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The clear aligners market size was valued at USD 3.80 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow USD 17.27 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 24.2% during 2023-2030. The rising prevalence of malocclusion and increasing demand for aesthetic dental solutions are driving the market.
Clear aligners refer to nearly invisible dental products that are utilized to correct mild to moderate orthodontic problems. The prevalence of malocclusion is surging significantly, and these products aid in teeth alignment, thereby fostering their demand. According to Align Technology Inc.’s 2021 report, internationally, the doctor’s utilization rate of Invisalign increased to 17.5 cases per doctor in 2021 compared to 14.5 cases per doctor in 2020.
The other factors improving the product demand include significant technological advancement in these products, improvement in per capita healthcare spending, and healthy economic indicators. Moreover, the increasing penetration of key companies to cater to the growing demand for aesthetics in developing nations is supporting the clear aligners market growth. For instance, as per an article published in BMC Oral Health in 2020, the per capita dental expenditure of Chinese adults was USD 20.54. More than 90% of this expenditure was out-of-pocket. Rising adult population and dental expenditure will enhance the adoption of these products, thereby driving the global market growth.
Developed countries are seeing huge growth in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatments. These individuals tend to prefer clear aligners over conventional wire braces due to the superior comfort and greater degree of aesthetics these products offer. Furthermore, the growing competition amongst key players for advanced product launches, such as scanners and 3D printing is anticipated to boost the market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in December 2021, Henry Schein, Inc. launched a new web-based treatment planning software called Studio Pro 4.0, for Reveal Clear Aligners to achieve predictable outcomes for clear aligner treatment planning.
Decline in Number of Orthodontic Procedures During COVID-19 Pandemic Negatively Impacted Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on the global market as the lockdowns imposed across the globe limited people’s visits to dentists and orthodontists. The suspension of elective procedures including orthodontics procedures in several key countries and closure of dental practices due to the lockdown restrictions impacted the dental industry significantly. However, the global market started to experience strong trends of sales rebound in the later financial quarters of 2020.
In 2021, as the offices of dentists and orthodontists in various countries began re-opening, the global market witnessed strong product sales. This strong momentum of sales rebound is attributed to the gradual spike in patient admission volume.
Other factors that assisted in maintaining the demand for these products were the launch of digital tools and tele dentistry, helping physicians continue to provide orthodontic care during the pandemic. In addition, the ‘zoom effect’ made people conscious about their misaligned teeth due to the frequent video calls. In the same period, adults have taken up the treatment more confidently with their teeth hidden behind masks which lead to surge in demand. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic created limited impact on the market's growth. The market is predicted to grow steadily to restore its pre-pandemic growth after relaxations in pandemic restrictions and resuming non-critical care.
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Unmet Needs of Patient Population to Augment Market Growth
The prevalence of dental malocclusion and misalignment is increasing at a significant rate. However, issues with accessibility of orthodontic services and high treatment costs have created a huge medical care gap, thereby leaving patient needs unmet. The index of treatment needed for dental malocclusion is increasing, which, for all classes of dental occlusion among teenagers, ranges from 25%-35% in various European countries, according to an article published by the European Journal of Pediatric Dentistry in 2020.
Many health reforms are being implemented to address the unmet needs of the patient population. Many companies and public institutions, such as government agencies have undertaken initiatives to fill the gaps in orthodontic treatment through partnerships and policies. For instance, in May 2022, the Canadian government introduced a new national dental care program for low-income Canadians that will cover the dental care fees of 6.5 million families making less than USD 90,000 annually. Such government initiatives will support dental care expenditure, leading to a spike in the adoption of dental products including clear aligners. These factors may propel the global market growth during the forecast period.
Benefits of Clear Aligners over Traditional Methods to Fuel Market Growth
On a global level, the demand for these products over traditional braces has grown due to the favorable outcomes they offer while treating malocclusion. Some of the advantages of clear aligners include better appearance, higher convenience & comfort, and greater ability to customize. In addition, companies are focusing on the development of new products and enhancement of current product offerings by launching various R&D initiatives.
Market players are also increasing the awareness regarding these products' benefits among orthodontics, dentists, and General Practitioners (GPs) through training.
Increased Demand for Dental Aesthetics to Boost Market Growth
In 2021, Align Technology, Inc. published data that reported that malocclusion was one of the most prevalent dental conditions, affecting an estimated 60-75% of the global population. The report also revealed that around 500 million people could benefit from straightening their teeth. Factors, such as low awareness about the adverse effects of malocclusion and general negligence of the patient population toward dental care offer the market a lucrative opportunity for growth.
Moreover, increasing beauty standards in terms of oral health is raising the demand for advanced orthodontics as many studies show that the young or teenage population, especially the female group, is a key contributor to the market’s growth. This is attributable to the increasing focus of the female population on the enhancement of their physical appearance.
Increased Competition from Direct-to-Consumer Companies to Hinder Market Growth
Despite the increasing adoption of these products globally, some strong limiting factors are responsible for restraining the market growth. For instance, many manufacturing companies that operate on a direct-to-consumer (DTC) business model are increasing their presence across the market. In the direct-to-consumer model, patients are not required to see a doctor. Dental impressions of the patients are either taken at home or at the company’s stores or reviewed by orthodontists working remotely. The products are then sent to the patient by mail. This factor is expected to limit the market growth.
This difference in price will influence the demand for direct-to-consumer products as they are available at lower prices, leading to a higher adoption rate. This factor will negatively impact the sales of products sold through the B2B channel during the forecast period.
