You want to order clear aligners to straighten your teeth, but you can’t decide if you want to go with Byte or Smile Direct Club. On the surface, both companies might seem the same, but they are quite different. Compare Byte vs Smile Direct Club to see which one is the right choice for you.
Differences Between Byte and Smile Direct Club Aligners and Treatment Plans
When comparing Byte vs Smile Direct Club, you need to look at aspects as ‘what are the aligners made of’ or ‘what type of treatments the brand offers’ because are important when choosing an ideal teeth alignment option, and they will determine which company suits you best based on your situation.
For example, Smile Direct Club has two options for getting impressions of your teeth to make aligners. You can order a kit and take impressions at home, or you can go to a SmileShop to get a 3D scan of your teeth. Then you will receive 3D printed and BPA-free clear aligners which are thin and are custom-designed to fit perfectly.
If you choose Byte, you’ll order an impression kit and take impressions at home. You’ll also need to take images of your face and teeth to send in. The company uses something called Smile Science to construct your aligners. When you choose Byte, your treatment plan will ensure that your smile fits with your overall features. Like Smile Direct Club, the aligners are BPA-free, made with a highly transparent, medical-grade, polymer film.
Besides, both of the brands offer Nighttime Aligners, a type of teeth alignment treatment in which you straighten your teeth at night, only having to wear the retainers while you sleep. The treatment is longer, but the results are the same (check our blog post about the differences between Byte at night vs all day aligners if you want to know more).
How Byte compares to Smile Direct Club?
We have already mentioned some differences between the two brands related to the trays and the process to get them in this byte comparison article, but those are not the only ones.
Dental Team
Smile Direct Club works with both dentists and orthodontists to help you get the smile you want. However, Byte works exclusively with orthodontists to ensure that you receive the proper treatment plan. An orthodontist from Byte will even explain your treatment plan to you and answer your questions.
Treatment Time
Smile Direct Club average treatment time is 8 to 18 months while Byte it's only 4 months. The reason why Byte remote treatment time is shorter it's because Byte is the exclusive provider of Hyperbyte. This innovative system uses high-frequency vibrations that go down to the roots and the surrounding bone helping your teeth move and reducing not only the treatment time but also making the process more comfortable, ensuring accuracy.
Another difference that can affect the convenience of the treatment and that we considered key before choosing one brand or another is the steps you take to start with the treatment:
Byte Vs Smile Direct Club Reviews: The Timeline
During your comparison of Byte vs Smile Direct Club, you also need to consider the timeline. This will let you know what to expect during the process.
If you choose Smile Direct Club, you’ll need to go to a SmileShop to undergo a scan or use the at-home kit. Smile Direct Club is continuing to open SmileShops, but right now, there are only hundreds of them in the United States. That makes it hard for most people to go to a SmileShop, so you’ll likely make impressions at home.
Your impressions will go to a dentist or orthodontist who will review them along with your medical history and photographs. Then you will receive the treatment plan within 72 hours to review. The plan includes a 3D visualization, so you can see what your teeth should look like when the treatment is done. If you don’t like the plan, you can call, chat, email, or send a message on social media. If you agree to the plan, you’ll receive your clear teeth aligners within 4-5 weeks of approving your treatment plan (based on Smile Direct Club reviews found online).
The timeline for Byte is a bit different but the process starts in the same way. You will begin by using your impression kit to make impressions at home. This process takes about 20 minutes.
An orthodontist reviews your scans, medical history, and photos to see if you’re a candidate. This is another area where Byte stands out. It conducts thorough reviews to ensure that each customer is a good candidate and can benefit from Byte clear aligners. If approved, you’ll receive your treatment plan shortly after you send your impressions in. You’ll review the 3D interactive model to see how Byte will straighten your teeth. If you’re happy with your treatment plan, you can move forward.
Unlike Smile Direct Club where you’ll have to wait for a month or longer to get your aligners, you’ll get them quickly with Byte. Most people receive the aligners within two weeks of submitting the impression kit, so you won’t have to wait long to straighten your teeth.
You’ll use the clear aligners and Hyperbyte system to straighten your teeth. Most people are done in three months, which is half the time of Smile Direct Club.
Byte Vs Smile Direct Club: Cost
Price is also a concern when straightening your teeth. You want to choose something you can afford. Byte cost $1,895 and Smile Direct Club cost $1,950. You’ll need to put $349 down with Byte and $250 down with Smile Direct.
