Today’s clear aligner companies are built around a direct-to-consumer business model.  Customers purchase an impression kit and have it shipped to their home.  By simply following a few instructions and shipping their impression back to the company, at-home patients can have clear aligners sent to them in a matter of weeks.

The main reason we wanted to create a Byte vs Smile Direct Club vs Candid review is to compare today’s top 3 clear aligner companies.  There are several similarities between them, but the differences determine which company you decide to use.

However, clear aligners were not always convenient or as accessible as they are today.  Invisalign was developed in 1997 and was one of the first options that was an alternative to traditional braces.  Invisalign today is still beneficial for extreme circumstances of teeth misalignment.  Customers looking for a mild to moderate fix can eliminate in-office visits and do everything from home using the at-home impression kits provided by Byte and Smile Direct Club.

How do Invisible Braces Work?

Twenty-first century technology has helped speed up clear aligner treatments.  Each company has built unique aligners to create small amounts of pressure and force on your teeth.  The domino effect continues down through the sockets, roots, and jaw, so the teeth can begin to move.  The process is so slight, at-home patients only feel minor discomfort through the treatment. 

To move, the periodontal ligament (PDL) needs to be stretched.  The PDL keeps teeth in place in their sockets.  Clear aligners move your teeth to stretch the PDL and create new bone cells.  These cells have two functions: one breaks down the bone on the opposite side of the ligament.  This side stays compressed (no stretching).  The second creates the new bone cells allowing room for the teeth to move.

This process repeats every time you use a new set of aligners.  It takes time for the ligament, gums, and tissue to adjust to the movement.  One of the many reasons why aligners are worn for 1 to 3 weeks at a time.

Comparing Byte Reviews, Smile Direct Club Reviews, and Candid Reviews

There are thousands of reviews for these three companies.  The goal is to find the real information based on positive or negative similarities.  For instance, several Smile Direct Club reviews complain about their remote monitoring.  It is slow, and at times difficult to setup a review with one of their dentists or orthodontists.

A common problem with Candid is website navigation.  Users find it difficult to find helpful information, because the front page is not where the main site’s navigation bars are found.  You must click on their name at the top of the page to reach everything else.  Without knowledge of the website, users would not know.

Byte scores a 4.7 out of 5 stars.  The .3 having issues were primarily on delivery after impression kits were sent back to the company.  However, Byte’s staff was extremely responsive in these cases.  Most of the issues had to do with Covid-19 slowing down the delivery process.

Byte vs Smile Direct Club vs Candid

Smile Direct Club and Candid offer all their aligners in one box.  Byte requires you to use a set of aligners for 1 to 3 weeks before shipping the next set out.  On the surface this looks like a negative mark against Byte.  However, they believe it eliminates possible misuse.

Patients tend to think when their aligners feel loose it means the treatment is complete.  Instead of contacting the clear aligner company they move to the next set of aligners.  It is possible this can have a negative effect on the outcome.  Depending on the severity of your issue, each set of aligners should be worn 1 to 3 weeks.

Byte sets itself apart with the HyperByte technology. Small vibrations at a fast rate for 5 minutes a day shortens treatment times.  Other companies might use attachments to speed up their plans, but they still only offer 6-month averages.

Candid only uses orthodontists.  When your treatment plan is developed, there is only one orthodontist working on it.  During the remote monitoring process, the same orthodontist watches your progress.  They are with you for the entire treatment plan.  Smile Direct Club has orthodontists, but the remote monitoring process is different.

Patients will speak with dentists and doctors during the remote monitoring.  If they cannot answer your questions, the information is forwarded to an orthodontist.  You could end up waiting for 1-2 weeks before receiving an answer.  It is one of Smile Direct Club’s lowest marks.

Byte’s remote monitoring is exceptional.  While they do use dentists and doctors, most of them have years of experience in clear aligner therapy.  In addition, you can request to only speak with an orthodontist and it only takes 24-48 hours to set up a remote appointment.  In some cases; same day.  Their website has Byte before and after photos to see completed plans.

