Faster treatment? Better results? If you’re looking to complete treatment quickly as possible, we recommend the standard, all-day option from byte.
Carmen Regalado says
Maybe not quicker results, just curious if it would help with even better straightening.
Smile Prep says
That’s a good question. My sense is that it probably wouldn’t change the end result too much, since you’d still be using the same set of aligners, but that you may possibly experience slightly less discomfort when changing from one set of aligners to the next. With that said, this is just my assumption and not an expert opinion. I’ll forward along your question to our contact at byte and see if I can provide an official answer from the company.