If you choose Byte, you will receive the benefit of the Hyperbyte treatment accelerator and a teeth whitening kit. Plus, you’ll get your first set of retainers free at the end of treatment. Also, you won’t have to pay the cost at once. You can pay $83 a month for 25 months (with $349 deposit). That comes to $2,424 in total. In case you want to finance the treatment, BytePay is a 100% approval financing option from Byte; its pre-approval process is fast and simple, and it has no credit impact.
You can also make low monthly payments for Smile Direct Club: you’ll pay $85 a month for 24 months ($250 deposit), which comes to $2,290. You will receive the clear aligners and teeth whitening kit.
Besides, if you want to get one of these treatments at the best price possible, there are two ways to do it: using their offers (there is always a Byte promo code and the byte student discount available, and a Smile Direct Club coupon or offer available), or having insurance.
Both companies accept HSA, FSA, and CareCredit, and Byte also accepts SplitIt, although you have to take into account two things. First thing, your plan has to cover orthodontic treatments, and the second is that either brand accepts the insurance to pay your treatment, you have to pay it yourself and then ask for a reimbursement.
Byte or Smile Direct: Comparison Table
In our Smile Direct Club vs Byte comparison table you’ll see the key differences of both brands:
| price | wearing time | nighttime aligners | freebies | warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Byte | $1999 | 4-6 months | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SmileDirectClub | $2050 | 8-18 months | Yes | Yes | No |
Why Choose Byte?
Byte is an excellent choice for clear aligners. First, the Hyperbyte technology makes Byte stand out for all the right reasons. You’ll likely have straight teeth in three months, which is superior to other options out there. Also, because the Hyperbyte technology ensures an accurate fit, the aligners are more comfortable.
You can also feel confident with your treatment plan since Byte only works with orthodontists. An orthodontist will review your teeth, and if you aren’t a good candidate, you won’t move forward with Byte. However, if you are a good candidate, you’ll get a professional treatment plan.
Byte’s warranty is also outstanding. While Smile Direct Club offers a warranty that you must apply for within 30 days of treatment, Byte has a byte-for-Life Guarantee. Your warranty lasts your entire lifetime. If your teeth move after you finish treatment, just contact Byte for additional aligners at no cost to you.
Speaking of great deals, you’ll also get free retainers with Byte. You’ll need to wear retainers after finishing your treatment plan, so your newly aligned teeth don’t move out of place. While lots of companies charge for retainers, you don’t have to worry about paying extra with Byte.
Paying is even easy with Byte. If you don’t have the money to pay upfront, you can finance it without a credit check. This is great news if you want straight teeth but don’t have great credit.
And last but not least, Byte's customer services is outstanding. If you take a look at Byte's customer reviews, everybody highlights its excellent responsiveness and will to help their customers with any problem.
If you want fast results, Byte is a top option. It’s fast, convenient, and countless people are pleased with the results. Although, if you’re not entirely sure about which’s best, you can read Byte Reviews to clear your doubts or check other Byte alternatives in TheTeethBlog.
And if you want to research more about online teeth aligners brands, and you like this byte comparison review, we have more! Like our Candid vs Smile Direct Club comparative review or Smilelove vs Smile Direct Club post or our review of the best invisible braces brands.
FAQ
The three brands are similar, in a way, as they are teeth alignment brands that treat alignment issues with a dental plan curated by a dental professional that consists of a series of clear aligners. However, there are some differences; for example, Invisalign can treat more complex cases, it does not offer a 100% remote treatment as regular office visits are mandatory, and the final price is more expensive than both Byte and Smile Direct, being the final cost on average from $3000 to $8000.
Byte is usually cheaper than Smile Direct Club because Byte doesn’t have any location to get 3D scans, and the treatment time is shorter (making the brand use fewer resources as they send you fewer aligners and the dental professionals work less time).
Yes, they can be covered. First, however, you have to go through your insurance details and check if you have orthodontic benefits included in it; in that case, part of the treatment can be covered. Some of the orthodontic insurance options are Humana, Delta Dental, or Cigna.
Yes, both of the brands offer discounts, and, from time to time, they also offer promotional codes to get the treatments at an affordable price. In addition, you can also find permanent promos for both brands like students and military discounts to cut the treatment cost up to 20% off.
Can I use byte with implants?
Yes, you can. But, first, the byte team will have to take a look at your impressions to make sura that the treatment will. In case you take those impressions and you aren’t a candidate, byte will refund the entire price.
thanks for the article.. very informative
Can I use byte with a 3 teeth bridge?
Hi, Dana!
Normally, yes, you can use byte even though you have teeth bridges. However, you must ask the company first because it will depend on your case.
Hope this helps!
How does Byte correct for off center misalignment (i.e., centerline of front teeth is left or right of center of nose/face),
without having to push one side molars back?