byte vs Invisalign

Pricing (Winner: byte)

byte is transparent about its pricing and provides customers with all of the cost information they need upfront. The company has a monthly payment option, or customers can opt for a one-time payment. For the monthly payment option, customers will pay $83 per month for 25 months and a deposit of $249. The one-time payment option will save customers money and only costs $1,895 in total. For both payment options, you'll also need to purchase a $95 impression kit, which includes the putty and other tools you'll need to take impressions of your teeth. 

Invisalign's pricing is more difficult and depends on the customer's situation. However, Invisalign is much more expensive than most invisible braces providers out there, with its overall cost being similar to metal braces. Invisalign's cost ranges dramatically, but it can cost anywhere from $3,500 to more than $7,000. The company does offer monthly payment options.

Invisalign isn't a set cost, which can be a positive and a negative thing. Price customization offers more flexibility and ensures you're paying the amount that best fits your situation. However, it makes the process a bit more complicated and unknown, whereas with byte, you know exactly how much everything costs from the beginning.

Both byte and Invisalign accept payments with FSA and HSA accounts.

When comparing Invisalign's cost to byte's, byte definitely comes out on top. 

Treatment length (Winner: byte)

One of the top reasons to choose invisible braces rather than metal braces with a traditional orthodontic treatment is the convenience and the time they can save you. The invisible braces process typically takes one-third of the time that metal braces take. And byte actually takes one-sixth of the time of regular metal braces, its aligner treatment time averaging only three months, while metal braces typically take 18 months.

The Invisalign treatment process can take as long as traditional braces, its treatment time averaging 12–18 months. With such a lengthy treatment time, its services may not be worth it for a lot of customers looking to avoid a lengthy process. 

byte definitely has one of the best treatment offerings on the market with a simple, three-month treatment process.

Treatment process (Winner: Invisalign)

Unlike most invisible braces providers, Invisalign does not use teeth molds to create your treatment plan. The company takes 3D scans of your teeth using its iTeroElement scanner. Once Invisalign's orthodontists have your teeth scans, they build you a custom treatment plan using ClinCheck software that is composed of data from eight million different smiles. Invisalign will then show you a preview of your new smile before you begin treatment. Something to note is that Invisalign requires in-person appointments to get your teeth scans done. You'll also need regular in-person appointments for the length of your treatment.  

byte's process is as straightforward and efficient as Invisalign's; however, byte uses teeth molds to create your invisible braces. byte sends an impression kit straight to your home with everything you need to take impressions of your teeth, and then you send them back in the provided pre-paid package. byte will give you an assigned orthodontist that will oversee your case for the length of your treatment, so you don't have to worry about dealing with multiple doctors. Your orthodontist will make you a customized treatment plan and will give you a preview of your future smile. The orthodontist will track your progress throughout the process, making sure everything is going as planned and that you are feeling confident about your invisible braces journey. 

Although both companies offer a high-quality and simple treatment process, Invisalign does not require teeth molds, which may be more convenient for customers. However, keep in mind that Invisalign does require in-person appointments, so if you're looking for convenience and don't mind completing teeth molds with putty, byte teeth aligners may be the way to go. 

Quality and convenience of aligner cleaning products (Winner: byte)

byte has a three-in-one cleaning product called BrightByte that freshens your breath, cleans your plastic aligners, and whitens your teeth at the same time. It comes in a convenient, lightweight bottle you can keep at home or take with you on the go. The BrightByte is a foam you spray into your aligners. Once you've sprayed it into your aligners, all you need to do is place the aligners on your teeth like you normally would. The foam will dissolve clear and will be unnoticeable as it cleans your aligners and whitens your teeth. 

Invisalign's cleaning product is unique cleaning crystals. These cleaning crystals remove plaque from your aligners in 15 minutes or so. The package it comes in contains 50 packs of crystals. After rinsing your aligners, you place them in a cleaning container with warm water and then add one pack of the crystals. Once you do this, you'll shake the container for 20 seconds, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then shake for another 20 seconds. To complete the cleaning process, you'll rinse your aligners again with warm water and then you're good to go. The crystals cost $50.

If you want a special container to mix your aligners and crystals in, Invisalign also offers its complete cleaning system. The cleaning system includes 50 packets of the cleaning crystals in addition to a cleaning container. This cleaning system is priced at $65. When breaking down the price, you're paying $50 for the cleaning crystals and $15 for the cleaning tub container. If you have your own container you can use, the cleaning system seems unnecessary since you can save money and just purchase the cleaning crystals. 

Unfortunately, Invisalign doesn't state on its website whether or not the cleaning system needs to be purchased separately or if it's included as part of the invisible braces cost. 

Although Invisalign and byte both have quality cleaning products for their aligners, byte's seem to be more convenient as it takes less time and has more to offer, especially since it whitens your teeth in addition to cleans your aligners. 

Teeth whitening offerings (Winner: byte)

Many invisible braces companies as part of their overall offering will provide teeth whitening products with its services. However, nowhere on its website does Invisalign mention teeth whitening products or services, so we have to assume the company does not offer any.

byte, on the other hand, offers BrightByte as part of its invisible braces process. As explained in detail in the section above — Quality and convenience of aligner cleaning products — BrightByte is an aligner cleaner that also functions as a teeth whitener you can use while wearing your aligners. It's convenient and is included in the price of your invisible braces, giving you straight teeth and whitener for a perfect smile. 

Cost of retainers (Winner: Invisalign)

Invisalign includes two free sets of its Vivera retainers after treatment so you have an extra in case you lose one. Invisalign also offers a variety of unique retainer cases. byte only offers one free pair of retainers. If you want additional retainers, you'll pay $99 each. Invisalign does not note on its website how much additional retainers cost.

Because Invisalign includes two free sets of retainers after treatment rather than one, Invisalign wins this category. 

Customer reviews (Winner: byte and Invisalign)

The majority of byte reviews and Invisalign reviews are not only positive, but they are mostly five stars, highlighting them as trustworthy companies with a simple process, quick results, quality products, and excellent customer service. 

No required in-person appointments (Winner: byte)

The convenience of invisible braces is the ability to skip lengthy office visits. byte does not require any in-person visits, and the entire invisible braces process can be completed at home.

Invisalign, unlike most other invisible braces providers, requires regular in-person appointments from the start to the end of your invisible braces process. This makes invisible braces less convenient and is more similar to the metal braces process. However, if you prefer hands-on treatment, this may be a positive for you. 

If you're looking for convenience and want to save time, byte is the better option with no required in-person appointments. 

byte vs Invisalign — Which is better?

Because Invisalign requires in-person appointments and its treatment process takes 12–18 months, Invisalign is better for customers looking for hands-on treatment who don't mind a lengthy and costly process, similar to metal braces. 

If you're looking for the convenience of an at-home invisible braces process with a competitive price point, quick treatment, quality products, and convenience, byte’s aligners are the better option for you.