U.K. Orthodontics Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Instruments, and Supplies); By End User (Hospitals, and Dental Clinics) & Forecast, 2020-2027

The U.K. orthodontics market size was USD 148.7 million in 2019. The impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with orthodontic products witnessing a negative demand shock across the U.K. and other countries amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the market exhibited a huge decline of -31.1% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2016-2018. The market is projected to grow from USD 113.5 million in 2020 to USD 370.3 million in 2027 at a CAGR of 18.4% in the 2020-2027 period. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

Orthodontics is a dentistry field that treats malocclusion, a condition in which an individual’s teeth are misaligned, which results in improper bite and other related complications. The increasing prevalence of dental misalignment among children in the U.K. coupled with the increasing popularity of invisible aligners among patients are some of the factors augmenting the market's growth during the forecast period.

Additionally, technological advancements in orthodontic treatments and the increasing penetration of teledentistry in the U.K. are expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities to market players.

COVID-19 Pandemic to Adversely Impact the Demand for Orthodontics in the U.K.

The outbreak of the coronavirus has had a negative impact on the U.K. orthodontics market growth. The decline was due to the implementation of lockdown in the U.K. and the inclusion of orthodontic treatments in the elective procedures list, which resulted in the shutdown of stand-alone dental clinics and reduction in these procedures in 2020. Also, a few concerns have been raised on the safety profile of dental treatments for the transmission of the COVID-19 infection.

For instance, according to a study published by the researchers from Imperial College London and King’s College London, it was stated that dental and orthodontic procedures could pose a high risk of transmission of coronavirus owing to the tools that are used for the generation of aerosols, which can contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This, along with the recent outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus in the country, is expected to further increase the challenges for the U.K. health care system.

LATEST TRENDS

Increasing Shift of Patients Toward Private Dentistry is an Ongoing Trend in the Market

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) offers free orthodontic services for patients up to 18 years of age. However, these patients have to wait for a long time to receive an appointment for the treatment in a few cases up to 6 years. Hence, the increasing shift of patients toward DIY dentistry and private sector physicians is observed in the U.K. due to the long waiting list of NHS.

For instance, according to the report published by market analysts Laing Buisson, it was estimated that the UK’s private dental sector would expand at a faster pace, particularly due to treatments such as teeth whitening and straightening. Also, NHS dentistry is witnessing a downfall and facing challenges to fulfill the current demand of patients with dental disorders.

This has led to the introduction of DIY dentistry that comes in the form of readily available videos and kits that offer tips, tricks, and other home-grown approaches to managing dental issues, such as cavity filling, braces, aligners, etc., that should be handled by a trained professional.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Number of Orthodontic Procedures in the U.K. to Fuel  Market Growth

A large population of the U.K. is suffering from malocclusions and other dental disorders due to the inadequate implementation of oral hygiene and prevention.

• For instance, according to an article published by the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, and York, it was estimated that the prevalence of class 2 malocclusions among children in the U.K. was 10.0% in 2018.

Additionally, a gradual rise in the number of orthodontic procedures is observed among the dental clinics and hospitals of the U.K. due to the increasing demand for dental aesthetics among the young and adult populations.

• For instance, according to data published by the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), it was estimated that every year, more than 200,000 children and teenagers in England receive orthodontic treatment by the NHS.

Thus, such statistics, along with the presence of favorable reimbursement policies for these procedures in the UK, are resulting in a strong demand for instruments and supplies among the patients and dental professionals and will subsequently propel the market's growth during the forecast period.

Launch of Invisible Orthodontics to Boost its Adoption Rate

Dental companies are actively investing in the research and development of innovative, less painful products with an aesthetic appeal as compared to traditional metal braces. Their constant efforts have translated into the introduction of invisible products, such as clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces, in the U.K. market. This has resulted in an increasing patient population in the country seeking orthodontic treatment as these invisible devices are more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing as compared to the traditional products.

Furthermore, the integration of CAD/CAM & 3D technologies, IoT, software, and AI-based technologies with the orthodontic techniques to treat the misaligned teeth of patients is augmenting the growth of the market at a significant pace. The software can easily accelerate the process owing to the use of cloud technology, which is a key benefit for the time-saving diagnosis of dental malocclusion.

