CLEAR ALIGNERS MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Size and Trends

The global clear aligners market is estimated to be valued at USD 5.30 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 15.68 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8% from 2024 to 2031.

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The clear aligners market is expected to witness a high growth rate owing to the rising prevalence of malocclusion along with increasing awareness regarding orthodontic treatments. Growing preference for minimally invasive and aesthetically pleasing clear aligners as compared to traditional metal braces is further driving their adoption. Additionally, increasing availability of direct-to-consumer clear aligners due to the presence of teledentistry is expected to support the market growth in the coming years. However, risks associated with misalignment while using clear aligners and their inability to treat severe malocclusion may hinder the market expansion to some extent during the forecast period.

 Increasing Prevalence of Dental Incidences

The increasing prevalence of dental problems such as crooked teeth, malocclusion, and others is expected to drive the growth of the global clear aligners market over the forecast period. For instance, according to an article published by the European Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, an open access scientific journal, in June 2020, it is estimated that the total prevalence of malocclusion across the globe was 56% in 2019, with the highest prevalence in Africa (81%) and Europe (72%), followed by the Americas (53%) and Asia (48%). Malocclusion is one of the most common dental problems, wherein the upper and lower teeth do not align upon closing the mouth. Malocclusion is usually treated with clear aligners, braces, etc.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Increasing research and development activities for the introduction of technologically advanced clear aligners is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in February 2022, Bausch Health Companies Inc., a Canada-based pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of its technologically advanced OraFit custom clear aligner system, which is indicated for treating malocclusion. This newly launched clear aligner system uses high-performance materials in a three-layer design that offers dental professionals and their patients the latest in clear aligner technology. OraFit custom clear aligner system addresses the increased demand for improved aesthetics, more comfortable aligners as well as overall long-term oral health.

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Market Challenges – High Cost of Clear Aligners

High cost of clear aligners as well as lack of awareness about dental health problems amongst the population are the factors that are expected to hinder growth of the global clear aligners market over the forecast period. The cost of clear aligners ranges between USD 540 and USD 6,061, all over the world. For instance, Toothsi Easy manufactured by Ampa Orthodontics Private Limited, an India-based orthodontics company, costs around USD 708 while Toothsi prime costs around USD 901.

Market Opportunities – Increasing Adoption of Inorganic Strategies

Increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies such as partnerships by market players is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities over the forecast period. For instance, on May 3, 2024, Glidewell, provider of dental products and services and ProMonitoring announced a partnership for intuitive orthodontic care. The partnership aims to streamline aligner prescribing for general dentists, reducing the need for extensive training and ensuring predictable treatment outcomes to improve patient care.

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The material type segment includes polyurethane plastic, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), and others (ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, etc.). The polyurethane plastic sub-segment is estimated to hold 31.7% of the market share in 2024 owing to its unique properties that make it an excellent choice for clear aligners. Polyurethane plastic is highly elastic and flexible, allowing aligners made from it to gently yet steadily maneuver teeth into the desired position. Its elasticity also ensures a comfortable fit, minimizing irritation or discomfort for wearers. Polyurethane plastic aligners contour well to the individual anatomy of teeth and gums. At the same time, the material is resilient and durable. Polyurethane plastic aligners can withstand regular placement and removal without undergoing distress or distortions, maintaining their promised corrective force throughout a typical treatment cycle. The combination of gentleness, conformability and sturdiness have made polyurethane plastic the preferred choice among both providers and patients in the clear aligners domain.

Insights, By Age Group: Adults lead clear aligners adoption driven by aesthetic awareness and discretion needs

The age group segment includes children/teenagers and adults. The children/teenagers sub-segment is estimated to hold 56.4% of the market share in 2024. As individuals become increasingly conscious about their appearance and smiles at the workplace or in social circles, many adults with orthodontic concerns are opting for clear aligners. Unlike metal braces, aligners are near-invisible when worn, eliminating self-consciousness issues. Their discretion allows adults to make corrections without announcing treatment or drawing undue attention, empowering individuals to address orthodontic issues without compromising on professional or social responsibilities. Concerns over hygiene are also lower with aligners. These factors have made clear aligners an attractive choice for adult patients seeking confidence-boosting smiles.

