DIGITAL IMPRESSION STANDALONE SCANNERS MARKET ANALYSIS
Global digital impression standalone scanners market is estimated to be valued at US$ 283.6 Mn in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 643.1 Mn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% from 2024 to 2031.
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With advancements in dental technology, digital scanners provide ease of use and high accuracy for dentists and laboratories. These scanners offer advantages like chairside scanning and simplified workflow. The growing adoption of CAD/CAM device for dental prosthetics is also contributing to the growth of the Global Digital Impression Standalone Scanners Market. The Global Digital Impression Standalone Scanners Market is witnessing increasing demand due to the rising awareness about oral healthcare and advantages of digital scanners such as reduced errors, painless procedures and efficient data management. Furthermore, favorable government support for digital dental practices and rise in dental tourism are some of the key factors driving the growth of Global Digital Impression Standalone Scanners Market. Additionally, advancement in scanner technologies like wireless connectivity and compact portable designs are further contributing to the demand.
Rising demand for cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatments
Cosmetic dentistry has become highly popular over the last decade owing to increasing social acceptance of dental aesthetics and desire for a perfect smile. People are now much more conscious about their appearance and looks and are willing to invest considerable amounts for minor cosmetic dental procedures. This has led to explosive growth of cosmetic dentistry industry worldwide. Today, procedures like teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants, and orthodontic treatments like braces are perceived more as lifestyle choices rather than medical necessities.
Orthodontic treatments especially are gaining immense traction across different age groups. With advancements in orthodontic technologies, treatments have become much more efficient, less invasive and aesthetically pleasing. Clear aligners that can straighten teeth invisibly are a huge hit among adults who want discreet orthodontic therapies.
Dental professionals need precision tools to perform these intricate cosmetic and orthodontic works effectively. Traditional impression methods using alginate or silicone are cumbersome and cannot provide the level of precision required for aesthetic dental work. Digital impression scanners on the other hand capture highly accurate 3D prints of teeth and jaws in one go which can then be used for computer-aided design of restorations, aligners, crowns and bridges. They significantly reduce error and rework by precisely transferring details from oral cavity into the software compatible with designing equipment. Their ease of use and efficiency can help dentists meet the exploding demand for quality cosmetic dentistry and customized orthodontic solutions.
In August 2021, Align Technology, Inc., a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign system of clear aligners, iTero intraoral scanners, and exocad CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, acquired exocad GmbH, a prominent dental technology firm specializing in CAD/CAM software. This acquisition, valued at approximately US$ 418 million, aims to expand Align's product offerings and enhance its digital platform for orthodontic and restorative workflows.
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Increasing Adoption of Digital Dentistry Solutions
Technology adoption across healthcare industry has been rapid in recent times to gain benefits of digitization. Dentistry lags other specialties in digitization but is catching up fast recognizing digital tools can streamline workflows, improve outcomes, and enhance patient experiences. Key digital technologies like CAD/CAM dentistry using 3D printing, digital impressions, intraoral scanners, and imaging are witnessing widespread adoption by dentists in their practices. These solutions elevate diagnostics, treatment planning and therapeutics by leveraging 3D data capture, computer aided software and advance manufacturing.
Younger dentists trained in technology-forward era see merit in digital dentistry for its precision, time and cost efficiencies over traditional methods. To provide same day teeth impressions, restorations and complex surgeries, they are outfitting their clinics with digital solutions. There is also need for training on new technologies which device manufacturers provide through demo centers and educational courses. Multi-specialty Dental clinics and dental service organizations globally are encouraging digital infrastructure for standardized and scalable workflows across locations.
Digital impression scanners fit naturally into digital dentistry revolution sweeping the profession. They allow instant capturing of patient oral details for end-to-end digitized planning, designs, and manufacturing within dental surgeries itself. With simple touchless scanning, they produce highly accurate 3D impressions eliminating need of goopy impression materials. This drives greater adoption of standalone systems and accompanying dental CAD/CAM suites in practices aspiring to adopt advanced digital methodologies for a sustainable shift towards a digitalized future.
Key Takeaways from Analyst:
Global digital impression standalone scanners market is expected to witness significant growth driven by the growing demand for aesthetic and restorative dentistry. These scanners allow for accurate digital capturing of the oral cavity which facilitates faster production of dental restorations and alignments. This improves patient satisfaction and enhances workflow efficiency for dental practitioners.
North America currently dominates the market owing to rapid technological advancements and rising dental expenditure in the region. However, the Asia Pacific region is projected to showcase the fastest growth rate led by countries like China and India. This can be attributed to growing dental tourism and rising income levels increasing access to dental care.
While the market sees favorable growth prospects, high initial investments associated with these scanner systems continues to restrain their widespread adoption, particularly in price-sensitive developing markets. Additionally, the need for trained professionals to operate these advanced scanners poses a challenge.
Key players must focus on introducing affordable scanner solutions and training programs to tap into the vast growth opportunities offered by emerging economies. Integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence could further augment the functionality of these scanners. Partnerships with dental labs for denture production using digital impressions will also support market expansion.
Market Challenge - High cost of digital impression scanners
One of the key challenges being faced by the global digital impression standalone scanners market is the high cost of digital impression scanners. Unlike conventional impression materials and techniques, digital impression scanners come with a significantly higher price tag making it difficult for many dental professionals and practices to invest in such technologies. The ongoing economic uncertainty arising due to the pandemic has further strained the budgets of dental clinics. Moreover, frequent technological upgradations also compel users to replace their existing scanners after few years, adding to the total cost of ownership. Unless dental scanner prices come down substantially or new financing options become available, high costs will continue restricting quicker adoption rates especially in price-sensitive and value-conscious markets.
