Clear Aligners Market Size and Share Analysis by Age Group (Adults, Teens), Material Type (Polyurethane, Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, Polyvinyl Chloride), End User (Hospitals, Standalone Practitioners, Group Practices), Duration Segment (Comprehensive Malfunction, Medium Treatments, Small Little Beauty Alignments) - Global Industry Revenue Estimation and Demand Forecast to 2030

Market Overview

The clear aligners market size stood at USD 4,613 million in 2022, and it is expected to advance at a compound annual growth rate of 29.6% during 2022–2030, to reach USD 36,648 million by 2030. This is primarily ascribed to the technological advancements in dental treatments, the rising number of individuals suffering from malocclusions, and the increasing demand for customized aligners.

Moreover, with the surging focus of individuals on online platforms because of the rising number of direct-to-consumers, the sales of such products are also increasing through online sales channels. Further, people do not want to go to an orthodontist’s office for treatment, which, in turn, has increased the adoption of these products.

Several advancements such as additive fabrication, 3D impression systems, digital scanning technology, temporary anchorage devices, CAD/CAM appliances, nickel and copper-titanium wires, incognito lingual braces, and clear aligners are contributing to making the treatment more predictable, efficient, and effective. Customized dental treatments and advancements in technologies including digital impression systems are also aiding in the development of accurate systems to treat moderate-to-mild misalignment conditions.

Invisible aligners are developed with the help of computer-aided design (CAD), virtual digital models, and thermoformed plastic materials (polycarbonate plastic or co-polyester). However, metal and ceramic braces cause inconvenience and gum sensitivity for a longer period of time. This results in faster adoption of aligners by dentists and patients. The major role of these products is to provide the wearer with flexibility and comfort. According to research articles, it is evaluated that they are becoming more popular with time and an alternative to fixed products for the purpose of tooth straightening, while they are also a comfortable and aesthetically appealing choice.

Governments and organizations in several regions have also started to organize various initiatives, such as orthodontia workshops and conferences, to create awareness among people related to dental health and treatments. For the enhancement of existing methods, awareness is increased through these conferences. Some of the major organizations involved in this field include the European Federation of Orthodontic Specialists Associations (EFOSA), the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and the Asian-Pacific Orthodontic Society (APOS). Thus, the rising awareness among people related to available treatment options and the increasing alertness about these products, coupled with the growing disposable income, are driving the market growth.

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Adults Hold the Largest Share

Based on age group, the adults category accounted for the largest revenue share, of around 66%, in 2022. This is attributed to several teeth issues including the prevalence of malocclusion among the population. These issues affect the quality of life, and may also lead to problems including disturbances of oral function, such as swallowing, mastication, and speech, and greater susceptibility to periodontal disease and trauma.

Currently, adults are very focused on their appearance and acceptable aesthetic appearance such as dental appearance. In the orthodontics field, aligner therapy is one of the fastest-growing areas, which is driven specifically by patients who considered it a more convenient, comfortable, and discreet alternative to fixed appliances.

Whereas, the teens category is expected to show the highest growth rate over the coming years. This can be because aligners help teens avoid irritation due to plastic and smooth edges. Also, the flexibility and fewer dietary restriction help teens to adapt to these products easily because it is difficult for teens to wear braces.

According to government websites, the prevalence of Class I and Class II malocclusions among teenagers is rising. Teens have also several dental problems, such as crowded teeth, diastema, overbites, crossbites, and underbites, during the time of their development. Further, many teenagers prefer the look aesthetically appealing as they are more concerned about their looks. Thus, these reasons, along with the rising focus on oral hygiene, fuel the demand for clear aligners among teenagers.

Polyurethane Material Is the Most Preferred

Polyurethane material is mostly preferred for making aligners because it can be used for both their soft and hard parts. Using this material, it is possible to create the hard part of the product strong enough, due to which the pulling of teeth into alignment becomes easy. The soft part is responsible for making it comfortable to wear for a longer period. Moreover, it helps in feeling smoother and does not cause irritation. Further, polyurethane-based aligners are easy to handle and wear, which helps in easy biting and grinding.

Standalone Practitioners Dominate the Industry

Standalone practitioners are leading the market, ascribed to the factors such as patients do not have to wait for longer durations, the existence of advanced equipment for the diagnosis of issues, and high-quality services. In addition, lesser administrative work, flexibility, customized services designed as per patients’ needs, control over the practices, a rise in healthcare expenditure, and an increase in the number of standalone practitioners are also boosting the industry in this category. According to government reports, in February 2023, the last remaining NHS dentists in Felixstowe goes private and will start providing private services.

Medium Treatment Category To Witness the Highest CAGR

Based on duration, the medium treatment duration category is expected to witness the highest CAGR, of around 32%, during the forecast period. This can be because it is considered as the appropriate time for the treatment by specialists, and it usually depends on the condition of teeth and their spacing or over-crowded issues. For instance, according to the European Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, the average treatment time for maxillary expansion is around 8 months.

North America Is the Market Leader

North America has the leading position in the clear aligners market, and it will hold the same position in the coming years, with a value of USD 21,256 million by 2030. This is attributed to the faster adoption of new and advanced technologies, high healthcare spending, and high disposable income in the region. In North America, the U.S. market holds the leading position, and it will grow at a CAGR of more than 30% during the forecast period. This can be due to the robust healthcare infrastructure and the existence of a large number of key players in the country.

The rising R&D investments of key players to obtain new patents, various convenient options available for treating teeth misalignment, a rise in awareness regarding recent developments in dental hygiene, and a sudden increase in beauty standards have forced people to adopt these products, which, in turn, propel the growth in the regional market.

In addition, companies in the region are also focusing on product launches, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to improve their market position. For instance, in February 2022, OraPharma announced the launch of a custom clear aligner system, OraFit, which is used for correcting crooked or misaligned permanent teeth.

Increasing Number of Patients Suffering from Malocclusions Boosts the Demand

The rising number of people suffering from malocclusions is expected to drive the demand for aligners. According to government reports, malocclusion is considered as an important oral health problem. The prevalence of this issue is highly variable, such as around 93% and 39% in adolescents and children, respectively, in 2021.

People suffering from malocclusions have a negative psychological impact and it can also lead to complicated oropharyngeal functions. The awareness is increasing about advanced diagnostic tools and malocclusion, which helps in the early detection of dental problems and the patients are accepting these treatments. Additionally, individuals are shifting their focus gradually toward preventative oral care, which, in turn, increases the focus on favorable health reimbursement policies and equipment hygiene, for the treatment of malocclusion. Thus, this factor is predicted to fuel the market demand over the coming years.

Some of the Top Clear Aligner Manufacturers Are:

• Align Technology, Inc.
• Argen
• Angelalign Technology Pte. Ltd.
•  Envista Holdings Corporation
• Henry Schein Inc.
• DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
• TP Orthodontics
• 3M Company
•  Straumann Group
• SmileDirectClub Inc.

Market Size Breakdown by Segment

This fully customizable report gives a detailed analysis of the clear aligners market from 2017 to 2030, based on all the relevant segments and geographies.

Based on Age Group

• Adults
• Teens

Based on Material Type

• Polyurethane
• Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
• Polyvinyl Chloride

Based on End User

• Hospitals
• Standalone practitioners
• Group Practices

Based on Duration Segment

• Comprehensive malfunction
• Medium treatments
• Small little beauty Alignments

Geographical Analysis

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia-Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • U.A.E.