Invisalign vs. Byte: How They Actually Compare

Invisalign took the orthodontic industry by storm in 1997 when they introduced the first-ever clear aligners. No longer did adults need to fill their mouths with metal to achieve straighter teeth. As their popularity grew, an entire field of clear aligner companies followed, and this competition drove evolution.

Byte is one of the largest, most exciting “at-home” aligner brands on the market — one that has sparked new developments in clear aligner treatment and technology. At first glance, Byte might seem similar to Invisalign, but their processes are actually quite different. This review will dig into the details of how Invisalign and Byte actually compare.

Overview & Recommendation: Byte Wins

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Two Great Options, But Byte Gets Our Vote.

Both Invisalign and Byte offer high-quality aligner treatment, but in our opinion, Byte wins the race. Why? Three reasons:

1. More Affordable: At $1,999, Byte rings up at thousands less than Invisalign treatment (which costs $5,000 on average).
2. The HyperByte Device: Byte’s high-frequency vibration device, the “HyperByte”, helps seat your aligners better and may reduce discomfort. According to certain preliminary studies, devices like this might also encourage faster dental shifts. Byte includes the HyperByte in the cost of every treatment plan.
3. Satisfaction Guarantee: Byte treatment comes with a lifetime warranty on your smile. Once you’ve completed treatment, their Byte for Life Guarantee promises that if your teeth ever shift back, they’ll realign your smile free of charge (as long as you continue purchasing two sets of retainers per year).

Is Byte Right for You?

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 kit a free whitening pen to help you brighten your teeth on the go. Enter the code SMILEBRYTE at checkout to claim this promotion.

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Company Overviews

Over two decades ago, a dental technology company called Align Technology developed Invisalign, the first clear aligner series. Invisalign dominated the clear aligner market for nearly ten years. They quickly implemented an ambitious marketing campaign, partnered with dentists and orthodontists across the country, and had transformed 175,000 smiles by 2004. Today, Invisalign maintains its position atop the clear aligner industry. They partner with 100,000 dentists in 90 countries and have treated over 14 million patients.

Founded in 2018, Byte hasn’t treated nearly as many patients, but they have taken impressive steps in reducing treatment times and prioritizing customer service. Co-founder and Chief Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Jon Marashi has a star-studded portfolio of A-list patients, but started Byte to bring his Hollywood-tested treatments to the mainstream. They’re making waves with their innovative technology and exemplary customer support, and have quickly become one of the industry’s top competitors, taking the #1 spot in our home aligner rankings.

Effectiveness Comparison

One of the most important questions you probably ask yourself when evaluating a certain treatment is “how well does it work?” Think: overall treatment times, manufacturer reliability, and aligner design. These elements will determine whether your clear aligner provider can deliver your desired results within your ideal timeframe. Invisalign and Byte are each highly effective, but suitable for different situations.

That said, Invisalign’s versatility and capability to treat a wide variety of severe conditions typically make it more effective than just about any other clear aligner out there.

What Can They Treat?

Because it doesn’t incorporate office visits and dentist oversight, Byte’s treatment can only correct mild-to-moderate cases of crowding and spacing, along with some very minor bite issues. You will need to submit an impression kit so that Byte’s dentists and orthodontists can determine whether their treatment can achieve the results you want. If you’re not a good candidate, they will let you know upfront so you can pursue an in-office treatment like Invisalign instead.

Invisalign can treat just about any condition you may have. Severe crowding, large gaps, underbite, overbite, crossbite, and much more — Invisalign can correct them all. This is because your dentist can enhance your aligners with additions like elastics and Smartforce attachments, which affix to your teeth and induce more intricate, powerful movements. Without a dentist’s oversight, these additions aren’t possible, so Byte can’t incorporate them.

Manufacturer Quality

Consider the difficult life of a clear aligner. You bite down on them all day and they have to maintain their shape. This precise shape has been carefully designed to facilitate intricate teeth movements, so if it breaks or relaxes, the aligner will completely lose its effectiveness. This is where reliable aligner materials and construction come into play.

Invisalign’s parent company, Align Technology, is the largest and most experienced clear aligner producer in the U.S. They’ve been creating high-quality aligners since the 90s, and they’re always finding ways to improve their products. Currently, Align Technology and Invisalign use a patented material called “SmartTrack,” which Invisalign claims “moves your teeth more precisely and comfortably.”

