U.S. Dental Caries Detectors Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Laser Fluorescence Caries Detectors and Transillumination Caries Detectors), By End-user (Solo Practices, DSO/Group Practices, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. dental caries detectors market size was worth USD 116.9 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period.

Dental caries detectors are devices used by dentists for early detection of cavities. The market is mainly driven by the country's increased prevalence of oral diseases and the need to treat them. For instance, according to the data published by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in April 2022, tooth decay affects almost 90% of people between the ages of 20 and 64 years. Meanwhile, gum disease affects around 50% of adults aged 45 to 64 years. Furthermore, factors such as increasing government initiatives for public dental health care and evolving medical tourism for dental treatment are expected to drive the market growth of dental caries detectors over the forecast period.

However, in 2020, the market witnessed a slightly negative impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to the disruptions in the global supply chains, which reduced the demand for dental caries detectors.

U.S. Dental Caries Detectors Market Trends

Emerging Technological Advancements in Dental Caries Detectors to Drive Market Growth

​The conventional method of diagnosing dental caries is mainly performed through visual methods and X-ray imaging. However, these methods limit the accuracy of identifying dental caries. This has created an unmet need to diagnose dental caries efficiently. The key players in the market have identified unmet needs and expanded their R&D activities to develop innovative dental caries detectors. In addition, they are focusing on significantly improving patient outcomes by avoiding unwanted consequences of more advanced tooth decay.

• For instance, in July 2020, Ortek Therapeutics Inc. initiated the U.S. commercial launch of the Ortek-ECD. This breakthrough electronic early cavity detection system has been approved for professional use by the U.S. FDA. The system can detect cavity lesions on the surfaces of teeth, which cannot be detected using X-rays.

Furthermore, Near-Infrared (NIR) Trans-illumination and Digital Imaging Fiber Optic Trans-illumination (DIFOTI) provide a highly accurate reading of images of interproximal lesions.

U.S. Dental Caries Detectors Market Growth Factors

Increasing Prevalence of Dental Caries in Geriatric Population to Augment Market Growth

Factors such as high consumption of alcohol and tobacco, a high intake of sugar, and an unhealthy diet are the leading causes of dental caries. With the increasing elderly population, the demand for dental treatment has grown. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of individuals above the age of 65 years in the U.S. is growing rapidly.

In 2020, around 1 in 6 Americans, which was an estimated 55.8 million people, were 65 years old or older. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans, i.e., 70 million people, will be in the age group of 65 years and above, and this is projected to increase to 98.2 million by 2060. Moreover, with the graying population and increasing expectations for good oral health-related quality of life, older Americans are seeking dental care in higher numbers than before. Thus influencing the demand for dental caries detectors.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Availability of Alternative Procedures May Hamper Market Growth

Currently, intraoral scanners, x-ray imaging, and cameras are chosen by dental practitioners over dental caries detectors due to various factors, including lower cost, easy availability, and product awareness. For instance, according to the data published by Dental Tribune International in April 2023, researchers have concluded that the use of a 3D intra-oral scanner can be an alternative option to detect dental caries.

In addition, the high cost of detectors makes it too expensive for small-scale clinics and solo practitioners. Hence, these factors are projected to hamper the U.S. dental caries detectors market growth to a certain extent over the forecast period.

As per the latest data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of 2022, the percentage of adults with a dental examination or cleaning was 64.1%.

U.S. Dental Caries Detectors Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type Analysis

Based on product type, the market is segmented into laser fluorescence caries detectors and transillumination caries detectors.

The laser fluorescence caries detectors segment accounted for the highest U.S. dental caries detectors market share in 2022 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. The use of laser fluorescence product type is minimally invasive compared to x-rays, and it is widely accepted as an early caries detection method due to its more than 90% accuracy. In addition, the dominance is mainly attributed to the ongoing technological advancements in laser fluorescence caries detectors. For instance, in January 2021, Polaroid HealthCare launched a new Polaroid P31 Caries Detector that allows the user to view all three techniques of visible caries detection simultaneously. The device can also be useful for patients who are looking to avoid X-ray ionization.

Moreover, the transillumination caries detectors segment is projected to grow with a robust CAGR during 2023-2030 owing to the high efficiency and sensitivity of transillumination caries detectors compared to the other products.

By Application Analysis

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into solo practices, DSO/group practices, and others.

The solo practices segment witnessed significant growth in 2022 due to a large number of dental caries patients undergoing treatments. Moreover, the DSO/group practices segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, 2023-2030, owing to growing collaborations and partnerships with prominent players to meet the increasing demand for detectors in dental caries treatment.

List of Key Companies in U.S. Dental Caries Detectors Market

In terms of the competitive landscape, the U.S. dental caries detectors market consists of several established and emerging players. KaVo Dental, Air Techniques Inc., and ACTEON Group. The ACTEON GROUP dominated the U.S. market in 2022 owing to its robust product portfolio and strong geographical presence. In addition, the company is actively involved in strategic partnerships and collaborations to expand its product portfolio.

Other key players in the market include Dentsply Sirona, Quantum Dental Technologies Inc., AdDent, Inc., and others. For instance, in June 2021, Dentsply Sirona announced that it had acquired Propel Orthodontics, an innovator, manufacturer, and global distributor of orthodontic devices. The acquisition aims to strengthen Dentsply Sirona's product portfolio for dental care devices.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• KaVo Dental (U.S.)


• ACTEON Group (France)


• Dentsply Sirona (U.S.)


• Quantum Dental Technologies Inc. (Canada)


• DentLight Inc. (U.S.)


• Air Techniques Inc. (U.S.)


• AdDent, Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• February 2023: Acteon launched a C50 Full HD Camera for intraoral imaging. The device operates in three modes to detect caries and highlight gingival inflammation, plaque, calculus, single tooth, quadrant, arch, or smile images.


• October 2022: KaVo Dental launched KaVo DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD. The device offers intraoral, transillumination and fluorescence imaging in a single system.


• August 2021: Air Techniques, Inc., entered into a partnership agreement with SICAT GmbH & Co. KG to integrate the SICAT Implant Module workflow in the VisionX software portfolio to increase the dental workflow from diagnosis to treatment.

REPORT COVERAGE

The U.S. dental caries detectors market report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, acquisitions, competitive landscape, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Besides this, the market outlook also offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry dynamics. In addition to the aforementioned factors, it encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation