Having too many options is a double-edged sword, even when it concerns teeth-straightening/correcting treatments. If customers are spoiled for choice with the number of dental servicers, they are even more indulged when it comes to the many different procedures they can opt for to correct dental issues. Among this endless list of dental service providers are Byte and Smile Direct – both worthy contenders in their own way.
We’re here to settle whether Smile Direct Club or Byte is better once and for all. Both dental servicers have numerous personal accolades to their names, but Byte takes the cake this time. Here’s why:
Turnaround Time Frame
This is an area where Byte outshines not just Smile Direct but every other competitor in the aligner industry. It has its Hyperbyte device to thank for this feat. The Hyperbyte is a device that uses gentle vibrations that facilitate better shifting of teeth. Because of this, a treatment that requires a six months time frame typically only takes three months with Byte aligners. Plus, the Hyperbyte also helps relieve aligner pain or discomfort.
Their Aligner Technology
There was a time when Smile Direct and Align Tech (the ones who created Invisalign) were partners. This is significant because Align Tech is revered for producing high-quality aligners. Now with this partnership turned into dust, Smile Direct Club is now mostly producing their aligners in-house. Sadly, Smile Direct has not seen any new, game-changing technology in recent years. They seem to be content with continuing with things exactly as they were – which is both good and bad.
On the other hand, Byte does not have anyone that they explicitly share a partnership with. Nonetheless, their aligners are BPA-free and deceptively smooth, considering how rigid they actually are. In terms of innovation, Byte stays ahead of the game by not being afraid to implement new technologies – the Hyperbyte device is testament to this statement.
Affordability
How affordable a company’s services are is a crucial factor in determining its appeal. In terms of pricing, Byte and Smile Direct Club run close. Both dental services require identical initiation and payment plans. The slightly varying differences in prices set in with their individual additional costs. For instance, it costs $1,895 for Byte aligners. Smile Direct’s goes for $1,950. However, Byte covers after-treatment retainers in this package, but DirectSmile charges an additional $99 for retainers.
Payment Plans
The similarities are that both Byte and Smile Direct offer 100% approval on financing for customers. This is regardless of their credit scores. Other than that, they have slight price variations. Smile Direct Club requires $250 as down payment while Byte’s is $349. Monthly installment payments for Smile Direct can span across 24 months, with customers choosing to pay as less as $89 a month. Byte’s payment plans span up to 29 months, with a minimum fee of $83 a month. Taking it one step further is Byte’s 5-year Smile Protection Plan. Under it, customers are eligible for retainer replacements twice a year, plus two replacements in case of stolen or lost retainers – all for free. This is one area where both dental servicers stand as equals almost, in the Byte Vs. Smile Direct Club argument.
Convenience
Smile Direct currently has over 300+ SmileShops where you can get teeth scans. Byte does not offer in-person consultations. If you’re someone who prefers live interactions, you may find Smile Direct’s services more up your alley.
That being said and done, it is worth mentioning that Byte reviews are consistently positive. They may limit their services to virtual communication, but their customer service is prompt and clear. On the other hand, Smile Direct has a handful of negative reviews concerning their customer feedback support.
Byte Vs. Smilelove
SmileLove had its moment when it first launched, but it seems to be navigating troubled waters at the moment. There are reports that claim customers did not receive their Smilelove packages even after the service provider confirmed their orders. A word of caution, you may want to look into all such details before placing an order with them, for now at least.
Setting that aside, Smilelove and Byte follow a similar process. Both dental service providers require customers to send in impressions of their teeth so their orthodontists can work out a customized treatment plan for them.
Byte Vs. Invisalign
An Invisalign treatment will set you back by about $5000. Byte aligners cost an average of $1,895. There’s also the fact that Byte claims quicker results than Invisalign. The latter requires about 12-18 months of treatment time. Byte’s time frame for dental correction treatments is an average of three to 10 months. Plus, with Byte, you get a lifetime guarantee. Under it, customers can claim free realignment of their teeth in case they misalign after a treatment.
The other major difference between the two is that Invisalign treatment requires customers to walk into the dentist’s office for appointments. With Byte, they can carry out their treatments at home with virtual assistance from their orthodontist.