In late 2020, Byte was acquired by Dentsply Sirona, a reputable dental manufacturing company that makes cleaning instruments, scanning machines, retainers, and virtually any other dental equipment you can imagine. This means their products are highly trustworthy and well-designed.

Aligner Cut

All clear aligner companies cut their products one of two ways: straight across the top or scalloped to match the gum line. This cut can influence their effectiveness. Byte takes the straight-cut approach, which allows their aligners to leverage the gums and exert additional force on the teeth, moving them faster than scalloped aligners. However, Invisalign has its own perks. They trim their aligners to your gum line, but your dentist can use attachments to match (or exceed) the leverage that straight-cut aligners get from overlapping the gums.

Dental Network

To create home aligner treatment plans, Byte uses state-licensed dentists and orthodontists who work collaboratively. These professionals are entirely remote, but still possess a high level of expertise.

Dentists and orthodontists can both administer Invisalign, so the choice is up to you. You might prefer to go with your usual dentist (if they’re a provider) so you can have your teeth cleaned and straightened at the same office. Or, you might decide to get a referral for an orthodontist instead.

Technology

Both Byte and Invisalign use software to scan your teeth, create 3D models of your dental arches, and simulate your treatment plan. Invisalign uses a proven 3D scanner system called iTero, paired with custom software called ClinCheck, which uses algorithms to model ideal movements for each tooth. iTero scanners and ClinCheck software both have long track records of success and pair specifically with Invisalign’s treatment.

Among home aligner companies, Byte uses some of the most unique and intriguing software. Smile Science considers all of your facial features when crafting your new smile, so the finished product complements your full facial structure. Plus, they have a mobile app where you can track your treatment, upload photos of your teeth for review, and contact customer support.

But the most exciting aspect of Byte treatment is the “HyperByte.” This high-frequency vibration device uses gentle micro-pulses to stimulate the bone structures in your mouth. There’s some evidence that using devices like this every day can encourage faster, more comfortable dental shifts.

Affordability Comparison

Straight teeth are great, but not at the expense of your financial well-being. Orthodontic treatments have long presented a significant monetary investment, Invisalign included. But by eliminating the need for office visits, at-home aligner companies have cut their costs nearly in half, making it much more accessible to transform your smile. Even though Invisalign can treat a much wider range of conditions, home aligners like Byte are more suitable for anyone who’s on a tight budget.

Sticker Price

Byte’s upfront cost is $1,999 for standard, All-Day treatment and $2,399 for their nighttime-only aligners. They aren’t the cheapest option out there, but compared to Invisalign, they’re much more cost-effective. Plus, this cost includes one set of aftercare retainers. This is a nice touch considering other companies charge you around $100 for retainers.

Trying to pin down Invisalign’s price is harder because it varies depending on your specific dentist and the severity of your condition. Generally, the more office visits you require, the more your treatment will cost. But even at its most affordable, Invisalign is still pricier than home aligners. The average course of Invisalign treatment costs between $3,000 and $8,000. Unique circumstances might cause the price to fall outside this range, but in general, that’s what you can expect to pay.

What About Insurance?

Insurance companies will sometimes consider orthodontic treatment purely cosmetic, especially in milder cases often associated with home aligners. But, that’s not always the case. Whether you choose Invisalign or Byte, there’s a chance you may get some assistance from your insurer. Rarely will an insurance company cover the entire treatment, but some will contribute to part of the costs, which still helps to make treatment more affordable.

However, Invisalign and Byte’s insurance processes are slightly different. Your dentist or orthodontist’s office can receive payments directly from your insurance company, while Byte cannot. Instead, Byte requires you to pay for your treatment, then apply for reimbursement. Fortunately, to streamline the process, Byte’s customer support team will handle the paperwork for you.

Financing Options

Neither company expects you to have stacks of cash lying around, so you can get financing and payment plans with either one.

Invisalign doesn’t have company-wide financing policies. Instead, you’ll need to speak with your dentist about their payment plan options, which may or may not require a credit check and/or down payment.

