In March 2025, a federal class action lawsuit—Phillips v. Straight Smile LLC et al.—was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by law firms Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen, P.A. and Jordan A. Dresnick’s office. The plaintiff, Paula J. Phillips, alleges that Byte Aligner Systems and Impression Kits, sold by Straight Smile LLC (operating as Byte) and parent company Dentsply Sirona, were falsely advertised, ineffective, and dangerous, causing serious dental injuries.
Core Allegations
The suit lays out several key claims:
- Dangerous and ineffective products: Reports of adverse outcomes include tooth chipping, bone loss, gum recession, locked jaws, allergic reactions, bite misalignment, and facial swelling. These are said to have affected hundreds between October 2020 and October 2024.
- Misleading marketing: Byte marketed these aligners as “doctor-directed” and safe—oversight that the lawsuit claims was significantly overstated or nonexistent.
- Targeting financially vulnerable consumers: Plaintiffs accuse Byte of intentionally appealing to those least able to afford traditional orthodontic care, luring them with claims of accessible treatment.
- Regulatory inaction: Even after halting sales in October 2024 due to regulatory review, Byte allegedly failed to notify customers of risks or offer compensation.
Legal Grounds and Relief Sought
The complaint invokes multiple legal theories, including:
- Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA)
- Breach of express and implied warranties
- Breach of contract
The class seeks:
- Compensatory damages
- Attorney’s fees and costs
- Injunctive relief (stopping deceptive practices)
- Class certification and jury trial
Broader Litigation and Regulatory Context
This lawsuit emerges amid growing concerns about the ‘direct-to-consumer (DTC)’ orthodontic space. Byte suspended sales in October 2024 amid an FDA-reviewed onboarding process, citing insufficient screening for contraindicated patients.
Separately, Dentsply Sirona faces a securities-fraud class action related to how Byte’s financials were represented to investors, including allegations of failure to disclose rising injury complaints and regulatory exposure.
Consumer Voices: Reddit Speaks Out
Real users have voiced frustration—even more stark than the formal allegations:
“They ruined my entire experience… receding gums, periodontal disease, tooth instability… Byte needs to pay for my dental procedures.”
“I spent a year undergoing clear aligner treatment… I was left with a worse condition… malpractice for them to take on my case.”
“I’ve been fighting… for a refund… spent >$3k… willing to go to legal lengths.”
“I finally got my refund pending… do not give up.”
These accounts echo the formal claims of ineffectiveness, pain, and financial loss.
What’s at Stake—and What’s Next
- Class certification: A critical early step, determining whether the case proceeds on behalf of all similarly affected Florida consumers.
- Discovery and evidence gathering: Plaintiff firms will likely pursue medical records, internal reports, consumer complaints, and communication showing Byte’s knowledge of risks.
- Potential settlement or trial: Depending on the weight of evidence, Byte and Dentsply may negotiate or prepare to litigate.
Key Takeaways for Consumers
- If you purchased Byte aligners and experienced serious issues, consult an attorney—especially if you’re in Florida.
- Keep documentation: treatment timelines, complaints, medical records, refund requests, and any responses.
- Stay alert: This case could form precedent across DTC dental care claims.
Bottom Line
The Byte Aligners class action—Phillips v. Straight Smile LLC et al.—targets misleading marketing and harmful consequences allegedly experienced by users. It sits at the intersection of consumer protection and regulated-medical product oversight. With allegations of serious adverse outcomes, deceptive practices, and inadequate disclosures, the case could reshape accountability in the direct-to-consumer orthodontic industry.
