By Joanna M.
Quick Answer: Byte aligners shut down and customers can no longer access support or replacements. If you completed Byte treatment, you need retainers now to hold your results — NewSmile offers custom Essix retainers by mail with no dentist visit required.
If you were a Byte customer, you've likely already felt the sting of their sudden exit. Emails bounce. Customer service lines go nowhere. And the aligner company you paid hundreds or thousands of dollars to has quietly gone dark.
Thousands of former Byte customers are now scrambling to figure out what to do next — whether they finished treatment, were mid-treatment when Byte shut down, or simply need replacement retainers to maintain the smile they worked hard for.
What Happened to Byte Aligners?
Byte was acquired by Dentsply Sirona in 2021 for approximately $1 billion. Despite the acquisition, Byte continued to face mounting operational and legal challenges. By 2026 the company had fully shut down consumer-facing operations, leaving customers without support, replacements, or ongoing care.
Why Your Teeth Will Shift Without a Retainer
Teeth are not static. Even after months of aligner treatment, the bone and soft tissue around your teeth are still adapting. Without a retainer:
-
Minor shifting begins within days to weeks of stopping retainer use
-
Lower front teeth are especially prone to crowding relapse
-
Relapse accelerates in the months following active treatment
What Former Byte Customers Should Do
Check Your Existing Retainers
If you have Byte retainers that still fit well, continue wearing them. If damaged or warped, stop — an ill-fitting retainer can do more harm than good.
Order Replacement Retainers Online
You do not need to go back to a traditional orthodontist. NewSmile offers custom Essix retainers using a simple home impression kit process.
Get Replacement Retainers Without Leaving Home
NewSmile custom Essix retainers are made from dental-grade clear material. Start with a simple home impression kit — no dentist needed.
Order Your Replacement Retainers →
Why NewSmile Is the Best Byte Alternative
NewSmile retainers are made from BPA-free dental-grade Essix plastic used by orthodontists. Affordable, custom-fit, and shipped directly to your door.
If you also grind at night, protect your investment with a dedicated night guard: Order a Custom Night Guard →
What If I Was Mid-Treatment?
Get retainers made to your current tooth position to hold progress, then consult a local orthodontist about completing treatment. Do not keep wearing old Byte trays without professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can NewSmile finish my Byte treatment?
No. NewSmile provides retainers and night guards, not active orthodontic treatment. A retainer can stabilize your current position while you consult a local orthodontist.
Do I need a dentist to order from NewSmile?
No dentist visit is required. You take impressions at home, mail them back, and receive custom retainers by mail.
How quickly can I get replacement retainers?
Turnaround is typically 2–3 weeks after mailing your impressions.
What if my Byte retainers still fit?
If they fit without discomfort and have no cracks, continue using them. When they degrade, order replacements promptly.
References
Byte Aligners Shut Down: What Byte Customers Should Do Now (2026)
Table of Contents
By Joanna M.
If you were a Byte customer, you've likely already felt the sting of their sudden exit. Emails bounce. Customer service lines go nowhere. And the aligner company you paid hundreds or thousands of dollars to has quietly gone dark.
Thousands of former Byte customers are now scrambling to figure out what to do next — whether they finished treatment, were mid-treatment when Byte shut down, or simply need replacement retainers to maintain the smile they worked hard for.
What Happened to Byte Aligners?
Byte was acquired by Dentsply Sirona in 2021 for approximately $1 billion. Despite the acquisition, Byte continued to face mounting operational and legal challenges. By 2026 the company had fully shut down consumer-facing operations, leaving customers without support, replacements, or ongoing care.
Why Your Teeth Will Shift Without a Retainer
Teeth are not static. Even after months of aligner treatment, the bone and soft tissue around your teeth are still adapting. Without a retainer:
What Former Byte Customers Should Do
Check Your Existing Retainers
If you have Byte retainers that still fit well, continue wearing them. If damaged or warped, stop — an ill-fitting retainer can do more harm than good.
Order Replacement Retainers Online
You do not need to go back to a traditional orthodontist. NewSmile offers custom Essix retainers using a simple home impression kit process.
Get Replacement Retainers Without Leaving Home
NewSmile custom Essix retainers are made from dental-grade clear material. Start with a simple home impression kit — no dentist needed.
Order Your Replacement Retainers →
Why NewSmile Is the Best Byte Alternative
NewSmile retainers are made from BPA-free dental-grade Essix plastic used by orthodontists. Affordable, custom-fit, and shipped directly to your door.
If you also grind at night, protect your investment with a dedicated night guard: Order a Custom Night Guard →
What If I Was Mid-Treatment?
Get retainers made to your current tooth position to hold progress, then consult a local orthodontist about completing treatment. Do not keep wearing old Byte trays without professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can NewSmile finish my Byte treatment?
No. NewSmile provides retainers and night guards, not active orthodontic treatment. A retainer can stabilize your current position while you consult a local orthodontist.
Do I need a dentist to order from NewSmile?
No dentist visit is required. You take impressions at home, mail them back, and receive custom retainers by mail.
How quickly can I get replacement retainers?
Turnaround is typically 2–3 weeks after mailing your impressions.
What if my Byte retainers still fit?
If they fit without discomfort and have no cracks, continue using them. When they degrade, order replacements promptly.
References
Table of Contents
By Joanna M.
If you were a Byte customer, you've likely already felt the sting of their sudden exit. Emails bounce. Customer service lines go nowhere. And the aligner company you paid hundreds or thousands of dollars to has quietly gone dark.
Thousands of former Byte customers are now scrambling to figure out what to do next — whether they finished treatment, were mid-treatment when Byte shut down, or simply need replacement retainers to maintain the smile they worked hard for.
What Happened to Byte Aligners?
Byte was acquired by Dentsply Sirona in 2021 for approximately $1 billion. Despite the acquisition, Byte continued to face mounting operational and legal challenges. By 2026 the company had fully shut down consumer-facing operations, leaving customers without support, replacements, or ongoing care.
Why Your Teeth Will Shift Without a Retainer
Teeth are not static. Even after months of aligner treatment, the bone and soft tissue around your teeth are still adapting. Without a retainer:
What Former Byte Customers Should Do
Check Your Existing Retainers
If you have Byte retainers that still fit well, continue wearing them. If damaged or warped, stop — an ill-fitting retainer can do more harm than good.
Order Replacement Retainers Online
You do not need to go back to a traditional orthodontist. NewSmile offers custom Essix retainers using a simple home impression kit process.
Get Replacement Retainers Without Leaving Home
NewSmile custom Essix retainers are made from dental-grade clear material. Start with a simple home impression kit — no dentist needed.
Order Your Replacement Retainers →
Why NewSmile Is the Best Byte Alternative
NewSmile retainers are made from BPA-free dental-grade Essix plastic used by orthodontists. Affordable, custom-fit, and shipped directly to your door.
If you also grind at night, protect your investment with a dedicated night guard: Order a Custom Night Guard →
What If I Was Mid-Treatment?
Get retainers made to your current tooth position to hold progress, then consult a local orthodontist about completing treatment. Do not keep wearing old Byte trays without professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can NewSmile finish my Byte treatment?
No. NewSmile provides retainers and night guards, not active orthodontic treatment. A retainer can stabilize your current position while you consult a local orthodontist.
Do I need a dentist to order from NewSmile?
No dentist visit is required. You take impressions at home, mail them back, and receive custom retainers by mail.
How quickly can I get replacement retainers?
Turnaround is typically 2–3 weeks after mailing your impressions.
What if my Byte retainers still fit?
If they fit without discomfort and have no cracks, continue using them. When they degrade, order replacements promptly.
References
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How to Get a Replacement Retainer: Cost & Tips 2026
AlignerCo Retainers vs NewSmile: Which Custom Retainers Offer Better Value in 2026?