By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy | Last Updated: June 2026
Quick Answer: Byte aligners permanently shut down in 2026. If you completed treatment, your teeth are actively shifting — order custom replacement retainers now. If you were mid-treatment, get retainers made to hold your current position, then evaluate options for restarting. If you paid by credit card, you may be eligible for a chargeback or FTC refund. Federal lawsuits against Byte and Dentsply Sirona are active in 2026.
If you were a Byte customer, you have already felt the sting of their collapse. Emails bounce. Customer service is gone. The company you paid hundreds or thousands of dollars to has shut down permanently — and your teeth are not waiting for a resolution.
This guide covers everything former Byte customers need to know in 2026: what happened, your legal and financial options, what to do about shifting teeth, and how to get replacement retainers or restart treatment without going back to a traditional orthodontist.
What Happened to Byte Aligners? (Full 2026 Timeline)
Byte was a direct-to-consumer aligner company that sold orthodontic treatment without in-person dentist oversight. Here is the full chain of events that led to their collapse:
-
2021: Dentsply Sirona acquired Byte for approximately $1 billion
-
2021: The FDA issued a safety advisory warning that at-home aligner companies were treating patients who should have been screened out — including people with gum disease, bone loss, and other contraindications
-
2022: The FTC took action against Byte for deceptive marketing practices and failure to screen patients adequately
-
2023: Federal lawsuits began accumulating, with former customers reporting bite misalignment, gum recession, loose teeth, and jaw pain attributed to Byte treatment
-
Early 2025: Dentsply Sirona wrote off the entire Byte acquisition and announced a full shutdown of consumer-facing operations
-
2026: Byte is completely offline. No customer service, no replacement retainers, no treatment support. The company will not be coming back.
The core problem was not just a business failure. Courts found that Byte enrolled patients who should never have been treated remotely — people with active gum disease, significant bone loss, or bite issues that required in-person orthodontic care. These patients paid for treatment and in some cases received it, resulting in documented injuries.
Byte Aligners Lawsuit & Refund Options (2026)
You have multiple avenues for financial recourse if you paid for Byte treatment:
Credit Card Chargeback
If you paid by credit card, contact your card issuer and file a dispute for "services not rendered" or "misrepresentation." Chargeback windows vary by card (typically 120 days from the last charge), but some issuers have extended windows for ongoing cases. Do not wait — file immediately.
FTC Refund Process
The FTC's 2022 action against Byte resulted in a settlement fund for eligible consumers. Visit FTC.gov to check eligibility. Documented injury claims may qualify for higher compensation than general consumer claims.
Federal Lawsuit (Active in 2026)
As of June 2026, federal litigation against Byte and Dentsply Sirona is in active discovery. Defendants include Dentsply's former CEO Donald Casey and current CEO Simon Campion. Injury categories that may qualify include:
- Bite misalignment or open bite
- Gum recession
- Bone loss around teeth
- Loose teeth
- TMJ pain or jaw dysfunction
- Root resorption
Mass arbitration is available — you do not need a class action attorney. Consult ClassAction.org for current filing options.
Why Your Teeth Are Actively Shifting Right Now
This is urgent. Teeth are not static structures. The bone and soft tissue around your teeth remodel in response to force — and when that force stops, they begin returning to their original positions.
-
Shifting begins within days to weeks of stopping retainer use, even after months of treatment
-
Lower front teeth relapse fastest — crowding is the most common early sign
-
Relapse accelerates without a retainer in the first year post-treatment
-
Mid-treatment abandonment is especially risky: teeth moved partway can shift in unpredictable directions without retention
If you were mid-treatment when Byte shut down, do not keep wearing your last set of Byte trays. Worn trays that no longer fit your current tooth position can apply uneven force and cause more harm. Get retainers made to your current position immediately.
Step-by-Step: What Former Byte Customers Should Do Now
Step 1: Stop Using Ill-Fitting Byte Trays
If your Byte aligners no longer seat flush or feel tight in the wrong places, stop wearing them. Using misfit trays applies uneven force and can worsen your alignment or create new bite problems.
