Another One Byte(s) The Dust: Lessons Learned From the Downfall of At-Home Aligner Kits

Another One Byte(s) The Dust: Lessons Learned From the Downfall of At-Home Aligner Kits

Well, we’ve got another one. 

Nearly a year since Smile Direct Club shut their doors and left its customers hanging, the future of Byte looks, how do we put this…precarious. On a random Fall morning, Byte customers were met with a rather confusing visual. The telehealth company, while advertising their ability to align your smile with confidence, posted an ominous black banner across its home page that read: IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PATIENTS.

Pictured above: not a vibe. 

Friends, if it’s in all caps AND it pertains to the medical sector – it’s not good news. 

Let’s break down what’s going on with this at-home aligner kit company, lessons learned from the sudden halt of Byte and Smile Direct Club services, and why consulting an actual orthodontist will always be the safest and most effective path to that dream smile. 

What Happened to Byte?

How does the saying go? Don’t make promises you can’t keep. 

As reported by Reuters on October 24, Dentsply Sirona Inc (Byte’s parent company) announced its voluntary suspension of Byte aligner sales. “During review and discussion of a subset of medical device reports related to our Byte Aligner product, and through our communication with the FDA,” Byte stated on their website, “we have determined that our patient onboarding workflow may not provide adequate assurance that certain contraindicated patients do not enter treatment with Byte Aligners. While we continue to believe the potential risk to patients remains low, we made the decision to voluntarily pause shipment and processing of new and recently placed orders for Byte Aligners and Impression Kits while we perform a more comprehensive review.”

Not only has this raised more than a few eyebrows among the company’s clientele; it is yet another instance that sparks concern regarding the reliability of at-home impression kits and self-managed orthodontics. 

And guess what Byte recommends to current patients affected by the suspension?

Here’s what to do if you are a Byte Customer

“If you are currently in Byte Aligner treatment and have known active periodontal disease, severe open bite, severe overjet, tooth malocclusion requiring surgical correction, mixed dentition, have dental prosthetics or dental implants, or are an adolescent with a skeletally narrow jaw, please stop treatment. We also recommend that you visit a dentist to review your overall oral health.”

There’s a whole lot to be alarmed about in that previous paragraph; but, let’s focus on something that even the American Association of Orthodontists can get behind. The AAO recommends consulting a licensed orthodontist (one preferably with twenty years of private practice under their belt) to evaluate their progress, along with alternative treatment and financing plans. 

Having a reliable support system is key to a successful orthodontic journey. And the professional medical community understands how situations as seen with Byte and Smile Direct Club are frustrating, and even discouraging. The TruCrew is going to hold your hand for this next part:

Please, do not give up on your smile. There are options – and we at Truman Orthodontics are here to help. 

Join the Diamond Club

Before we get into the alternatives, let’s state exactly why at-home aligner kit suppliers keep finding themselves in hot water.

1. No oversight by a licensed orthodontist
2. Standardized treatment plans that do not address more complex cases
3. Higher risk of improper tooth movement or gum damage. 

If braces are not in the cards for you, a safe alternative that we provide here at Truman Orthodontics is a promising little invention called Invisalign (perhaps you’ve heard of them).

Let’s get into the facts:

1. Professionally supervised by an orthodontist
2. Customized treatment plans using advanced imaging technology
3. Adjusted and refined as needed throughout treatment

And not to toot our own horn, but…beep, beep. Dr. Truman knows a thing or two about Invisalign. Truman Orthodontics is a Blue Diamond Plus Provider – the highest level of provider status for Invisalign. Byte, and Smile Direct Club, and Smile Correct Club (who claims to totally NOT be Smile Direct Club but totally looks a lot like them) could never.

Lessons Learned

So, what’s the takeaway here? This isn’t the first time controversy has landed on the DIY aligner doorstep. And it won’t be the last. 

As highlighted by the AAO and any reputable, licensed orthodontist, undergoing treatment without in-person exams and ongoing supervision presents very real, very painful, and often costly health risks. Choosing a private practice like Truman Orthodontics ensures safe and effective treatment that fits in your budget. 

Your smile is a life long investment. So, why not kick off your ortho journey with a free consultation –  and a little peace of mind?

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About Truman Orthodontics – Henderson

Truman Orthodontics-Henderson celebrates twenty years of private practice. Dr. Truman and the TruCrew provide highest quality orthodontic care in a family-oriented high-technology practice. We maintain a commitment to our patients in every facet of our practice to ensure that every patient achieves a healthy and beautiful smile. For more information, visit www.trumanortho.com.

 

Posted By Truman Orthodontics Category: Blog, General Post Date: November 19, 2024