Byte’s in-house financing plan (BytePay) requires a soft credit check. For Byte’s standard All-Day aligners, you’ll pay a $249 down payment, then $70/month for 36 months. Byte At-Night (see the Convenience section) 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. Both companies make clear retainers you’ll need to replace around twice per year.

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.

Invisalign makes a brand of retainers called Vivera, and you can typically get them from your same provider. They come in sets of four and often cost $100–$400 per set. According to Invisalign, Vivera retainers last longer than those from most competitors, so you might not have to purchase them as often.

Convenience Comparison

We know you’re busy. Between work, family, friends, and (hopefully) some time for self-care, most adults are. When you find a small window of free time, your top priority probably isn’t to spend it at the dentist’s office. It’s simply not as convenient as having your aligners delivered directly to your doorstep.

But office visits alone don’t dictate a treatment’s convenience. You should also consider average treatment times, startup processes, schedule flexibility, and more. Byte wins the convenience category by allowing you to complete treatment entirely from home.

Getting Started

Before kicking off your treatment, Byte needs to confirm that their aligners can deliver the results you’re after. To do so, they will need to get a look at your teeth. This means creating and submitting molds called “impressions.” Your first step will be purchasing an impression kit and submitting the necessary molds. The issue is that most people have zero experience taking dental impressions. So, this process can be somewhat cumbersome, and some customers report needing multiple attempts.

The first step in Invisalign treatment is scheduling a consultation with your provider of choice. Here, you can learn more about your options and a dental professional will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. Often, this is much simpler than attempting to take impressions on your own.

The Office Visit Trade-Off

Invisalign’s office visits serve an important purpose. They allow your dentist to oversee and modify your treatment, making it more effective in correcting a wide scope of conditions. But when you finally get some well-earned free time, spending it at the dentist’s office isn’t nearly as exciting or relaxing as the alternatives. That’s why many adults opt for at-home companies instead.

After you’re approved for Byte treatment, the company’s dentists will design, produce, and ship your aligners directly to your home. You will need to administer the treatment yourself, but it eliminates the need for regular office visits. So, you can spend less time in the patient’s chair and more time doing what you want.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Byte advertises an average treatment plan length of just 4–5 months. If you choose Byte At-Night, they say the average treatment plan is 5–6 months instead, since you’re wearing your aligners for fewer hours per day.

This is often because Byte is used to treat milder conditions that don’t take as long to correct. Invisalign, on the other hand, treats fairly complex cases, ones that require more drastic or intricate movements. So, Invisalign usually takes 12–18 months, though your treatment time can be longer or shorter, depending on the severity of your condition.

What About Nighttime-Only Treatment?

Nighttime aligners are a relatively new development in clear aligner treatment. Typically, you must wear your aligners for 22+ hours per day to ensure a successful treatment. However, Byte also offers a nighttime-only option, which only requires you to wear your aligners for ten hours per day (overnight) instead.

Byte At-Night aligners use a specialized, thicker material, and while their nighttime-only schedule makes treatment more convenient, it also extends your treatment plan a bit. Plus, not wearing your aligners for an extended amount of time could allow your teeth to shift back to their old positions. It’s also more expensive, coming in at $2,399, so nighttime treatment might not be the best choice for everyone.

Invisalign doesn’t offer a comparable nighttime-only option. They maintain that for best results, you should wear your aligners for 22+ hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

Appearance Comparison

One of the main reasons clear aligners are so popular today is because they offer a much more discreet alternative to traditional braces. Any adult who dreads the idea of showing up to a date or job interview sporting wires and brackets now has a variety of other options. Every company’s clear aligners are less noticeable than braces, but if we dig deeper, we find that there are a couple of visual differences between Invisalign and Byte.

Keep in mind that different people have different aesthetic preferences, so each person will have their own ideas about what looks best.

Aligner Material

All clear aligner companies use medical-grade, BPA-free plastics in their products. But there are two schools of thought when it comes to aligner materials. One is that smooth, translucent plastic makes them less visible. The other is that a textured, frosted surface makes them look more natural. We agree with the second. Invisalign aligners have a textured surface, which better matches the naturally porous and matte surface of your teeth.

On the flip side, Byte uses a smooth, clear plastic that can seem artificially reflective. This, however, somewhat depends on personal tastes. Some customers report liking the way these smooth aligners make their teeth “gleam.”

Aligner Cut

Refer to the “Effectiveness” section above and you’ll find another section on aligner cuts. This design aspect doesn’t just impact effectiveness, though. It also influences visibility. Straight-cut aligners (like Byte’s) might be able to move the teeth more quickly, but the slight overlap between aligner and gums can also make them more noticeable. Invisalign trims their aligners to match your gum line, so they don’t have the same visible overlap. Plus, Invisalign uses tiny attachments to anchor your aligners in place, giving them the comparable (if not better) teeth-moving power.

Supplemental Attachments

One of Invisalign’s main appeals is its ability to incorporate other orthodontic attachments to treat severe misalignments and bite issues. These attachments are essential for treating a wide scope of conditions, but they also make the aligners more visible. Byte doesn’t have this issue, as their aligners can’t incorporate supplemental attachments.

Patient Experience Comparison

We’ve covered everything from product design to treatment time, but what about everything in between? How does the company treat you? How far do they go to ensure your satisfaction? Do they provide oversight for a smooth treatment? All of these things (and more) encompass the total patient experience.

Among at-home aligner companies, we think Byte has adequate customer service. But they can’t beat the reassurance and satisfaction that comes from Invisalign’s personalized care and hands-on oversight.

Communication Channels

Need to get in touch? Byte customer service representatives are available by phone, email, text, and webchat from 8:00am to 6:00pm PST. You can also reach out on social media and receive a response within 24 hours. On top of all that, Byte assigns each customer their own “Byte advisor” who will be your personal contact for questions, concerns, etc. throughout the process.

They also have a mobile app (My Byte) that serves as a hub for all of your important treatment information and reminders. You can use it to get notifications on changing aligner sets, track your HyperByte usage, submit photos of your teeth for review, and live chat with customer support.

Invisalign operates its customer support differently. While you can email the company directly, your dentist’s office will handle a majority of your questions and concerns. This gives you a direct point of contact and a level of personalized care that most home aligner companies can’t match.

Oversight

Byte recommends uploading monthly photos of your teeth through their My Byte app, but only requires it if you have certain dental conditions. If you complete all of these check-ins, you’ll get fairly consistent oversight from their dental team. If not, you’ll need to contact your advisor with any concerns and they’ll loop in a dentist or orthodontist if necessary. And even then, they can’t get a good look at your teeth without sending another impression kit. If something goes wrong, Byte will make it right, but it’s a more cumbersome process and you won’t have direct access to your dentist.

Invisalign doesn’t just give you access to dentist check-ins, it requires them. You’ll need to make an office visit every 4–6 weeks so that they can see your progress and make adjustments, if necessary. Scheduling and attending these office visits is time-consuming, but it also gives you reassurance and an in-person resource if you’re concerned about your teeth.

Refund & Warranty Policies

Let’s take a look at worst-case scenarios for a second. What do you do if your treatment doesn’t progress as expected? Consider this: you’re two months into your Byte treatment plan and you’re simply not seeing the results you expected. Now what?

Since you’ve already begun the program, they won’t offer a refund. But, their dentists and orthodontists will work with you, free of charge, to make sure you end up with the smile you want. And after your treatment wraps up, Byte guarantees that new smile for life. Their Byte-for-Life warranty will issue new aligners at any point in the future if your teeth shift again, even if it’s years down the road—as long as you’ve purchased new retainers every six months and worn them as directed. And if your initial treatment doesn’t deliver the results they promised, Byte will issue a refinement for free.

Invisalign’s system makes it easy for your dentist to make mid-treatment adjustments. During your regular office visits, your dentist will assess your progress and make modifications if necessary. In this model, it’s much easier to make changes on the fly to ensure you’ll get the desired results. And if the initial round of aligners doesn’t do it, you can get as many new aligners as necessary to finish the job (as long as you paid for the standard Invisalign Full plan). Refunds are rarely necessary, but those policies are up to your dentist or orthodontist.

Which Should You Choose?

Once again, both of these companies offer quality, effective clear aligner treatments. Neither one is clearly or inherently better than the other. Rather, each one has its own strengths and each excels in different circumstances. So, your decision should be based on your unique condition, goals, and expectations.