Step 2: Order Custom Retainers for Your Current Position
Whether you finished Byte treatment or not, you need retainers made to exactly where your teeth are right now. This holds your current position while you decide on next steps.
NewSmile's custom Essix retainers are made from professional dental-grade material using a simple home impression kit — no dentist visit required, and we ship directly to your door.
Step 3: Evaluate Whether You Need to Restart Treatment
If you completed Byte treatment and your teeth held their position, retainers may be all you need. If you were mid-treatment or significant relapse has occurred, you may want to consider restarting with a new provider.
For former Byte customers who want to continue aligner treatment, NewSmile's Fast Track clear aligners offer FDA-cleared, doctor-supervised treatment using the same at-home impression process — with actual orthodontist review at every step that Byte skipped.
Step 4: File for Financial Recourse
Do not leave money on the table. File a credit card chargeback, check FTC eligibility, and consult the mass arbitration options above. Document any dental symptoms you experienced during or after treatment — these records strengthen injury claims.
NewSmile vs Other Byte Alternatives
| Feature |
NewSmile |
Local Orthodontist |
Sporting Smiles |
| Replacement retainers |
✅ Yes — home impressions |
✅ Yes — in-office scan |
✅ Yes — home impressions |
| Clear aligner treatment |
✅ Yes — doctor-supervised |
✅ Yes — full oversight |
❌ No |
| Orthodontist review |
✅ Every case |
✅ Every visit |
❌ No clinical oversight |
| Starting cost |
Retainers from $99; aligners from $99/mo |
$3,000–$8,000 |
Retainers from $99 |
| Home impression kit |
✅ Included |
❌ In-office only |
✅ Included |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Byte permanently shut down or just paused?
Permanently shut down. In early 2025, Dentsply Sirona — Byte's parent company — took a full write-off on the acquisition and shut down all consumer-facing Byte operations. There is no recovery path through Byte itself. Byte will not be resuming service. Former customers need to find alternative providers for retainers and any ongoing treatment needs.
Can I get a refund from Byte?
Direct refunds from Byte are no longer available since the company is defunct. However, you have multiple alternatives: (1) credit card chargebacks — contact your card issuer and file a dispute for services not rendered; (2) FTC settlement funds — check eligibility at FTC.gov; (3) mass arbitration through active 2026 litigation against Byte and Dentsply Sirona for documented dental injuries. Do not assume you are out of options — consult ClassAction.org for current filing status.
Can NewSmile finish my Byte treatment?
NewSmile offers both custom retainers and full clear aligner treatment. If you were mid-treatment with Byte, the best first step is to get custom retainers made to your current tooth position to stabilize your teeth. Then you can evaluate whether to restart full aligner treatment through NewSmile. Our Fast Track clear aligners include doctor-supervised treatment reviewed by a licensed orthodontist — the oversight that Byte never provided.
How quickly do teeth shift after stopping retainer use?
Shifting can begin within days to weeks of stopping retainer wear, particularly in the lower front teeth where crowding relapse is most common. The first year after active treatment is the highest-risk period for significant relapse. If you have been without a retainer for months since Byte shut down, you may already have measurable movement. Get retainers made to your current position now — a retainer to your shifted teeth is still better than no retainer at all.
Do I need a dentist to order from NewSmile?
No. NewSmile uses a home impression kit: you take impressions at home, mail them back in the prepaid kit, and receive custom-fit Essix retainers shipped directly to your door. For aligner treatment, every case is reviewed by a licensed orthodontist before any trays are made — but you do not need to visit a dentist's office. The entire process is handled remotely.
What if my Byte retainers still fit?
If your existing Byte retainers seat fully, feel comfortable, and have no cracks or warping, continue wearing them for now. When they degrade — typically after 1–2 years of nightly use — order custom replacements promptly. Do not wait until your teeth have shifted significantly before replacing worn-out retainers. Order a new set while your current ones still fit, so you have them ready.
My Byte retainers no longer fit — what does that mean?
