Clear Aligners Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Patient Age Group (Teenagers and Adults), By End-user (Dentist & Orthodontist Owned Practices and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global clear aligners market size was valued at USD 3.80 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 4.66 billion in 2024 to USD 28.15 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 25.2% during the forecast period.

Clear aligners refer to nearly invisible dental products that are utilized to correct mild to moderate orthodontic problems. The prevalence of malocclusion is surging significantly, and these products aid in teeth alignment, thereby fostering their demand. According to Align Technology Inc.’s Q4 2023 report, internationally, the doctor’s utilization rate of Invisalign was 7.1 cases per doctor in Q4 2023.

The other factors improving the product demand include significant technological advancement in these products, improvement in per capita healthcare spending, and healthy economic indicators. Moreover, the increasing penetration of key companies to cater to the growing demand for aesthetics in developing nations is supporting the clear aligners market growth. For instance, as per an article published in BMC Oral Health in 2020, the per capita dental expenditure of Chinese adults was USD 20.54. More than 90.0% of this expenditure was out-of-pocket. Rising adult population and dental expenditure will enhance the adoption of these products, thereby driving the global market growth.

Developed countries are seeing huge growth in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatments. These individuals tend to prefer clear aligners over conventional wire braces due to the superior comfort and greater degree of aesthetics these products offer. Furthermore, the growing competition amongst key players for advanced product launches, such as scanners and 3D printing is anticipated to boost the market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in December 2021, Henry Schein, Inc. launched a new web-based treatment planning software called Studio Pro 4.0 for Reveal Clear Aligners to achieve predictable outcomes for clear aligner treatment planning.

Supply chain Issue Impact of COVID-19 on the Clear Aligner Market

• Impact Analysis: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the market due to the suspension of elective procedures, including orthodontic procedures. The closure of dental practices took place in several key countries due to lockdown restrictions.


• Recovery Analysis: In 2021, the re-opening of dentists’ and orthodontists’ offices in various countries led to strong product sales. The global market experienced recovery and is estimated to grow steadily during the forecast period.

Technological Advancements

In recent years, the market has observed several technological advancements that increased the adoption of clear aligners among dentists. Integrating 3D printing technology to produce clear aligners is one of the prominent advancements. 3D printing accelerates the production process, reducing the time it takes to deliver aligners to patients. This speed and precision improve patient satisfaction and allows dental professionals to handle more cases efficiently.

• Other Technological Advancements:
  
  
  
  • Introduction of AI and Predictive Modeling for Clear Aligners Procedures.
  
  
  • Innovations in Material for the Production of Clear Aligners.
  
  
  
  

MARKET DYNAMICS

Clear Aligners Market Drivers:

Benefits of Clear Aligners over Traditional Methods to Fuel Market Growth

On a global level, the demand for these products over traditional braces has grown due to the favorable outcomes they offer while treating malocclusion. Clear aligners' advantages include better appearance, higher convenience & comfort, and greater ability to customize. In addition, companies are focusing on developing new products and enhancing current product offerings by launching various R&D initiatives.

• In February 2022, Bausch Health Companies Inc. launched the OraFit custom clear aligner system, which is intended to correct malocclusion in the U.S.

In addition, market participants educate orthodontists, dentists, and GPs on the advantages of these products through training.

• In January 2021, Henry Schein, Inc. completed its joint venture with Casa Schmidt, a comprehensive dental solutions provider for dentists in Spain and Portugal. This joint venture helped the company increase awareness about its products and expand its customer reach. Such factors are expected to drive the market share in the forthcoming years.

Increased Demand for Dental Aesthetics to Boost Market Growth

In 2021, Align Technology, Inc. published data that reported that malocclusion was one of the most prevalent dental conditions, affecting an estimated 60-75.0% of the global population. The report also revealed that around 500.0 million people could benefit from straightening their teeth. Factors, such as low awareness about the adverse effects of malocclusion and general negligence of the patient population toward dental care offer the market a lucrative opportunity for growth.

Moreover, increasing beauty standards in terms of oral health is raising the demand for advanced orthodontics as many studies show that the young or teenage population, especially the female group, is a key contributor to the market’s growth. This is attributable to the increasing focus of the female population on the enhancement of their physical appearance.

According to a study published by Springer in 2019, 74.0% of patients requiring treatment with clear aligners were females who were aged 18 and 45 years. Hence, adopting these aligners for aesthetic purposes is expected to surge in the coming years.

• Other Prominent Drivers:
  
  
  
  • Growing Number of Orthodontic Treatments to Boost Market Growth.
  
  
  • Increasing Cases of Malocclusion Disease to Propel Adoption of Clear Aligners.
  