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Adult Segment to Lead Market Growth Owing to Rising Demand for Dental Aesthetics
Based on age group, the global market is segmented into teenage and adult.
The adults segment held the dominant clear aligners market share in 2022 due to the rising adoption of technologically advanced products to treat malocclusion. Moreover, the increased prevalence of malocclusion in patients in the adult age group is expected to favor the segment’s growth. The increasing need for dental aesthetics among the adult population is also contributing to the segment’s dominance.
The teenage segment is anticipated to expand at a comparatively higher CAGR during the forecast period. Companies in this market are focusing on educating patients, especially teenagers, about the benefits of treating malocclusion. Furthermore, they are also offering training to dentists, general physicians, and orthodontists to provide this treatment and promote the adoption of these products among the teenage population.
Dentist & Orthodontist Owned Practices Segment to Dominate Due to High Preference for Dentists and Orthodontists
On the basis of end-user, the market is segmented into dentist & orthodontist-owned practices and others.
The dentist & orthodontist-owned practices segment dominated the global market in 2022 and is expected to the drive the market growth during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the high preference for orthodontists and other trained dental practitioners owing to their strong skills. Furthermore, a rising number of training sessions undertaken by prominent companies in these settings to enhance awareness of their products is expected to boost this segment’s dominance. The availability of highly skilled dentists will also contribute to the growth of this segment.
The others segment includes large hospital settings, which are anticipated to account for a lower market share during the forecast period. This is due to the growing preference of the patient population for private clinics including dentist & orthodontist-owned practices due to their timely, comfortable, and easily accessible dental care.
North America Clear Aligners Market Size, 2022 USD Billion)
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On the basis of region, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.
The market value in North America stood at USD 1.92 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to dominate the global market during the forecast period. Some of the critical factors contributing to the region’s dominance include the presence of major companies in the region, such as Align Technology, and increasing R&D investments by these key players. Other factors that may drive the market growth in the region include increased demand for these products from orthodontists, the surge in the clientele of GPs, favorable reimbursement policies for dentistry, and presence of well-established clinics for orthodontics. For instance, as per the Align Technology 2021 annual report, the utilization rate of Invisalign among North American orthodontists increased to 98.1 cases per doctor, compared to 67.3 patients per doctor in 2020.
Europe is estimated to hold a significant market share in 2022 due to increased awareness regarding the introduction of advanced technologies in these products for treating misaligned teeth. A growing number of companies are expanding their facilities to manufacture and meet the rising demand for these products by teenagers in the region.
Asia Pacific is estimated to record the highest CAGR, especially in developing countries, such as India and China. Major companies are focusing on establishing their presence in hospitals and orthodontic clinics in the untapped Asian market as it offers a huge patient population. Furthermore, growing disposable income in countries, such as India and Japan may further contribute to the region’s strong growth rate.
The Rest of the World accounted for a limited market revenue share in 2022 due to lack of oral health interventions, including dental treatment, in key Middle Eastern countries, such as Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. This lack of awareness regarding oral health can limit the adoption of these products in the region. However, the Rest of the World region, which includes Latin American countries, such as Brazil, is expected to witness steady growth during the forecast period.
Align Technology’s Stellar Sales Performance to Result in Market Dominance
With respect to the global competitive landscape, the scenario reflects a consolidated market with the dominance of a single company, Align Technology, Inc. The company's dominance is attributable to the strong and sustained demand for its key Invisalign aligner product portfolio. It is the only clear aligner used to treat several complex dental cases, such as adults and teenagers suffering from immature dentition.
Ormco Corporation is the second largest player in the global market due to strong sales performance of its product, Spark Clear Aligner. The company’s strong focus on upgrading the existing product portfolio and new product launches to expand its offering have been fueling its dominance in this market.
Other market players with a significant presence in the global market include Institut Straumann AG, 3Shape A/S, Dentsply Sirona, and Henry Schein, Inc. These companies are anticipated to increase their market share during the forecast period due to implementation of critical strategies including new product launches.
An Infographic Representation of Clear Aligners Market
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The global market report provides qualitative and quantitative insights on the market’s forecast and a detailed analysis of the market’s size & growth rate for all possible segments in the market. The report also provides an elaborative analysis of the global market’s dynamics and competitive landscape. Various key insights presented in the report are an overview of technological advancements, the prevalence of malocclusion in key countries in 2022, pricing analysis, reimbursement scenario for orthodontic treatments, key recent industry developments – mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships, new product launches, brand analysis, and the impact of COVID-19 on the global market.
ATTRIBUTE | DETAILS |
Study Period | 2019-2030 |
Base Year | 2022 |
Estimated Year | 2023 |
Forecast Period | 2023-2030 |
Historical Period | 2019-2021 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 24.2% from 2023 to 2030 |
Unit | Value (USD billion) |
Segmentation | Age Group; End User; and Region |
By Age Group |
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By End-user |
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By Geography |
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Fortune Business Insights says that the market size was USD 3.32 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 17.27 billion by 2030.
In 2022, the North America market size stood at USD 1.92 billion.
Recording a CAGR of 24.2%, the market will exhibit steady growth during the forecast period of 2023-2030.
The adult segment is expected to be the leading segment in this market during the forecast period.
The benefits of these products over traditional metal braces, technological advancements in dental treatment, and increasing focus on developing advanced dental aesthetics are major factors driving the market growth.
Align Technology, Inc., Institut Straumann AG, and Ormco Corporation are some of the major players in the global market.
North America dominated the market in 2022.
The increasing demand for orthodontic treatment, growing adoption of these products across all age groups, and a considerably under-penetrated market are expected to drive product adoption.