Retainers that no longer seat flush indicate your teeth have already shifted from the post-treatment position. This is common for former Byte customers who lost access to replacements. Get retainers made to your current position as soon as possible. Once stabilized, you can assess whether the amount of shift is acceptable or whether you want to pursue realignment treatment.
Should I go to a local orthodontist instead?
For a full assessment of any dental injury caused by Byte treatment, yes — see a local orthodontist or dentist. If you experienced bite changes, jaw pain, loose teeth, or gum recession during or after Byte treatment, get a clinical evaluation. For straightforward retainer replacement, an online provider like NewSmile offers the same quality retainers at a fraction of the cost without requiring an office visit.
What were Byte's main problems that caused the shutdown?
Multiple issues converged: (1) The FDA warned in 2021 that at-home aligner companies were treating patients who should have been screened out — including those with gum disease, bone loss, and bite problems that required in-person care; (2) The FTC took action in 2022 for deceptive marketing; (3) Documented patient injuries including bite misalignment, gum recession, and loose teeth led to federal lawsuits; (4) Dentsply Sirona, which had paid $1 billion for Byte, concluded the business was not viable and shut it down entirely. The core failure was attempting to move orthodontic screening and oversight fully remote without adequate safeguards.
References
Byte Aligners Shut Down: What Byte Customers Should Do Now (2026)
Table of Contents
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy | Last Updated: June 2026
If you were a Byte customer, you have already felt the sting of their collapse. Emails bounce. Customer service is gone. The company you paid hundreds or thousands of dollars to has shut down permanently — and your teeth are not waiting for a resolution.
This guide covers everything former Byte customers need to know in 2026: what happened, your legal and financial options, what to do about shifting teeth, and how to get replacement retainers or restart treatment without going back to a traditional orthodontist.
What Happened to Byte Aligners? (Full 2026 Timeline)
Byte was a direct-to-consumer aligner company that sold orthodontic treatment without in-person dentist oversight. Here is the full chain of events that led to their collapse:
The core problem was not just a business failure. Courts found that Byte enrolled patients who should never have been treated remotely — people with active gum disease, significant bone loss, or bite issues that required in-person orthodontic care. These patients paid for treatment and in some cases received it, resulting in documented injuries.
Byte Aligners Lawsuit & Refund Options (2026)
You have multiple avenues for financial recourse if you paid for Byte treatment:
Credit Card Chargeback
If you paid by credit card, contact your card issuer and file a dispute for "services not rendered" or "misrepresentation." Chargeback windows vary by card (typically 120 days from the last charge), but some issuers have extended windows for ongoing cases. Do not wait — file immediately.
FTC Refund Process
The FTC's 2022 action against Byte resulted in a settlement fund for eligible consumers. Visit FTC.gov to check eligibility. Documented injury claims may qualify for higher compensation than general consumer claims.
Federal Lawsuit (Active in 2026)
As of June 2026, federal litigation against Byte and Dentsply Sirona is in active discovery. Defendants include Dentsply's former CEO Donald Casey and current CEO Simon Campion. Injury categories that may qualify include:
Mass arbitration is available — you do not need a class action attorney. Consult ClassAction.org for current filing options.
Why Your Teeth Are Actively Shifting Right Now
This is urgent. Teeth are not static structures. The bone and soft tissue around your teeth remodel in response to force — and when that force stops, they begin returning to their original positions.
If you were mid-treatment when Byte shut down, do not keep wearing your last set of Byte trays. Worn trays that no longer fit your current tooth position can apply uneven force and cause more harm. Get retainers made to your current position immediately.
Step-by-Step: What Former Byte Customers Should Do Now
Step 1: Stop Using Ill-Fitting Byte Trays
If your Byte aligners no longer seat flush or feel tight in the wrong places, stop wearing them. Using misfit trays applies uneven force and can worsen your alignment or create new bite problems.
Step 2: Order Custom Retainers for Your Current Position
Whether you finished Byte treatment or not, you need retainers made to exactly where your teeth are right now. This holds your current position while you decide on next steps.