Insights, By End User: Hospitals at the forefront of clear aligners usage backed by technical expertise

The end user segment includes hospitals, dental and orthodontics clinics, and others (research institutions, wellness centers, etc.). The hospitals sub-segment is estimated to hold 38.9% of the market share in 2024. Hospitals have emerged as a key end user segment. Their established role in comprehensive oral healthcare, along with availability of specialists such as orthodontists and prosthodontists, equip hospitals to undertake more complex aligner-based treatments. Hospitals also have sophisticated facilities for 3D imaging, movement planning and monitoring progress. Their technical expertise assures highest quality outcomes for patients with severe misalignments or bite issues. Individuals struggling with orthodontic concerns thus increasingly rely on hospitals leveraging cutting-edge technology to straighten teeth efficiently using clear aligner therapy.

Regional Insights

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North America remains the dominant region in the global clear aligners market and is estimated to hold 35.6% of the market share in 2024 owing to high consumer awareness and acceptance of orthodontic treatments. The presence of leading clear aligner manufacturers such as Align Technology and several other local players in the region has ensured easy availability of a wide range of clear aligners. Additionally, the region is a major exporter of clear aligners with countries like the U.S. shipping aligners worldwide. This has added to the lucrative revenues for North American clear aligner companies. Despite market saturation levels in certain pockets, continuous advances in clear aligner technology and rising orthodontic tourism is expected to sustain the dominance of North America over the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest growing market for clear aligners globally. Propelled by rapidly increasing consumer spending on healthcare and strong growth in the number of orthodontists, the demand for clear aligners is surging rapidly across nations such as China, Japan, and India. Unlike other dental appliances, clear aligners face fewer regulatory restrictions in Asia making them more accessible. Moreover, several domestic players have entered the market with their affordably priced clear aligners targeting the huge population base in need of orthodontic treatments. International players too have started prioritizing the Asia Pacific region owing to its immense growth opportunities, with some establishing manufacturing hubs to cater to the regional demand. The presence of a large export-oriented manufacturing sector has put the region on the global clear aligners export map. Backed by the favorable industry ecosystem and high growth potential, Asia Pacific looks all set to dominate the clear aligners market landscape in the coming years.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• On May 2, 2024, Ormco Corporation, a global leader in orthodontic solutions, announced the launch of its Spark On-Demand program, which enables doctors to order any number of Spark Aligners and Prezurv Plus Retainers with a simple, economical, no-subscription pricing structure
• In July 2023, Angelalign Technology Inc., a global provider of clear aligner dental technology and evidence-based clinical expertise, announced the launch of its custom-made clear aligners into the U.S. market
• In June 2021, Ormco Corporation, a U.S. based orthodontic technology company, announced that it had received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Spark Clear Aligner System indicated for the treatment of mixed dentition in children and teenagers
• April 2021, Align Technology, Inc., an orthodontics company, and DECA Dental Group, a dental clinic, announced an agreement for invisalign clear aligners in the U.S.

*Definition: Clear aligners are transparent trays made of special material such as polyurethane plastic, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, and others which are used to straighten teeth similar to braces. Clear aligners use gentle and constant force to move the teeth in the required position without going through the hassles of conventional metal wires and brackets. Clear aligners are custom made for each patient depending on the severity of teeth misalignment (malocclusion).

Market Segmentation

• Material Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Polyurethane Plastic
  • Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG)
  • Poly-vinyl Chloride (PVC)
  • Others (Ethylene vinyl acetate, Polypropylene, etc.)
•  Age Group Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Children/Teenagers
  • Adults
•  End User Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Hospitals
  • Dental and Orthodontics Clinics
  • Others (Research Institutions, Wellness Centers, etc.)
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Align Technology, Inc.
  • DynaFlex
  • Dentsply Sirona, Inc.
  • SmileDirectClub
  • Straumann Group
  • Danaher
  • Henry Schein, Inc.
  • Great Lakes Dental Technologies
  • 3M
  • Argen Corporation
  • Illusion Aligners
  • Tianjin ZhengLi Technology Company Limited
  • Candid Care Co.
  • Klear Aligner
  • Scheu Dental
  • TP Orthodontics, Inc.
  • K-Line Europe
  • Rocky Mountain Orthodontics