How to Order and Purchase from Byte

1. Join the Byte website
2. Purchase an at-home impression kit
3. Create molds of your teeth at home
4. Use the pre-paid shipping to return them to Byte.
5. A specialized orthodontist will create a treatment plan and wait for your approval.
6. Purchase your plan through one-time payment or one of the many financing options.
7. Your clear aligners are shipped to your home.
8. Wear them 20-22 hours per day and utilize Byte’s extensive remote monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Byte better than Candid?

Yes.  While both companies offer at-home service, Candid’s remote monitoring is brand new and untested.  Byte is considered to have the best remote monitoring out of all the at-home clear aligner companies.  In addition, the HyperByte technology Byte uses cuts treatment times in half.

Is Byte better than Smile Direct?

Yes.  Even though Smile Direct Club has been around a few years longer, Byte has surpassed SDC’s benefits.  Byte also offers BrightByte foam to cleanse your aligners, whiten teeth, and freshen breath all at once.  Smile Direct only offers a whitener.

Is Candid or Smile Direct Better?

We think Byte is still your best option.  Both companies provide your treatment plan’s aligners all at once.  However, Candid’s customer service is very responsive when compared to Smile Direct.  Patients need immediate answers to questions.  Smile Direct’s customer service was good in the beginning but has fallen off in recent years.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the only orthodontist-approved teeth aligner solution available. This system provides excellent results comparable to braces. However, it's incredibly expensive.

It might surprise you to learn that the man who invented Invisalign isn't even a dentist. Zia Christi founded the company after earning an Economics and Computer Science degree from Columbia University.

According to Invisalign reviews, it's an incredibly effective smile correction system, providing excellent results. Invisalign received FDA approval in 1998, and its currently registered as a Class II medical device.

Christi left the company in 2002, but Invisalign remains the only orthodontic-approved smile correction system.

What Is Byte?

Byte is a newcomer to the smile-correction market, founded in 2017 by Dom Hofmann. Byte doesn't require you to visit an orthodontist for your treatment. Instead, they handle everything remotely.

As a result, you save thousands of dollars on consultation fees during your treatment. According to the thousands of positive reviews on Google and the companies website, Byte provides excellent results comparable with Invisalign.

Byte also introduced the revolutionary HyperByte technology with its system. The HyperByte helps you fit your aligner, providing sonic vibrations that help you get a snug fit.

The HyperByte device can speed up your treatment time, giving you the same results as Invisalign in around half the time.

Byte Cost vs Invisalign Cost

Invisalign is the more expensive option of the two. Most of the costs involved come from the consultation fees involved with visiting your doctor during the treatment process. However, Invisalign offers you five options for your treatment.

Invisalign Full – The most prescribed Invisalign treatment. This option can cost up to $8,000.

Invisalign Lite – The best treatment for moderate alignment issues and costs up to $4,500.

Invisalign i7 – This product offers shorter treatment times for patients with moderate issues and costs up to $4,500.

Invisalign Express – This option includes ten aligner trays and costs around $3,500.

Invisalign Teen – This Invisalign option is expensive and accommodates the needs of teens as they grow. Systems can vary between $6,500 to $8,000.

Byte is the more affordable option. You can take the standard daytime treatment for $1,895 or the Byte-at-Night system for a one-off payment of $2,295.

Unlike Invisalign, Byte offers you in-house financing of your treatment. If you take the daytime aligners on credit, you'll pay a $349 down payment and 29-monthly payments of $83. There's a 7.76% APR on the financing, giving you a total cost of $2,763.

The Byte-at-night system requires a $449 down payment, with 29-monthly payments of $99. With the 7.76% APR, that's a total treatment cost of $3,336.

It's also important to note you'll need to spend $95 on Byte's impression kit. However, Byte does include the HyperByte device and teeth whitening foam in your treatment cost.

Is Byte right for me?