NewSmile's custom Essix retainers are made from professional dental-grade material using a simple home impression kit — no dentist visit required, and we ship directly to your door.
Step 3: Evaluate Whether You Need to Restart Treatment
If you completed Byte treatment and your teeth held their position, retainers may be all you need. If you were mid-treatment or significant relapse has occurred, you may want to consider restarting with a new provider.
For former Byte customers who want to continue aligner treatment, NewSmile's Fast Track clear aligners offer FDA-cleared, doctor-supervised treatment using the same at-home impression process — with actual orthodontist review at every step that Byte skipped.
Step 4: File for Financial Recourse
Do not leave money on the table. File a credit card chargeback, check FTC eligibility, and consult the mass arbitration options above. Document any dental symptoms you experienced during or after treatment — these records strengthen injury claims.
Former Byte customer? Get stable — today.
Every week without a retainer is a week of shifting. NewSmile custom Essix retainers start at $99 with a home impression kit — no dentist, no wait, ships to your door.
Order Replacement Retainers → Restart Aligner Treatment →
NewSmile vs Other Byte Alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Byte permanently shut down or just paused?
Permanently shut down. In early 2025, Dentsply Sirona — Byte's parent company — took a full write-off on the acquisition and shut down all consumer-facing Byte operations. There is no recovery path through Byte itself. Byte will not be resuming service. Former customers need to find alternative providers for retainers and any ongoing treatment needs.
Can I get a refund from Byte?
Direct refunds from Byte are no longer available since the company is defunct. However, you have multiple alternatives: (1) credit card chargebacks — contact your card issuer and file a dispute for services not rendered; (2) FTC settlement funds — check eligibility at FTC.gov; (3) mass arbitration through active 2026 litigation against Byte and Dentsply Sirona for documented dental injuries. Do not assume you are out of options — consult ClassAction.org for current filing status.
Can NewSmile finish my Byte treatment?
NewSmile offers both custom retainers and full clear aligner treatment. If you were mid-treatment with Byte, the best first step is to get custom retainers made to your current tooth position to stabilize your teeth. Then you can evaluate whether to restart full aligner treatment through NewSmile. Our Fast Track clear aligners include doctor-supervised treatment reviewed by a licensed orthodontist — the oversight that Byte never provided.
How quickly do teeth shift after stopping retainer use?
Shifting can begin within days to weeks of stopping retainer wear, particularly in the lower front teeth where crowding relapse is most common. The first year after active treatment is the highest-risk period for significant relapse. If you have been without a retainer for months since Byte shut down, you may already have measurable movement. Get retainers made to your current position now — a retainer to your shifted teeth is still better than no retainer at all.
Do I need a dentist to order from NewSmile?
No. NewSmile uses a home impression kit: you take impressions at home, mail them back in the prepaid kit, and receive custom-fit Essix retainers shipped directly to your door. For aligner treatment, every case is reviewed by a licensed orthodontist before any trays are made — but you do not need to visit a dentist's office. The entire process is handled remotely.
What if my Byte retainers still fit?
If your existing Byte retainers seat fully, feel comfortable, and have no cracks or warping, continue wearing them for now. When they degrade — typically after 1–2 years of nightly use — order custom replacements promptly. Do not wait until your teeth have shifted significantly before replacing worn-out retainers. Order a new set while your current ones still fit, so you have them ready.
My Byte retainers no longer fit — what does that mean?
Retainers that no longer seat flush indicate your teeth have already shifted from the post-treatment position. This is common for former Byte customers who lost access to replacements. Get retainers made to your current position as soon as possible. Once stabilized, you can assess whether the amount of shift is acceptable or whether you want to pursue realignment treatment.
Should I go to a local orthodontist instead?
For a full assessment of any dental injury caused by Byte treatment, yes — see a local orthodontist or dentist. If you experienced bite changes, jaw pain, loose teeth, or gum recession during or after Byte treatment, get a clinical evaluation. For straightforward retainer replacement, an online provider like NewSmile offers the same quality retainers at a fraction of the cost without requiring an office visit.
What were Byte's main problems that caused the shutdown?
