Invisalign and Byte are clear aligners that are virtually invisible and aim to address orthodontic problems, such as teeth misalignment, gapped teeth, and bite problems. However, they have differences that make the other a better option. This article will compare both dental treatments based on their benefits and drawbacks to help you decide which suits your needs and preference.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that uses a series of transparent plastic trays to gradually move teeth into the desired position. The aligners are made of SmartTrack, a patented medical device that is comfortable to wear and easy to clean. Invisalign was first used by patients in 1999 and was introduced as an excellent alternative to traditional braces.
This aligner treatment is considered a remote treatment. This means that you will do the treatment mostly at home with the supervision of your dentist. You will have consultation appointments to monitor your progress every few weeks, depending on your treatment plan. The average treatment time is about 12 to 18 months, but it can be longer or shorter depending on the severity of your case.
Also Read :- Tips for Eating While Wearing Invisalign
How Does Invisalign Work?
You must wear your Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours per day to achieve your desired results. The aligners must be removed when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You need to replace your aligners every two weeks with a new set that will move your teeth slowly until you achieve the final results.
Each aligner kit is different from the previous set. Each one is designed to apply force on your teeth to move them slowly toward the desired position. You will feel a slight pressure on your teeth as you wear each aligner, which is normal. This can cause discomfort but should go away after a day or two.
Pros of Invisalign Treatment
The following are the advantages of this orthodontic treatment:
- Discreet
Since the plastic aligners are almost invisible, people cannot tell you are wearing them unless they take a closer look. This is ideal for adult patients who do not like the appearance of wires in their mouths.
- Removable
You can take out your aligners anytime and still eat your favourite food and drink without restrictions. You won’t have to worry about food getting stuck since there are no wires or brackets.
- Easier to maintain oral hygiene
Because the aligners are removable, you can easily brush and floss your teeth. This is important in preventing cavities and gum disease.
- Comfortable
The SmartTrack material used in Invisalign is comfortable to wear. Unlike traditional braces, you won’t experience irritation in your gums or cheeks.
- Shorter treatment time
Compared to conventional metal braces, Invisalign treatment usually takes a shorter time to complete.
Cons of Invisalign Treatment
Below are the disadvantages of Invisalign:
- They are more expensive than traditional braces
The overall cost of Invisalign is higher than the conventional braces.
- Not ideal for severe dental issues
Invisalign is not recommended for patients with severe misalignment, crowded teeth, tooth gaps, and bite problems. The aligners don’t have enough force to move teeth in extreme positions.
- Requires compliance
Since this is a remote treatment, you must be compliant in wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours daily. If not, the treatment will not work as intended, resulting in a prolonged treatment time.
What Is Byte?
Similar to Invisalign, Byte is an aligner company offering a clear aligner system using 3D-printed plastic to move teeth into the desired position gradually. The Byte system was introduced in 2017 and has since been used by patients all over the United States.
It is a remote treatment and an alternative to traditional braces. This means that there are no in-person visits required. Byte treatment plans include an all-day aligner that you must wear for 22 hours every day or a “Byte-at-night system” that you must wear for 10 hours every night. There is also an optional “HyperByte technology device” that you can wear for 5 minutes per day in conjunction with the all-day or night system to speed up the treatment. Byte treatment time for daytime aligners is three to four months, while you can complete your treatment for at-night aligners within five to six months.
How Does Byte Work?
The all-day and night system from Byte works similarly to Invisalign. You need to wear the aligners for certain hours every day, and you can take them out when eating or drinking. You also need to replace your aligners every two weeks with a new set that will move your teeth gradually into their proper position.
HyperByte is a brand-new high-frequency vibration (HFB) device that helps you achieve faster results with reduced discomfort. It transfers vibrations through the roots of your teeth to the bone and soft tissue surrounding them. These vibrations help loosen your teeth from their current position so they can be moved more easily into the desired position.
One of the differences between Invisalign and Byte is that you don’t need to visit a dentist to assess your oral condition with the latter. Below is a step-by-step process of a Byte treatment:
- Go to their website and choose what type of Byte system you want: all-day or nighttime-only treatment.
- An impression kit will be delivered to your doorstep, and you can use it to make an accurate mould of your teeth.
- You then need to send the dental impression back to Byte, and a dental professional will examine and review your results and determine if you are a suitable candidate. If you are, they will develop a customised treatment plan.
