Europe Clear Aligners Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Age Group (Teenager and Adult), By End User (Dentist & Orthodontist Owned Practices and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

Europe is the second largest region in the global clear aligners market. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 26.2% during the forecast period. The global market for clear aligners is projected to grow from USD 3.32 billion in 2022 to USD 17.27 billion by 2030.

Growing adoption of clear aligners has motivated leading market players in the region to increase their R&D investments and expand their business. Citing an instance, in October 2022, K Line Europe, a German company, raised USD 5.6 million (€5.3 million) in a Series A funding to help expand its clear aligners business across Europe, as well as enter the Asian, Middle Eastern, and North American markets. Similar efforts from other reputed market players are expected to accelerate the market growth during the forecast period. The adult segment, which includes population aged 60-65 years is expected to dominate the Europe clear aligners market share in 2022. However, lack of reimbursement policies for dental care may lead to high cost of these products, resulting in limited market growth.

The report on the Europe market covers the following countries/regions – U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe.

LATEST TRENDS

Incorporation of 3D Printing Technology to Offer New Market Growth Opportunities

One of the critical means by which orthodontics can be improved is 3D printing technology. Many market players are focusing on the incorporation of digital tools to bring technological advancements in these aligners and enable healthcare professionals in treatment planning. This also allows them to achieve improved efficiency outcomes. This factor is expected to boost the clear aligners market growth as greater accuracy during initial treatment planning may reduce the treatment costs for patients by eliminating added costs in the later stages of treatment.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Prevalence of Malocclusions to Accelerate Market Growth

One of the critical factors driving the market growth is the rising prevalence of malocclusions, which is shifting the focus of key players to support and accelerate the development of new products. The rising prevalence of malocclusion in European countries including the Netherlands and Belgium will further boost the demand for clear aligners. As the awareness regarding malocclusions will increase, the adoption of these products will also surge, which will expand the market size.

• For instance, in 2020, the European Journal of Pediatric Dentistry published an article wherein Europe ranked second in terms of the prevalence rate of malocclusions, which was 72%.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Low Awareness About the Effects of Malocclusion May Limit Market Growth 

One of the major factors limiting the market’s growth in Europe is the lack of awareness about malocclusion. Malocclusion is a dental problem wherein a patient’s teeth alignment is beyond the normal range and is considered a third priority for oral disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This orthodontic problem can affect several oral functions, such as chewing, swallowing, and speaking skills as well as self-confidence.

• In January 2023, as per the Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics, a study was conducted to determine tooth and jaw misalignment in a sample group of 8-9 year old children. In this German based study it was identified that 40.4% of subjects needed orthodontic treatment. Such instances show the low awareness rate about dental health, especially malocclusion, and may restrict the market growth. Furthermore, lack of favorable reimbursement policies for dental procedures and concerns regarding the cost of clear aligners may hinder the adoption of clear aligners.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In terms of competitive landscape, Align Technology, Inc., Institut Straumann AG, and Ormco Corporation are the key players of the Europe market. These companies are focused on the strategic expansion of their business by upscaling their production capacity and forming alliances to expand their product portfolios, which will lead to market growth during the forecast period.

Other prominent players, such as Dentsply Sirona and Henry Schein also hold significant clear aligners market share due to their strong distribution network and emphasis on introducing novel products to maintain their market position. Some of the other major players include 3M, Angelalign Technology Inc., and others. These companies are focused on strengthening their product portfolio and distribution network through strategic collaborations and partnerships to increase their share in the Europe market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Align Technology, Inc. (U.S.)


• 3M (U.S.)


• Institut Straumann AG (Switzerland)


• Ormco Corporation (Envista) (U.S.)


• Dentsply Sirona (U.S.)


• Henry Schein, Inc. (U.S.)


• Argen Corporation (U.S.)


• Angelalign Technology Inc. (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2022: Align Technology, Inc. officially inaugurated its first Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) regional manufacturing facility in Wroclaw, Poland. It is the company’s third regional manufacturing facility, after Juarez, Mexico, and Ziyang, China.


• March 2022: Dentsply Sirona partnered with Irish distributors Dental Medical Ireland (DMI) to increase the adoption of its SureSmile clear aligner among customers.


• July 2021: Institut Straumann AG acquired Smilink, one of the leading providers of orthodontic solutions in Brazil, to complement Straumann’s existing clear aligner business.

REPORT COVERAGE

This market report provides qualitative and quantitative insights on the market and a detailed analysis of the market size & growth rate for all possible segments in the market. Along with the market forecast, the research report provides an elaborative analysis of the market dynamics and competitive landscape. Various key insights presented in the report are an overview of technological advancements in treatment, prevalence of dental malocclusion in key countries in 2022, pricing analysis, reimbursement scenario of orthodontic treatment & clear aligners, key industry developments, such as mergers, acquisitions & partnerships, brand analysis, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market.

Report Scope & Segmentation