Byte aligners are the best choice for independent individuals that can handle the process of remote dental care. You'll receive access to the Byte dental team during your treatment and interact with them through your Byte account on your laptop or mobile device.

However, there's no option for a face-to-face meeting with the Byte team. Some people can handle that, while others need to interactive experience e with their treatment.

Since Byte is less than half the Invisalign treatment cost, it's a great option for people previously priced out of the treatment.

Now, Byte offers you the same orthodontic experience and results as Invisalign, at less than half of what you pay with the orthodontic treatment.

Since you're not visiting an orthodontist's office, you don't have the expense of in-office consultations, not to mention the gas and time it takes to drive to their office.

Is Invisalign right for me?

If you're fine with playing twice the cost of Byte for your aligner treatment, Invisalign is the best choice. With Invisalign, you get fitment and checkups in the orthodontist's chair.

Your doctor monitors the process, telling you when it's time to move onto the next aligner.

However, Byte offers you the same experience, except it's through your smart device or laptop, instead of in your doctor's office.

Can I Claim on My Insurance for My Treatment?

Both Invisalign and Byte allow you to claim on your insurance for your treatment. However, you'll need to check your policy to see if you qualify for cover in most cases. Call your insurer and ask if your policy covers treatments with the D:8090 orthodontic code.

If you qualify, you could save up to 70% on your treatment, dramatically reducing the cost. Both Byte and Invisalign work with FSA/HSA accounts. With Byte, you can use your FSA/HSA debit card or claim back your reimbursement using your receipt.

Byte also assists you with compiling the forms for your insurance and FSA/HSA accounts. Invisalign might not offer this service, depending on your orthodontist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Byte better than Invisalign?

We feel Byte offers faster results than Invisalign. The HyperByte device included with your purchase helps accelerate your progress, allowing you to move through your aligners faster than Invisalign. Byte is comparable with the Invisalign "Full" system, which retails for up to $8,000. 

Are Byte aligners good? 

Yes, Byte aligners feature medical-grade BPA-free plastics with laser-trimmed edges for user comfort. They offer the same polymer science found in the leading orthodontic brands like Invisalign. Considering the cost of Byte is less than half of what you pay for Invisalign, it's a great deal.

How long do I have to wear Byte aligners?

Byte aligners require you to wear them for 22-hours each day. Invisalign has the same daily treatment schedule. Using these day time systems, you can expect treatment times of 3 to 4-months for Byte and 6 to 12-months for Invisalign. The HyperByte device included with the Byte system radically reduces treatment time.

What Is Byte?

Byte is a teledentistry service focusing on straightening your smile. The company offers a remote treatment and care model where you never have to visit an orthodontist's office for treatment.

Typically, aligner systems like Invisalign require fitment in your orthodontist's chair. Your doctor monitors the fitment process and your progress, and you return to their offices to replace your aligner with a new one every few weeks. After four to six months, you have a straight smile.

However, the costs associated with visiting the orthodontist mount up throughout your treatment. As a result, patients can end up spending up to $8,000 on their Invisalign treatment.

Byte realized there was a need for top-quality orthodontic aligners in the at-home treatment market. With the success of SmileDirectClub and other leading brands, Byte entered the market, becoming an instant hit with users.

Byte stands out from the competition thanks to its reasonable offer and the unique HyperByte device. The HyperByte emits sonic pulses through the aligner during the fitment process.

As a result, the aligner gets a secure, tight fit, speeding up your treatment time. Byte also offers its nighttime solution to complement its range.

With the Byte-at-Night aligner system, you get aligners, the HyperByte device, and free whitening spray included in your package.

How Does Byte-at-Night Work?

If you want to start with Byte-at-Night, you'll need to order the impression kit off the company website for $95. The kit comes with instructions and everything you need to take impressions of your teeth.

Mail the impressions back to the Byte dental team using the enclosed mail-stamped box that comes with your impression kit.