  
  • Surge in the Introduction of Advanced Clear Aligners in the Market.
  
  
  
  

Clear Aligners Market Restraints:

Higher Cost of Clear Aligners to Limit Market Growth

Clear aligners are often more expensive than traditional braces, which makes them less accessible to a broad segment of the population. This financial barrier limits their adoption, especially among the population of developing countries who do not have substantial disposable income.

• For instance, according to the article published by Natural Smiles in June 2021, the cost of Invisalign is between USD 3,109.0 to USD 6,219.0. Such high costs are expected to limit product adoption.

Furthermore, various dental insurance plans do not fully cover the cost of clear aligners, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients. The lack of insurance coverage further hampers patients suffering from misalignment of teeth when opting for these aligners.

Moreover, these aligners can break easily, which results in higher costs and additional time being spent on treatment. Furthermore, the high cost of manufacturing and the advanced technology required for these aligners contribute to their higher retail price, which is expected to limit their adoption, especially in emerging countries.

Such factors are responsible for limiting the demand for these products among patients, hindering the market growth during the forecast period.

• Other Prominent Restraints
  
  
  
  • Presence of Other Alternative Orthodontic Treatments to Limit the Market Growth
  
  
  • Limitations Associated with Clear Aligners to Hinder the Growth of the Market
  
  
  
  

Clear Aligners Market Opportunities:

Unmet Needs of Patient Population to Augment Market Growth

The prevalence of dental malocclusion and misalignment is increasing at a significant rate. However, issues with the accessibility of orthodontic services and high treatment costs have created a huge medical care gap, thereby leaving patient needs unmet. The index of treatment needed for dental malocclusion is increasing, and for all classes of dental occlusion among teenagers, it ranges from 25.0% to 35.0% in various European countries, according to an article published by the European Journal of Pediatric Dentistry in 2020.

Many companies and public institutions, such as government agencies, have undertaken initiatives to fill the gaps in orthodontic treatment through partnerships and policies. Furthermore, government initiatives will support dental care expenditure, leading to a spike in the adoption of dental products including clear aligners. These factors may propel the global market growth during the forecast period.

• Other Prominent Opportunities
  
  
  
  • Strategic Investments by Companies to Develop and Introduce Clear Aligners .
  
  
  • Focus on Creating Awareness Regarding the Treatment of Malocclusion to Adopt Clear Aligners.
  
  
  
  

Clear Aligners Market Trends:

Introduction of Direct-to-Consumer Companies in Developed Countries

In the market, various players that operate on a direct-to-consumer (DTC) business model are increasing their presence across the market. In the direct-to-consumer model, patients are not required to see a doctor. Dental impressions of the patients are either taken at home or at the company’s stores or reviewed by orthodontists working remotely. The products are then sent to the patient by mail.

• For instance, the cost of direct-to-consumer clear aligners falls in the range of USD 1,800-4,000, which is a lower cost compared to the B2B channel.

These companies offer an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments by providing clear aligners directly to consumers without the need for frequent in-person dental visits.

• Other Prominent Trends:
  
  
  
  • Growing Adoption of Teleorthodontics to Provide Orthodontics Treatment.
  
  
  • Integration of Digital Imaging Equipment for Clear Aligners Procedures.
  
  
  
  

INVESTMENT ANALYSIS

The growing adoption of clear aligners among developed and developing countries has stimulated companies to opt for various funding and investments for the introduction of novel products. For instance, in July 2024, Dr Clear Aligners (DCA), a provider of dental clear aligners, raised USD 8.0 million in Series A funding from Insignia Ventures Partners.

CONSUMER INSIGHTS and PREFERENCES

In recent years, a trend in consumer demographics has been observed that clear aligners are increasingly popular among children. The growing adoption of these aligners is due to their aesthetic benefits. Furthermore, factors influencing the choice of clear aligners among consumers include comfort, convenience, and better treatment outcomes.

REGULATORY LANDSCAPE

Clear aligners are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the European Union. However, in some developing countries, there are no regulations for introducing these products. This may restrict market growth due to the lack of trust among consumers in adopting non-regulated aligners.

BRAND ANALYSIS

The preference for brands among orthodontists and patients depends on various factors, such as price, trained orthodontists’ network, and brand penetration, ability to handle complex cases, ease of use, customer service, brand reputation, and focus on innovation & product development. Furthermore, in consideration of these factors, Invisalign from Align Technologies, Inc. intended to have a strong brand presence compared to other clear aligners.

