Byte vs. Smilelove: Side-by-Side Comparison

For a while, Byte and Smilelove were viewed as top competition. Both offered easy ways to straighten your smile, though Byte offered more timely and cost-effective treatment. 

As of 2022, Smilelove is no longer in business. The company initially grew rapidly, but they were unable to fulfill sales. The company went out of business as a result.

Today, you can still get a straight smile easily and affordably with Byte.

What Happened to Smilelove?

Smilelove went out of business. During the first half of 2020, the company underwent a lot of changes. 

They temporarily stopped operations altogether. They then restarted the company under a new business model. This didn’t last, however. 

They were unable to fulfill customer orders, and operations shut down again. They told customers in May 2020 that they were unable to process refunds, leaving a lot of customers out in the cold. 

Prior to going out of business, Smilelove had hundreds of customer complaints logged with the Better Business Bureau. Major complaints stated that the company had taken their money and never sent them a product or responded to their inquiries.   

Below, we’ve outlined a side-by-side comparison of Byte and Smilelove so you can see why Byte outlasted Smilelove. We'll go over several important factors, including pricing, staffing, and guarantees.

Cost Comparison 

On the surface, few price differences existed between Byte and Smilelove. But dig a little deeper, and real issues appeared. 

• Impression kit costs: Byte’s impression kits cost $95. If we determine you aren’t a candidate for Byte, we’ll refund you the cost of this kit.Smilelove charged $250, but you could get a refund of this cost if you purchased an entire Smilelove bundle with aligners all at once.

• Overall cost: SmileLove costs $1,895 and Byte costs $2,099 for a full set of aligners. We also offer BytePay™. This innovative program guarantees approval regardless of credit status, and it can deliver monthly payments as low as $89 per month.

• Extra fees: If your case was complicated and required more than 40 aligners, you had to pay $300 more at Smilelove. Byte doesn't have an added fee like this.

• Insurance: Neither company offered direct insurance billing. But Byte can help you get reimbursed by insurance if you have the proper coverage.

• Discounts: Byte offers discounts to students, active service members, and students. Smilelove never did.

• Payment options. Byte accepts payments from health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and CareCredit. Smilelove never did. 

These differences can seem subtle. But they can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars or more throughout your journey to a better smile. They likely factored into the reasons that Smilelove went out of business.

Technical Matters: How Do the Aligners Work?

Aligners slide onto your teeth to glide them into proper position. You'll change the trays periodically, and each adjustment brings you closer to the smile of your dreams. But Byte offers a slightly different vision of treatment than Smilelove did. 

Smilelove aligners were made of Essix plastic, and they were trimmed to match your gum line. The company suggested aligners like this offer a more comfortable fit. 

Byte’s aligners are made of a BPA-free polymer film. They're 88% more stain resistant than other industry aligners, and they feel smooth to the touch. We cut our aligners straight across, as our experts say this method offers the best tooth grip for quick movement.

While any aligners can be slightly uncomfortable (remember they are moving your teeth), Byte works to make sure you are as comfortable as possible during treatment.

What’s Included With Your Aligners?

The promise of a better smile awaits you at the end of an aligner journey. Pay your enrollment fee, and you expect to get all the aligners you need for a better smile. But choose wisely, and you might get more than aligners. 

Bundles for Byte and Smilelove differed. Byte offers the following:

• Tooth whitening: Included in your Byte aligner kit is a foam that cleans your trays and brightens your teeth. You’ll pay nothing extra for this product.Smilelove also offered a free tooth whitening product, but it wasn’t shipped until the end of your treatment program.

• Treatment accelerator: We offer HyperByte, our proven treatment that can reduce pain and speed up tooth movement, with every aligner kit. You use this tool for 5 minutes per day to shorten your treatment timeline.Smilelove didn’t offer this type of tool. 

Like Byte, Smilelove offered aligner carrying cases and post-treatment retainers. These retainers ensure your new smile stays in place.

Who Oversees Your Treatment?

Smilelove employed board-certified orthodontists to supervise cases. Customer service reps were also available to help you through the process. You could use video chat, standard chat, or phone calls to get help with your treatment plan. 

At Byte, certified and professional dentists and orthodontists review your teeth and craft your plan. Our dental network includes more than 200 dentists, and orthodontists throughout the United States. You’ll be matched with a professional in your state. We only accept patients approved for teledentistry who can use Byte safely. 

We also offer robust customer service, including video chats, emails, phone calls, and more. You’re never left wondering what your next step should be.

How Long Will It Take?

Aligners move teeth gradually. No matter which aligner company you choose, you won't see results overnight. 

Smilelove treatment plans lasted, on average, between 6 and 8 months. Byte’s average care plans are complete within 2 to 4 months. 

HyperByte really does differentiate us. It can help reduce your treatment time. This tool ships with every aligner kit, and you won't pay extra for it.

Pop in your aligners, slide HyperByte between the trays, and turn it on for 5 minutes. You'll feel a gentle vibration during this time. After 5 minutes, you're done for the day. Each minute helps seat your teeth in your aligners, reducing discomfort and speeding tooth movement.

Thanks to HyperByte, your teeth will move faster and you’ll shorten your treatment plan. This is something that other aligner companies just don’t offer.

Is Your Smile Guaranteed?

If something goes wrong with your smile or your treatment, you want your money back. Byte and Smilelove handled things slightly differently. 

Both companies offered impression kit refunds if dental experts don't think aligners are right for you. But that's the only form of guarantee or return Smilelove offered. Byte does more.

Byte’s lifetime guarantee means we'll provide free additional treatment if your teeth ever shift out of alignment. You must follow our treatment plan, and that includes wearing your retainers as directed. But you're protected from unwanted costs if your smile shifts after you leave our care. 

For some people, this protection is priceless. It ensures your investment in your smile stays secure.

We also offer help if you're not happy with your smile immediately after you've finished your treatment. Contact us within 15 days of your prescribed end date, and we'll evaluate your situation.

You might need additional clear teeth aligners, and we'll send them to you. If you need a treatment plan change, we’ll design that for you.