The Byte dental team examines your impressions to see if you're a suitable candidate for the treatment. If approved, you'll make your payment, and the byte team design and build your aligners.

Byte ships your aligners, HyperByte device, and whitening spray directly to your home. Setup your account, and start with the first aligner in the series.

You'll check in each week with the Byte Dental Team to examine your progress. You move onto the next aligner in the series when your treatment team approves it.

With Byte-at-night, you never have to set foot in an orthodontist's office. All treatment is remote-based, and you handle all appointments and consultations through your Byte account.

Who Is Byte-at-Night For?

Byte-at-Night is the ideal aligner solution for people that want to straighten their teeth but can't wear aligners during the day for professional reasons.

For instance, if you're in sales and need to talk to clients, taking your aligners in and out between meetings is a hassle.

With Byte-at-night, you get a nighttime solution that keeps your teeth free during the day. You'll wear the aligners for up to 10-hours at night. Slip your aligners in as you leave work, and keep them in until the following morning when you arrive at the office.

The only time you need to take your aligners out at night is when you have your evening meal and brush your teeth.

Byte-at-Night Reviews – Byte at Night Vs Day Aligners

There is a significant price difference between the Byte-at-Night system and the Byte daytime aligners. The daytime version requires you to wear your aligners for 22-hours each day.

As a result, your treatment time varies between three to four months, depending on the work required to straighten your teeth.

With the Byte-at-Night system, you only have to wear your aligners for 10-hours at night. Therefore, the treatment time takes between five to six months.

However, that's half the time of using the SmileDirectClub nighttime solution, thanks to the HyperByte device fast-tracking your results.

The nighttime aligners feature a thinner material than the daytime version, allowing for a comfortable fit.

All aligners come with laser-trimmed edges to ensure a comfortable fit and no chaffing on your cheeks during use.

What Does Byte at Night Cost?

Byte-at-Night is the most expensive Nighttime aligner solution. However, we think it's worth the money. When ordering your Byte-at-Night aligner system, you have options for a once-off payment of $2,295.

However, if you want to take the aligners on credit, you have the option of in-house financing. Byte guarantees approval of your financing, and there's no credit check.

The financing option lets you take the Byte-at-Night system for a $449 downpayment and 29-monthly installments of $99.

When you take the financing option, you get the Byte Protection Plan included with your purchase, with a $779 value.

The Byte Protection Plan guarantees your smile of five years after purchase. You also get free replacement retainers if you lose or break yours during the five years.

If you finance the Byte-at-Night treatment plan, it comes with a 7.76% APR on your financing. Therefore, the total cost of the treatment works out to $3,336.

How Can Byte Help Me Straighten My Smile?

Byte is a newcomer to the at-home teeth-straightening market, founded in 2017 by Dom Hoffman, one of Vine's co-founders.

The company focuses on servicing the at-home teledentistry market with a product aimed at correcting your smile. If you have minor issues involving the gapping or crowding of your teeth, Byte can help.

Typically, if you wanted to straighten your teeth in the past, you needed to visit an orthodontist. However, orthodontist treatments are expensive, and many people can't afford them.

Byte presents you with an affordable teeth-straightening system, and you never need to set foot in an orthodontist's office.

To start with Byte, you order the impression kit from the company website. When it arrives, take impressions of your teeth, and send the molds back to the Byte dental team using the enclosed return box.

The Byte team analyzes your impressions to see if you qualify for the treatment. If approved, you choose your daytime or nighttime aligner system, and Byte mails you them directly to your door.

You'll work with the remote dentistry team during your treatment. The doctors tell you when to progress to the next aligner in the series, and after a few months, you have perfectly straight teeth.

Byte At Night vs All Day Aligners – What's the Difference?

Byte offers you two options for teeth straightening. You have the daytime aligners or the Byte-at-Night system. According to Byte and Byte at Night before and after reviews, both methods work at straightening your smile.

