Byte vs NewSmile

Byte was founded in 2017 and is based in Los Angeles. They enter the direct-to-consumer orthodontic market with a promise of doctor-directed clear aligner treatment delivered entirely from home. Byte works with a nationwide network of licensed dentists and orthodontists who review impressions, prescribe treatment plans, and oversee progress remotely. The process begins with an at-home impression kit, followed by a customized set of clear aligners and digital treatment tracking through an online portal. One of Byte’s most distinct features is the inclusion of HyperByte, a vibration device marketed to help reduce discomfort and shorten treatment time. Byte also advertises a lifetime guarantee that covers replacement aligners if teeth shift after treatment, along with included retainers and whitening products. Customer experience centers on convenience, flexible payment plans, and support available seven days a week through phone, chat, and messaging. Pricing is positioned below traditional braces, with two main plans available. All-Day Aligners require near full-time wear and average four months, while All-Night Aligners are designed for nighttime use and average five months. Optional add-ons and protection plans increase overall cost. While Byte highlights accessibility and speed, growing concerns around oversight and outcomes shape how their model is evaluated today.

NewSmile is a direct-to-consumer clear aligner company founded in 2020 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, offering at-home teeth straightening solutions across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. They focus on custom clear aligners designed for mild to moderate alignment concerns, using a remote treatment model that allows customers to complete impressions at home and progress through treatment without routine in-office visits. Their services include daytime and nighttime aligner options, a digital smile preview before treatment approval, and access to related dental products such as retainers, whitening kits, and night guards. Pricing is positioned to be more accessible than traditional orthodontic care, with flexible payment plans and HSA or FSA eligibility available. Customer feedback across review platforms reflects a mix of experiences, with many users citing convenience and affordability, while others raise concerns around communication, refunds, or treatment expectations. From an industry standpoint, NewSmile does not hold major orthodontic awards or accreditations and is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, where they currently carry an F rating. Overall, their profile reflects a growing at-home aligner provider whose appeal, limitations, and service approach warrant a closer look before committing to treatment.