For instance, in September 2018, Dentsply Sirona introduced SureSmile clear aligner in the global market. The new aligners were produced based on a digital impression scan and 2D or 3D imaging. This solution allowed orthodontists as well as general practitioners to offer more treatment options and different price models to the users at one platform. Such initiatives by reputed companies would help in driving this market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost Associated with these Procedures to Hamper Growth

The rising prevalence of dental malocclusions, along with the launch of advanced technologies for treatment, are boosting the demand for orthodontic products in the U.K. However, the high cost associated with the malocclusion treatment and few adverse effects, such as discoloration or breakage of teeth due to its prolonged use, is limiting the growth of this industry.

For instance, the average cost of the traditional metal braces in the U.K. is around USD 1,800 to USD 3,600, while the ceramic braces cost between USD 2,400 to USD 7,200, and the lingual ones cost between USD 2,400 to USD 12,100. Thus, the high cost of products in the U.K., along with the risk of undesired results, social awkwardness, and adverse effects associated with the treatment, are the main reasons for people refraining from undergoing treatment. This is exerting a negative impact on the market and is hampering the demand for orthodontic products in the U.K.

Report Scope & Segmentation

SEGMENTATION

By Product Analysis

Orthodontic Supplies Segment Held the Dominant Share in 2019

On the basis of product type, the market segments include instruments and supplies. The supplies segment held a dominating share in 2019, which is attributable to the growing adoption of advanced products, such as clear aligners, retainers, and ceramic braces, among patients and the rising number of technological advancements in the segment.

On the other hand, the instruments segment is anticipated to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period owing to the expanding distribution network of major players in the U.K., along with the increasing number of local manufacturers with a robust portfolio of hand-held instruments.

By End User Analysis

Dental Clinics Segment Dominated in 2019 Backed by Rising Number of Private Dental Practices

Based on the end-user, the market is categorized into hospitals and dental clinics. Among them, the dental clinics segment is poised to hold a dominating share in the year 2019. The dominance is due to the increasing number of private dental practices and standalone dental clinics in the U.K., along with the significant increase in the uptake of dental services by the general population.

For instance, according to the data published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it was estimated that the NHS spends approximately USD 300 million every year on the primary care orthodontic services in England alone.

Similarly, the hospital segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR owing to the increasing adoption of 3D, CAD/CAM scanners, and other tailor innovative solutions by hospitals in the U.K. 

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Strong Product Portfolios of Key Players is attributed to Their Dominance in the Market

There are various key players operating in this market, with a few specializing in removable products and a few in the fixed orthodontic products segment. However, the current market structure in the U.K. is consolidated, with three major players accounting for the maximum U.K. orthodontics market share.

A diverse portfolio, a strong brand image, and a wide distribution network in the country are the factors primarily responsible for the dominance of major players, including Align Technology, Straumann AG, and 3M, in the market. Few major players are adopting inorganic growth strategies, such as the acquisition of technology-oriented companies, with an aim to strengthen their position in the market.

• For instance, in July 2020, Institut Straumann AG signed an agreement with DrSmile, a leading provider of orthodontic treatment solutions in Europe, with an aim to fortify its position in the market in the European countries.

Other prominent players operating in the U.K. market include Dentsply Sirona, Henry Schein, Inc., TP Orthodontics, Inc., Ormco Corporation, and DB Orthodontics.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Institut Straumann AG (Basel, Switzerland)


• Dentsply Sirona (Pennsylvania, United States)


• 3M (Minnesota, United States)


• Align Technology, Inc. (San Jose, United States)


• Henry Schein, Inc. (New York, United States)


• Ormco Corporation (California, United States)


• TP Orthodontics, Inc. (Indiana, United States)


• DB Orthodontics (Silsden, United Kingdom)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2021- Dentsply Sirona acquired Byte, a U.K. based clear aligner manufacturer, with an aim to expand its product offerings and strengthen its position in the orthodontics industry.


• February 2020 - Align Technology, Inc., announced the launch of ClinCheck “In-Face” Visualization Tool for the Invisalign Go System in the market.

REPORT COVERAGE

The U.K. orthodontics market research report provides a granular overview of the market by performing corporate analysis and accurate data. The report focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, products, and end-users. Besides this, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth rate of the advanced market over recent years.

SEGMENTATION

By Product

• Instruments


• Supplies
  
  
  
  • Fixed
    
    
    
    • Brackets
    
    
    • Bands and Buccal Tubes
    
    
    • Archwires
    
    
    • Others
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Removable
    
    
    
    • Aligners
    
    
    • Retainers
    
    
    • Others
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

By End-User

• Hospitals


• Dental Clinics