However, with the Byte daytime aligners, you'll wear them for 22-hours each day, and with the Byte-at-Night system, you wear your aligner for 10-hours at night.

Choose the right system to match your lifestyle needs. Let's look at which system suits your teeth straightening requirements.

Who Is Byte All Day Aligners Good For?

If you work from home or at a desk job where you don't need to speak to many people during the day, the Byte daytime system is the ideal choice.

With the Byte daytime aligners, you'll need to wear them for 22-hours each day. The daytime system provides the fastest results, correcting your smile in as little as three to four months.

Who Is Byte Byte-at-Night Aligners Good For?

According to Byte at Night reviews, the nighttime solution is every bit as effective as the daytime aligners. However, you'll wear the aligner for 10-hours a day, freeing up your teeth during the day.

If you're a salesperson, you're talking to clients and colleagues throughout the workday. Having to take your aligner out to speak to clients is frustrating and ruins your treatment plan.

With the Byte-at-Night system, you don't have to worry about interacting with people during the day. The shorter daily treatment time takes around four to five months to complete your treatment with the Byte-at-Night system.

Byte at Night vs Day Aligners: What is the Price Difference?

There is a significant price difference between the Byte-at-Night and the daytime aligner system.

The daytime aligner system comes with a one-off cost of $1,895. You also have the option of taking it on credit with the in-house Byte financing team. You'll make a downpayment of $349, with 29-monthly payments of $83.

The financing option comes with no credit check, but you'll pay a 7.76% APR on your outstanding amount. Therefore, the total cost of financing the day time treatment is $2,763.

The Byte-at-Night system comes with a price tag of $2,295 once-off. You also have the option of financing the deal with a $449 downpayment and 29-monthly installments of $99. With the 7.76% APR included in the financing, your treatment's total cost works out to $3,336.

Both systems come with the HyperByte device included in your treatment package. However, if you finance the Byte-at-night plan, you'll receive Byte Protection Plan (BPP) included in your purchase.

The BPP gives you coverage for your smile for five years and free replacement aligners if you lose or break them. This additional $776 value comes included in the financing costs.

Byte also works with FSA/HSA accounts and insurance companies. If your insurance company contributes to procedures using the D:8090 code, you could save up to 75% on your treatment costs.

What Is Smile Direct Club?

Smile Direct Club is an at-home smile correction system. That means you never have to take a trip to the dentist or orthodontist's office. If you decide to visit the orthodontist for Invisalign, you'll have to pay for consultation and lab fees.

As a result, the costs of your treatment could be upwards of $7,000. With Smile Direct Club, you get a solution that's like Invisalign, without the managed care from an orthodontist.

The result is a system that produces the same results as Invisalign, but at a fraction of the cost. In case you're wondering if the orthodontic care is worth it, the answer is maybe.

Smile Direct Club is only for use in minor dental problems involving gapping and overcrowding of teeth. If you have severe dental issues, SmileDirectClub can't help you – you'll need to see a dentist.

However, if you have slight overcrowding or an overbite, SmileDirectClub can help you correct your smile and regain your confidence.

How Does SmileDirectClub Work?

To start with SmileDirectClub, you order your impression kit online. Take a mold of your teeth following the guidelines, and send it to SmileDirectClub using the prepaid box included with your package.

If you don't want to dop an impression, visit one of the Smile Direct Club SmileShops. There are SmileShops in malls all over the country, with friendly assistants who scan your teeth. The scanning service is free, and you don't have to pay a cent.

After Smile Direct Club receive your impressions or scan data, the team of orthodontists and dentists check to see if you meet the qualifying criteria for treatment. If approved, you make your payment, and SDC ships you the aligner system around six weeks later.

You start your treatment using the first aligner in the series. Smile Direct Club communicates with you through your official account, telling you when to change aligners. Most candidates take two to three weeks to move through each aligner in the series.

After four to six months, you'll finish your last aligner, and the result is a set of perfectly straight teeth. To cap off your treatment, Smile Direct Club includes retainers to ensure your teeth don't shift back into the old position.

