Are you looking for that perfect smile without filling your mouth with unsightly metal braces? If yes, you must be trying to choose between the most popular brands: Invisalign and Byte.

Both these brands have changed the way the world smiles. A Fortune Business Insights research says that the global clear aligners market size was £ 2.70 billion in 2021. This is a clear indication of their popularity and proven performance.

At the first glance, both brands seem to offer the same benefits. But there are some key differences between them. It needs a lot of research to know what would work best for you. This blog makes it easy for you to be sure of your choice.

Overview of Invisalign and Byte

Invisalign and Byte are clear aligners that have revolutionised the world of dentistry. Both are practically invisible when worn to straighten the teeth.

Let’s get to know both brands better.

Invisalign

The founder of clear aligners, Zia Chishti, founded Align Technologies, which is the parent company of Invisalign. Not a dentist himself, he came up with the idea of alternative braces while undergoing orthodontic treatment. According to this Clear Aligners Global Market Report, as of 2020, Invisalign treated close to 2 million patients.

Grand View Research, it sold close to 1.6 million cases of aligners in 2020 and continues to exhibit incredible growth.

Byte

Byte, established in 2017, is a teledentistry company that offers at-home dental alignment programs. Founded by Blake Johnson and Scott Cohen, Byte is a £80 million company. Backed by cutting-edge technology, Byte’s aligners have quickly picked up because of their impressive outcomes. In 2020, the company was acquired by Dentsply Sirona, a dental manufacturing company.

How does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign offers a traditional in-office treatment process. This includes:

  • Consultation: Once you have identified an orthodontist who offers Invisalign treatment, your candidature will be assessed. You will get to know about the treatment plan, cost, and how to maintain the aligners.
  • Impressions: Your dentist will use a putty to take your teeth’s impressions. They may also use 3D imaging or indentation. These are used to create customised aligners based on your current and required teeth alignment.
  • Treatment: The orthodontist will put your braces on. It takes around sixty to ninety minutes. The aligners will be glued to your teeth and connected with a wire. They need to be worn for at least 20 hours during the day, during which they push your teeth into the desired position by exerting a gentle force.
  • Regular monitoring: You need to meet your orthodontist every two weeks. This is necessary to assess the progress and make adjustments if required. After this, you will receive the set of remaining aligners.
  • Follow-ups: After the first appointment, you will need to visit your dental office every six weeks.
  • Completion: Depending on how well your treatment has worked, you may either receive additional aligner trays or will be asked to wear a retainer. This needs to be worn every night for the rest of your life to keep your teeth aligned.

How does Byte Work?

Byte is a new-age concept that allows for a 100% remote treatment. Here is how it works:

  • Assessment and purchase: You take an online test on Byte’s website to assess your candidature. Based on this, Byte will send you an impression kit at home.
  • Dental Impression: Using the putty and instructions in the kit, you will make your dental impression. This is then mailed back to Byte. You may also have to upload photos of your teeth.
  • Treatment: Byte will send these impressions to a lab where a series of customised trays will be made. These will then be shipped to you. You need to replace each tray every two weeks until your teeth move back into their intended position.
  • Monitoring: Monitoring is done with the Byte teams over video calls. You may also have to send digital scans of your teeth. Adjustments will be made if necessary.

Invisalign vs Byte: The Comparison

Aligner In-office vs remote treatment Aligner’s cut Treatment Qualification Comfort and Aligner Material Treatment Time Affordability
Invisalign 100 % remote treatment Trimmed to match your gum line Moderate to serious cases Smooth and shiny, may overlap gums 12-18 months £2,500-£ 3,300
Byte In-office visits are necessary Fitted using a straight-cut approach Mild to moderate cases More smooth and stain-resistant 2-6 months Standard: £1,500 and Byte-at-Night: £1,836

Cut of the Aligner

  • Invisalign: Invisalign works by offering you aligners that are trimmed to match your gum line. Your dentist may even use attachments to match the leverage and prevent overlapping on the gums.
  • Byte: Byte aligners use a straight-cut approach. This allows them to leverage the gums entirely and exert additional force on the teeth.

Treatment Qualification

  • Invisalign: Since it uses most aspects of traditional braces, Invisalign works better on severe malocclusion cases.
  • Byte: Byte treats milder cases of malocclusion, crooked teeth, and bite-related misalignment.

Comfort and Aligner Material

  • Invisalign: Invisalign uses a panted material SmartTrack and SmartForce technology to help its aligners attain the required results. They are made using medical-grade FDA-approved BPA-free thermoplastic.
  • Byte: These aligners are also created using polymer film. They also use a HyperByte device that speeds up the treatment. They feel smoother on the teeth and are more stain-resistant.

Treatment Time

  • Invisalign: Invisalign treatment usually takes between twelve to eighteen months. This is mainly because they are used to treat more complex cases.
  • Byte: Byte offers one of the fastest treatments. This is due to their HyperBite technology that stimulates extra pressure on your jaw bones and speeds up the treatment.

Affordability

  • Invisalign: This is a more expensive treatment. While there is no fixed price, it may cost anything between £2,400-£3,200. It completely depends on what you are trying to correct.
  • Byte: Byte’s standard all-day treatment costs as less as £1460. if you opt for the Byte-At-Night option, you may have to shell out around £1800.

Invisalign vs Byte: Which One Makes the Cut?

While both Invisalign and Byte offer superior teeth alignment services, Invisalign clearly shines through. Although it is expensive, Invisalign offers a more precise treatment. You may have to treat other dental issues before getting clear aligners. This is possible only with Invisalign and not the remote treatment offered by Byte.

Therefore, although you pay more for Invisalign, your dental issues are fixed for life.

Conclusion

You don’t need to decide between Invisalign or Byte in a day. It takes contemplation to straighten your teeth. Choosing an orthodontist like Perfect Smile will help you make a better choice and achieve a perfect new smile. Reach us here to know more.