- The company will send you a set of custom-made Byte aligners you need to wear for the prescribed number of hours daily. You can track your progress using the Byte app and receive reminders when it’s time to replace your aligners.
- You should upload progress photos every three to four weeks so dental professionals can assess your treatment. They will constantly communicate with you throughout the treatment to check if everything is going according to plan.
Pros of Byte Treatments
The following are the advantages of the Byte procedure:
- Faster treatment time
The entire treatment period is shorter than Invisalign and traditional braces, whether you choose the all-day or all-night system.
- Comfortable to wear
Like Invisalign, Byte’s clear aligners are also made of smooth plastic that is comfortable to wear. They will not rub against your gums or cheeks and will not cause any irritation.
- More affordable than Invisalign
Byte is more affordable than Invisalign, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking to straighten their teeth.
- No need for office visits
You don’t need to visit a dentist’s office for Byte treatments since the entire process is done remotely. This is convenient for those who have busy schedules or live far from a dental office.
- Maintaining oral hygiene is easier
Since the aligners are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth easily. This is impossible with traditional braces since the wires and brackets make it difficult to clean your teeth properly.
Cons of Byte Treatments
Below are the disadvantages of the Byte procedure:
- You need to wear the aligners for 22 hours every day
Similar to Invisalign, this can be an inconvenience to people who have busy lifestyles.
- The scope of treatment is limited
Byte can only address mild cases of teeth misalignment and malocclusions or bite issues. If you have severe malocclusions, Byte may not be the right treatment for you.
- You need to remove your aligners when you eat and brush
This may also be an inconvenience for people who are always on the go.
- It’s still a new technology
Since Byte is a new technology, there is not enough research to back up its claims of being more effective than Invisalign. There is also a lack of long-term studies to determine the potential side effects of HFB treatments.
- No in-person appointments
You won’t be able to get an in-office appointment with Byte since the entire process is done remotely. This may not be ideal for people who want a personal consultation with their dentist before starting treatment.
How Do I Know Which One Is Right for Me?
An effective way to know which aligner option fits your needs is to consult a dentist. They can assess your case and recommend the most suitable treatment based on your condition. One of the most significant differences you should remember is that byte treatments don’t have in-person consultations.
Also, weigh each treatment’s pros and cons to see which is more advantageous for you. In addition, consider your lifestyle and budget. Is it possible for you to wear aligners for 22 hours a day for several months? Are you looking for a more affordable option, or can you afford the more expensive one? Do you prefer to be seen by a dentist in person than communicate remotely?
These are all critical questions you need to answer before making a choice.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign and Byte are effective methods of straightening teeth, helping you achieve a more beautiful smile and improving your appearance. Both are excellent alternatives to traditional braces because they can straighten your teeth in a discreet, faster and less painful way. Both have pros and cons that you need to consider before choosing an appropriate treatment option. The only way to know which treatment program matches your needs is to consult a dentist.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment. One of the dentists at our clinic will thoroughly assess your condition to see if you meet the eligibility requirements and give you a professional recommendation.
Ashburton Dental Centre is a modern dental clinic equipped with the latest dental technology to provide efficient and safe orthodontic treatment services, including Invisalign and Byte. We also have a team of licensed dentists with years of experience providing quality aligner services. They will sit with you to discuss your goals and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average pay for a simple Invisalign treatment can start at $1,800, while a full treatment can go anywhere between $6,000 to $9,000. On the other hand, Byte’s all-day can start from $2,749, while the cost of nighttime aligners may start at $3,399.
In general, Invisalign is more expensive than Byte. These amounts can be reduced if you have insurance that pays for a portion of orthodontic treatment costs. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider before the treatment. Ask your dentist if they offer monthly payment plans to make these treatments more affordable.
Invisalign’s results may last a lifetime if you follow the proper care instructions from your dentist. These include wearing a retainer as prescribed and avoiding habits that can damage your teeth, like biting your nails or chewing on hard objects.
Invisalign is not ideal for severe alignment issues and bite problems. They are only designed to address mild to moderate misalignments. Traditional braces may be better for people with severe and complex issues.
Most people adjust to wearing Invisalign aligner trays within a week or two. You may experience discomfort as your teeth movement progresses during this time. This is normal, and we expect the discomfort to resolve as you get used to wearing the aligners.