Multiple issues converged: (1) The FDA warned in 2021 that at-home aligner companies were treating patients who should have been screened out — including those with gum disease, bone loss, and bite problems that required in-person care; (2) The FTC took action in 2022 for deceptive marketing; (3) Documented patient injuries including bite misalignment, gum recession, and loose teeth led to federal lawsuits; (4) Dentsply Sirona, which had paid $1 billion for Byte, concluded the business was not viable and shut it down entirely. The core failure was attempting to move orthodontic screening and oversight fully remote without adequate safeguards.
References
Table of Contents
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy | Last Updated: June 2026
If you were a Byte customer, you have already felt the sting of their collapse. Emails bounce. Customer service is gone. The company you paid hundreds or thousands of dollars to has shut down permanently — and your teeth are not waiting for a resolution.
This guide covers everything former Byte customers need to know in 2026: what happened, your legal and financial options, what to do about shifting teeth, and how to get replacement retainers or restart treatment without going back to a traditional orthodontist.
What Happened to Byte Aligners? (Full 2026 Timeline)
Byte was a direct-to-consumer aligner company that sold orthodontic treatment without in-person dentist oversight. Here is the full chain of events that led to their collapse:
The core problem was not just a business failure. Courts found that Byte enrolled patients who should never have been treated remotely — people with active gum disease, significant bone loss, or bite issues that required in-person orthodontic care. These patients paid for treatment and in some cases received it, resulting in documented injuries.
Byte Aligners Lawsuit & Refund Options (2026)
You have multiple avenues for financial recourse if you paid for Byte treatment:
Credit Card Chargeback
If you paid by credit card, contact your card issuer and file a dispute for "services not rendered" or "misrepresentation." Chargeback windows vary by card (typically 120 days from the last charge), but some issuers have extended windows for ongoing cases. Do not wait — file immediately.
FTC Refund Process
The FTC's 2022 action against Byte resulted in a settlement fund for eligible consumers. Visit FTC.gov to check eligibility. Documented injury claims may qualify for higher compensation than general consumer claims.
Federal Lawsuit (Active in 2026)
As of June 2026, federal litigation against Byte and Dentsply Sirona is in active discovery. Defendants include Dentsply's former CEO Donald Casey and current CEO Simon Campion. Injury categories that may qualify include:
Mass arbitration is available — you do not need a class action attorney. Consult ClassAction.org for current filing options.
Why Your Teeth Are Actively Shifting Right Now
This is urgent. Teeth are not static structures. The bone and soft tissue around your teeth remodel in response to force — and when that force stops, they begin returning to their original positions.
If you were mid-treatment when Byte shut down, do not keep wearing your last set of Byte trays. Worn trays that no longer fit your current tooth position can apply uneven force and cause more harm. Get retainers made to your current position immediately.
Step-by-Step: What Former Byte Customers Should Do Now
Step 1: Stop Using Ill-Fitting Byte Trays
If your Byte aligners no longer seat flush or feel tight in the wrong places, stop wearing them. Using misfit trays applies uneven force and can worsen your alignment or create new bite problems.
Step 2: Order Custom Retainers for Your Current Position
Whether you finished Byte treatment or not, you need retainers made to exactly where your teeth are right now. This holds your current position while you decide on next steps.
NewSmile's custom Essix retainers are made from professional dental-grade material using a simple home impression kit — no dentist visit required, and we ship directly to your door.
Step 3: Evaluate Whether You Need to Restart Treatment
If you completed Byte treatment and your teeth held their position, retainers may be all you need. If you were mid-treatment or significant relapse has occurred, you may want to consider restarting with a new provider.
For former Byte customers who want to continue aligner treatment, NewSmile's Fast Track clear aligners offer FDA-cleared, doctor-supervised treatment using the same at-home impression process — with actual orthodontist review at every step that Byte skipped.
Step 4: File for Financial Recourse
Do not leave money on the table. File a credit card chargeback, check FTC eligibility, and consult the mass arbitration options above. Document any dental symptoms you experienced during or after treatment — these records strengthen injury claims.