PRICING ANALYSIS

Clear aligners are considered an expensive orthodontic product compared to orthodontic braces. The average cost of clear aligners may vary from one manufacturer to another based on various factors. Some of the factors include at what age the treatment is opted for, the type of treatment the patient desires, geographical location, and the presence of skilled & expert orthodontists in various regions.

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Clear Aligners Market Segmentation Analysis

By Age Group Analysis

Adult Segment to Lead Market Growth Owing to Rising Demand for Dental Aesthetics

Based on age group, the global market is segmented into teenage and adult.

The adults segment held the dominant clear aligners market share in 2023 due to the rising adoption of technologically advanced products to treat malocclusion. Moreover, the increased prevalence of malocclusion in patients in the adult age group is expected to favor the segment’s growth. The increasing need for dental aesthetics among the adult population is also contributing to the segment’s dominance.

The teenage segment is anticipated to expand at a comparatively higher CAGR during the forecast period. Companies in this market are focusing on educating patients, especially teenagers, about the benefits of treating malocclusion. Furthermore, they are also offering training to dentists, general physicians, and orthodontists to provide this treatment and promote the adoption of these products among the teenage population.

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By End-user Analysis

Dentist & Orthodontist Owned Practices Segment to Dominate Due to High Preference for Dentists and Orthodontists

On the basis of end-user, the market is segmented into dentist & orthodontist-owned practices and others.

The dentist & orthodontist-owned practices segment dominated the global market in 2023 and is expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the high preference for orthodontists and other trained dental practitioners owing to their strong skills. Furthermore, a rising number of training sessions undertaken by prominent companies in these settings to enhance awareness of their products is expected to boost this segment’s dominance. The availability of highly skilled dentists will also contribute to the growth of this segment.

The others segment includes large hospital settings, which are anticipated to account for a lower market share during the forecast period. This is due to the growing preference of the patient population for private clinics including dentist & orthodontist-owned practices due to their timely, comfortable, and easily accessible dental care.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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On the basis of region, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

North America Clear Aligners Market Analysis

The market value in North America stood at USD 2.13 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to dominate the global market during the forecast period. Some of the critical factors contributing to the region’s dominance include the presence of major companies in the region, such as Align Technology, and increasing R&D investments by these key players. Other factors that may drive the market growth in the region include increased demand for these products from orthodontists, the surge in the clientele of GPs, favorable reimbursement policies for dentistry, and presence of well-established clinics for orthodontics.

The U.S. clear aligners market is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The growth in the country is fueled by the increasing burden of dental conditions, and rising investment by clear aligner companies in the development of innovative technologies to increase adoption rate in the country.

North America Key Trends:

Integration of intraoral scanners for detailed digital models of the patient's teeth in order to enable orthodontists to design aligners that fit perfectly and address specific orthodontic issues is one of the market trends that has been seen in the market.

Competitive landscape

In terms of the competitive landscape, North America’s market is consolidated due to the presence of established and emerging orthodontic companies. Align Technology, Ormco, and Institut Straumann AG are the leading companies due to the strong sales of their flagship system offering, coupled with greater emphasis on the adoption of digital tools by these companies.

Europe Clear Aligners Market Analysis

Europe is estimated to hold a significant market share in 2023, due to increased awareness regarding the introduction of advanced technologies in these products for treating misaligned teeth. A growing number of companies are expanding their facilities to manufacture and meet the rising demand for these products by teenagers in the region.

Spain accounted for a major share of Europe’s market in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR by the end of the forecast period. The growth is credited to the large population opting for clear aligners coupled with cost-effective treatment compared to other countries.

Furthermore, the U.K. is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast timeframe. The growth of the country is attributed to the increasing number of dental professionals to cater to the growing population suffering from dental disorders.

Europe Key Trends:

The incorporation of advanced and novel materials for the production of aligners and the collaboration of dental clinics and market players to increase adoption are prominent trends in the market.

Competitive landscape

The Europe market is highly consolidated with the presence of Align Technology, Ormco, and Institut Straumann AG. These companies are focused on strategic expansion by increasing their production capacity along with collaborating and partnering to expand their product portfolios.

Asia Pacific Clear Aligners Market Analysis

Asia Pacific is estimated to record the highest CAGR, especially in developing countries, such as India and China. Major companies are focusing on establishing their presence in hospitals and orthodontic clinics in the untapped Asian market as it offers a huge patient populationin India and Japan and increasing awareness regarding products may further contribute to the region’s strong growth rate. According to an article published in the Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology in 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 449 Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM) medical and dental students. The study found that around 80.7% of students know clear aligners. However, the overall knowledge percentage mean was less than about 48.6%. Such studies help to understand the untapped market potential.