Market Opportunity - Technological Advancements in Scanning Accuracy and Speed
Global digital impression standalone scanners market is benefitting significantly from ongoing technological advancements in terms of scanning accuracy and speed. Leading manufacturers are focusing on various technological innovations to develop next-generation scanners that can scan dental arches more precisely and quickly. The newer scanners feature enhanced 3D sensors, advanced cameras, and improved algorithms to scan even the smallest of anatomical details in a matter of seconds. This has helped capture highly-detailed digital impressions with marginal discrepancies. Additionally, improvements in data processing have enabled near real-time model rendering on scanners. The increased accuracy and scanning speeds are proving highly valuable for dental professionals by reducing chair-side times and improving patient comfort. If such technological trends continue, it will further boost the usability, popularity and demand for digital impression scanners globally.
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Insights By Type - Accuracy and precision drives growth of Intraoral Scanners segment
In terms of type, the intraoral scanners segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 73.6% in 2024 owing to their high accuracy and precision in taking digital impressions. Intraoral scanners are handheld devices that directly scan the surfaces of teeth and gums without the need for traditional trays and impression materials. They provide dentists with detailed 3D scans of the oral cavity with micron-level exactness. This eliminates human errors and variability compared to conventional impression taking methods. The digital impressions captured by intraoral scanners can be immediately shared with other practitioners over networks for consultations or with laboratories for crown and bridge fabrication. Their precise imaging capabilities have resulted in higher acceptance among dental professionals and improved workflow efficiency in dental clinics and labs. In April 2021, 3Shape, a leading innovator in dental technology known for its advanced intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM solutions, launched a new intraoral scanner featuring enhanced imaging capabilities. This latest model is designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of dental procedures, making it easier for practitioners to capture high-quality digital impressions.
Insights By Technology - Optical scanning technology segment leads owing to simple workflow and portability
In terms of technology, the optical scanning segment estimated to contribute the highest market share of 51.3% in 2024. Optical scanners capture digital impressions through the use of light, cameras and special software to create 3D models of teeth and jaws. They offer dental professionals a simple, intuitive workflow that does not require complex programming or extensive training. Optical scanners are also highly portable weighing less than one kilogram and capable of being handled easily during chairside procedures. Being easy to use and transport has boosted the uptake of optical scanners over other technologies among general dentists and specialists.
Insights By End User - Dental clinics drive volume through chairside digital impressioning
In terms of end user, the dental clinics segment estimated to contribute the highest market share of 55.9% in 2024. Digital scanners are increasingly being used chairside by dentists and orthodontists in clinics to directly take digital impressions of patients' teeth and jaws. This eliminates the need to take physical alginate impressions that require lab time and materials. Chairside scanning improves workflow efficiency in dental clinics as digital models can be immediately 3D printed, sent electronically to labs or used for CAD/CAM restorations. It also enhances patient experience through a more comfortable, hassle-free impression process. The higher volume of impression needs in clinics compared to hospitals and labs has made them the largest adopters, driving growth of the dental clinics segment.
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North America has dominated the global digital impression standalone scanners market with 34.5% share in 2024, owing to strong adoption across dentistry and orthodontics. The region has seen rapid technological adoption in the healthcare industry over the past decade. This is driven by favorable government initiatives towards precision and digital dentistry along with growing awareness among dentists. Several leading manufacturers have established their headquarters in the U.S., allowing for significant domestic market capture along with exports worldwide. Pricing of scanners is at par with global standards, making it an affordable solution for clinics and hospitals to upgrade from conventional methods.
Asia Pacific has emerged as the fastest growing regional market for digital impression standalone scanners. Countries like China, Japan and India are industrial powerhouses and see increasing spends on healthcare infrastructure and technology. The rising middle-class population seeking quality dental and orthodontic treatment has propelled the demand. Low manufacturing costs and presence of contract manufacturers in China and Southeast Asia are positively impacting the supplies and pricing. Export is a major driver for market growth as various global companies rely on APAC as a key production base. Although standalone scanners are still a novelty in several emerging nations, favorable government policies to modernize the healthcare industry will continue accelerating adoption in Asia Pacific.
Digital Impression Standalone Scanners Market Report Coverage
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2023 | Market Size in 2024: | US$ 283.6 Mn |
| Historical Data for: | 2019 To 2023 | Forecast Period: | 2024 To 2031 |
| Forecast Period 2024 to 2031 CAGR: | 12.4% | 2031 Value Projection: | US$ 643.1 Mn |
| Geographies covered: |
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| Segments covered: |
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| Companies covered: |
3Shape A/S, Align Technology, Inc., Sirona Dental Systems, Inc. (Dentsply Sirona), Planmeca Oy, Carestream Dental LLC, KaVo Kerr, Medit Corporation, Cadiant, Amann Girrbach AG, MyRay (Cattani S.p.A.), MouthWatch, LLC, Zirkonzahn, Dental Wings Inc., iTero (Align Technology), and Vatech Co., Ltd. |
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| Restraints & Challenges: |
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*Definition: Global digital impression standalone scanners market refers to the market for digital scanners used to take digital impressions of teeth, gums, and others that can then be used for digital orthodontics, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics and other dental applications. Standalone scanners in this market are portable intraoral scanning devices that can digitally capture dental impressions without needing to be connected to a separate computer workstation.
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About Author
Ankur Rai is a Research Consultant with over 5 years of experience in handling consulting and syndicated reports across diverse sectors. He manages consulting and market research projects centered on go-to-market strategy, opportunity analysis, competitive landscape, and market size estimation and forecasting. He also advises clients on identifying and targeting absolute opportunities to penetrate untapped markets.
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