Former Byte customer? Get stable — today.
Every week without a retainer is a week of shifting. NewSmile custom Essix retainers start at $99 with a home impression kit — no dentist, no wait, ships to your door.
Order Replacement Retainers → Restart Aligner Treatment →
NewSmile vs Other Byte Alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Byte permanently shut down or just paused?
Permanently shut down. In early 2025, Dentsply Sirona — Byte's parent company — took a full write-off on the acquisition and shut down all consumer-facing Byte operations. There is no recovery path through Byte itself. Byte will not be resuming service. Former customers need to find alternative providers for retainers and any ongoing treatment needs.
Can I get a refund from Byte?
Direct refunds from Byte are no longer available since the company is defunct. However, you have multiple alternatives: (1) credit card chargebacks — contact your card issuer and file a dispute for services not rendered; (2) FTC settlement funds — check eligibility at FTC.gov; (3) mass arbitration through active 2026 litigation against Byte and Dentsply Sirona for documented dental injuries. Do not assume you are out of options — consult ClassAction.org for current filing status.
Can NewSmile finish my Byte treatment?
NewSmile offers both custom retainers and full clear aligner treatment. If you were mid-treatment with Byte, the best first step is to get custom retainers made to your current tooth position to stabilize your teeth. Then you can evaluate whether to restart full aligner treatment through NewSmile. Our Fast Track clear aligners include doctor-supervised treatment reviewed by a licensed orthodontist — the oversight that Byte never provided.
How quickly do teeth shift after stopping retainer use?
Shifting can begin within days to weeks of stopping retainer wear, particularly in the lower front teeth where crowding relapse is most common. The first year after active treatment is the highest-risk period for significant relapse. If you have been without a retainer for months since Byte shut down, you may already have measurable movement. Get retainers made to your current position now — a retainer to your shifted teeth is still better than no retainer at all.
Do I need a dentist to order from NewSmile?
No. NewSmile uses a home impression kit: you take impressions at home, mail them back in the prepaid kit, and receive custom-fit Essix retainers shipped directly to your door. For aligner treatment, every case is reviewed by a licensed orthodontist before any trays are made — but you do not need to visit a dentist's office. The entire process is handled remotely.
What if my Byte retainers still fit?
If your existing Byte retainers seat fully, feel comfortable, and have no cracks or warping, continue wearing them for now. When they degrade — typically after 1–2 years of nightly use — order custom replacements promptly. Do not wait until your teeth have shifted significantly before replacing worn-out retainers. Order a new set while your current ones still fit, so you have them ready.
My Byte retainers no longer fit — what does that mean?
Retainers that no longer seat flush indicate your teeth have already shifted from the post-treatment position. This is common for former Byte customers who lost access to replacements. Get retainers made to your current position as soon as possible. Once stabilized, you can assess whether the amount of shift is acceptable or whether you want to pursue realignment treatment.
Should I go to a local orthodontist instead?
For a full assessment of any dental injury caused by Byte treatment, yes — see a local orthodontist or dentist. If you experienced bite changes, jaw pain, loose teeth, or gum recession during or after Byte treatment, get a clinical evaluation. For straightforward retainer replacement, an online provider like NewSmile offers the same quality retainers at a fraction of the cost without requiring an office visit.
What were Byte's main problems that caused the shutdown?
Multiple issues converged: (1) The FDA warned in 2021 that at-home aligner companies were treating patients who should have been screened out — including those with gum disease, bone loss, and bite problems that required in-person care; (2) The FTC took action in 2022 for deceptive marketing; (3) Documented patient injuries including bite misalignment, gum recession, and loose teeth led to federal lawsuits; (4) Dentsply Sirona, which had paid $1 billion for Byte, concluded the business was not viable and shut it down entirely. The core failure was attempting to move orthodontic screening and oversight fully remote without adequate safeguards.
References
Read This Next
How to Get a Replacement Retainer: Cost & Tips 2026
AlignerCo Retainers vs NewSmile: Which Custom Retainers Offer Better Value in 2026?