After finishing your Smile Direct Club treatment, you can use your coupon for free teeth whitening. Smile Direct Club has the best LED-teeth-whitening solution available, and it comes included with your aligner system.

How Much Does Smile Direct Club Cost?

If you decide to sign up with Smile Direct Club, you can choose to pay for the system upfront or take it on credit. The upfront cost of Smile Direct Club is $1,950 – with the same price for the daytime and nighttime system.

However, if you want to finance your treatment, you need a downpayment of $250, with 24 monthly payments of $89. Smile Direct Club charges no APR on its financing through the SmilePay division.

If you order an impression kit online, it costs $59. However, Smile Direct Club offers a special promotion on the impression kit for $29 right now.

What are Byte Aligners?

Byte is one of the top companies offering at-home smile correction services. With Byte, you get access to a proven technology and advancements that are unavailable with other at-home aligner systems.

Founded in 2017 by Scott Cohen and Blake Johnson, Byte is one of the newer players in the at-home aligner market. However, thanks to a reasonable offer and innovative technology, Byte is taking market share from the competition.

So, what are at-home aligners? If you have crooked teeth, you'll need to visit the orthodontist for treatment to fix the problem. The orthodontist arranges a custom treatment plan, using braces or Invisalign to correct your dental problem.

The issue with these treatments is the price. Braces or Invisalign could set you back as much as $8,000. The consultations and lab fees involved with your treatment skyrocket the costs.

With an at-home aligner system, you get all the benefits of top products like Invisalign at less than half the cost. Byte gives you a BPA-free plastic aligner system, with aligners designed to push your teeth into position.

However, with Byte, there are no trips to the orthodontist. Instead, you communicate with your doctor through your Byte account. As a result, the treatment costs are lower, and you get the same effect as leading systems like Invisalign.

How Does Byte Work?

With Byte, you initiate the process by ordering your impression kit online. The kit costs $95, and if you don't qualify for the Byte treatment, they refund the kit's costs.

After taking the mold of your mouth, you mail it to Byte HQ, where the orthodontic team looks at your results. If the Byte team feel you qualify for the treatment, they'll notify you to make payment.

It takes Byte around four to six weeks to deliver your aligners to your door, and you can start your treatment.

You begin using the first aligner in the series. You progress through each aligner in the system under the direction of the Byte team. Typically, you'll spend two weeks with each aligner, wearing it for 22-hours a day.

The Byte-at-Night Aligner system only requires you to wear the retainer for up to 12-hours per day. However, the treatment time is longer, and it could take six to twelve months for you to finish your treatment with the Byte-at-Night aligners.

During the treatment period, you check in with the Byte orthodontic team. You get professional oversight of your treatment without the need to visit the orthodontist's office.

What makes Byte stand out from the competition, other than the affordable price tag, is the HyperByte device. Byte includes the HyperByte with both the daytime and the Byte-at-Night systems.

You fit your aligner to the HyperByte, and then use it for seating the aligner correctly. The HyperByte emits a low-level sonic pulse that helps the aligner shift into the perfect position, reducing the discomfort involved with fitment.

How Much Does Byte Cost?

When you're ready to commit to your new smile, sign up with Byte. You have two options when choosing your aligner system. The Daytime solution requires you to wear your aligners for 22-hours a day.

However, people with jobs in the service industry and sales need to talk to prospects and customers during the day. They need a nighttime solution, and the Byte-at-Night system is ideal for these individuals.

The daytime aligners cost $1,895 upfront, and you get the HyperByte device along with free whitening included with your purchase. However, you also have the option of using the Byte payment plan. When you finance your treatment, you pay a 7.76% APR.

As a result, the treatment costs involve a $349 downpayment and 29 monthly payments of $89.

The Byte-at-Night aligner system has a cash price of $2,295. If you want to take it on credit, you'll need to put down $449 and make 29 monthly payments of $99.