China accounted for the largest Asia Pacific market share in 2023 due to the increasing prevalence of malocclusion in this country.

Furthermore, Australia is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is primarily due to the rising healthcare expenditure and the growing number of major companies expanding their geographic presence in the country.

Asia Pacific Key Trends:

Notable trends in the market include a shift toward personalized and at-home treatment options and the advancements in orthodontic technology.

Competitive landscape

Align Technology, Institut Straumann AG, and Ormco held the largest share of the Asia Pacific market, which makes the Asia Pacific clear aligner market highly consolidated. The significant share of these companies is attributed to their strong position through investments in developing novel products to introduce in various countries of the region.

Rest of the World Clear Aligners Market Analysis

The rest of the world accounted for a limited market revenue share in 2023 due to lack of oral health interventions, including dental treatment, in key Middle Eastern countries, such as Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. This lack of awareness regarding oral health can limit the adoption of these products in the region. However, the Rest of the World region, which includes Latin American countries, such as Brazil, is expected to witness steady growth during the forecast period.

Rest of the World Key Trends:

In the market, various trends have been observed, such as a growing demand for aesthetic solutions and a shift toward aligners treatment from traditional orthodontic treatments.

Competitive landscape

In this region, the market is highly consolidated, with a large portion accounted for by Align Technology. The prominent position of this company is credited to its collaboration with the dental care providers in the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Align Technology’s Stellar Sales Performance to Result in Market Dominance

Market Share Analysis:

With respect to the global competitive landscape, the scenario reflects a consolidated market with the dominance of a single company, Align Technology, Inc. The company's dominance is attributable to the strong and sustained demand for its key Invisalign aligner product portfolio. It is the only clear aligner used to treat several complex dental cases, such as adults and teenagers suffering from immature dentition.

• In January 2024, Align Technology, Inc. completed the acquisition of Cubicure GmbH to support and scale Align’s strategic innovation roadmap and strengthen the Align Digital Platform.

Ormco Corporation is the second largest player in the global market due to strong sales performance of its product, Spark Clear Aligner. The company’s strong focus on upgrading the existing product portfolio and new product launches to expand its offering have been fueling its dominance in this market. Other market players with a significant presence in the global market include Institut Straumann AG, 3Shape A/S, Dentsply Sirona, and Henry Schein, Inc. These companies are anticipated to increase their market share during the forecast period due to implementation of critical strategies including new product launches. 

List of Key Companies in the Clear Aligners Market

• 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)

Recent Developments and Innovations:

• In the market, there has been a surge in the development of clear aligners to introduce novel products, which include: 
  
  
  
  • May 2024: OrthoFX announced the new generation of advanced clear aligner polymer, NiTime Clear Aligners. This aligner is the first and only clear aligner system explicitly designed for shorter wear time. It is also by the U.S. FDA 510(k) to treat all classes of dental malocclusions.
  
  
  • May 2023: SmileDirect Club announced the patented SmileMaker platform in the U.S. that expands the technology for teeth straightening. This platform uses AI for capturing 3D scans of teeth, thereby making it easier to take the clear aligner treatment.
  
  
  
  

Mergers and Acquisitions:

Notable mergers and acquisitions in the market include:

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


• January 2021: Dentsply Sirona announced the acquisition of Byte, one of the fastest-growing clear aligner companies, in order to improve its SureSmile clear aligner business and support its connection with dental professionals.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2023: Ormco Corporation launched Spark clear aligners release 14, which seamlessly integrates with DEXIS Ios and offers the new Spark approver web.


• July 2023: Angelalign Technology Inc. launched custom-made, clear aligners into the U.S. market.


• This development will help the company to expand on a global level.


• May 2023: SmileStories partnered with Clear Correct and brought concierge service for clear aligner treatments to Australia.


• August 2022: Straumann Group received regulatory approval in China for ClearCorrect and established a manufacturing site in Beijing to expand its geographic footprint in the orthodontics business.


• May 2022: Straumann Group signed an agreement to acquire PlusDental, a doctor-led clear aligner treatment solutions provider in Europe, to expand its network of clinics, especially in the Netherlands, Sweden, and the U.K.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global market report provides qualitative and quantitative insights on the market’s forecast and a detailed analysis of the market’s size & growth rate for all possible segments in the market. The report also provides an elaborative analysis of the global market’s dynamics and competitive landscape. Various key insights presented in the report are an overview of technological advancements, the prevalence of malocclusion in key countries in 2023, pricing analysis, reimbursement scenario for orthodontic treatments, recent & key clear aligners industry developments such as mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships, new product launches, brand analysis, and the impact of COVID-19 on the global market.

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Report Scope & Segmentation