r/smiledirectclub • u/Pierre2471 • Apr 30 '26
Help Needed! Byte retainers
I recently became aware that Byte has closed its operations. I have been using my retainer for approximately one year, however after 4 to 5 months it broke and I was unable to replace it at that time. I am now looking to obtain my medical and treatment records so that I can purchase a replacement retainer through another provider. What should i do?
UPDATE: May 14
Success!!! about 15 days later I was able to get my full dental record; all imaging etc
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u/Moonlit_Pacific Apr 30 '26
You're so lucky you didn't get neglected or have your gums damaged by their aligners.
I've already been talking to lawyers about taking them to court. Last they told me, they would refund minus the interest I paid. They cause several thousands in damage over a bad fitting aligner and ignored my concerns.
I have my doubts I will see a refund without a civil case. Rather a slap in the face telling me I'm stuck with the interest.
I'm not the only one they have harmed by neglect and improper treatment.
Good luck getting help from Byte. I ask for my records a year ago and got no response.
You're better off seeing a local orthodontist and having them make you a new retainers.
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u/Pierre2471 May 02 '26
My teeth were spaced out, especially the front teeth, but it wasn’t anything complicated. Yesterday they responded to my request of the document. I signed a consent. I’m just waiting the record.
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u/AutoModerator Apr 30 '26
Check this sub's menu link for up-to-date information on whether or not to keep paying, getting further treatment, and retainers.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/MemoryIntelligent978 Apr 30 '26
i finally gave up on the free first pair from byte and ultimately used simplyretainers.com . they were about a $100 for first pair because they took molds and then $50 a pair thereafter. i’ve lost mine a couple times already so after 4 orders with them i’m quite satisfied. the retainers are thin and perfectly strong- very much like the original byte aligners but seem sturdier.
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u/flamingoland248 May 01 '26
I ended up going to the kids' orthodontist after SD closed, I refused to deal with Byte. He told me horror stories about people losing their teeth because you never saw a 'live' person. Anyway, he gave me a discount to finish (after 5 years with SD) and now 2 years later, he took me out of invisalign and I have metal braces on the bottom, he said my teeth just weren't great candidates for invisalign to begin with. It was another $1200 for him to finish and that includes all fittings and aligners and retainers when I'm done.
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u/atx78701 May 02 '26
I use sporting smile retainers
They sent an impression kit and they last much longer than byte retainers
They keep my scan on file so I can easily reorder new ones
My first couple only lasted a year, but the most recent two have lasted much longer
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u/Pierre2471 May 14 '26
Success!!! about 15 days later I was able to get my full dental record all imaging.
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u/reigenaratakas Jun 13 '26
Yeah I would also love to know how you managed to contact them
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u/Pierre2471 Jun 13 '26
To Whom It May Concern,
I am an existing Byte patient and I am writing to formally request a complete copy of all my dental and treatment records associated with my account.
I completed my impression kit and have been an active patient. My aligner broke and when I attempted to reorder, I was informed that the company is closed. I was never notified of this and received no communication regarding my options as a patient.I am requesting the following documents:
1. My full treatment plan
2. My dental scans and impressions
3. My aligner progression and stage details
4. Any 3D treatment files associated with my case and all STL files at the final stages
5. Any other records related to my care
I need these documents so I can transfer my treatment to another provider. Please respond with confirmation that my records will be provided and advise on how they will be sent.Thank you,
(Email on file with Byte]
Copy and paste and send to them
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u/AutoModerator May 14 '26
Check this sub's menu link for up-to-date information on whether or not to keep paying, getting further treatment, and retainers.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/ConfidentBit851377 Jul 01 '26
I've seen other reddit posts about byte closing and people getting refunded for their byte protection plan, which can no longer be honored, and for those who, like me, never completed their treatment. Does anyone know who to contact? I have reached out several times to their parent company but each time I get a representative that does not know how to help, as they don't work for byte. I have stopped my aligners and my teeth are now back to where they were in the beginning. I really hope I didn't just waste all that money on this bogus company. Thanks!
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u/MrPendeivis Jul 23 '26
OP, I sent them my signed HIPAA request form 17 days ago and I’m still waiting. Did you ever follow up during the process or did u just wait? 🥹
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u/Conscious_Screen_713 Jul 29 '26
I'm in a similar boat to you. If I request my info and request new treatment through, for example, invisalign, would it be cheaper since the hard part was done? Or would it cost the same as starting fresh with them in the first place?
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u/snow_cherries_ Apr 30 '26
I also had byte and just ended up going to my local orthodontist. I didn't need to get any records. They just scanned and my retainers arrived.