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 (2024-2032). 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. The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the market due to the suspension of elective procedures, including orthodontic procedures, in several key countries and the closure of dental practices due to the lockdown restrictions. In 2021, as offices of dentists and orthodontists in various countries began re-opening, the global market witnessed strong product sales. The market is predicted to grow steadily during the forecast period 2024-2032.

Clear Aligners Market Trends

Unmet Needs of Patient Population to Augment the Market Growth

The prevalence of dental malocclusion and misalignment is increasing at a significant rate. However, issues with 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, which, for all classes of dental occlusion among teenagers, ranges from 25%-35% in various European countries, according to an article published by the European Journal of Pediatric Dentistry in 2020.

Many health reforms are being implemented to address the unmet needs of the patient population. Many companies and public institutions, such as government agencies have undertaken initiatives to fill the gaps in orthodontic treatment through partnerships and policies. For instance, as per the Canadian Government Budget 2023, they planned to build a healthy future for Canadians from coast to coast by investing USD 13.0 billion over five years and USD 4.4 billion ongoing to implement the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Such 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.

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Clear Aligners Market Growth Factors

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. Some of the advantages of clear aligners include better appearance, higher convenience & comfort, and greater ability to customize. In addition, companies are focusing on the development of new products and enhancement of 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, the adoption of these aligners for aesthetical purposes is expected to surge in the coming years.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Increased Competition from Direct-to-Consumer Companies to Hinder Market Growth

Despite the increasing adoption of these products globally, some strong limiting factors are responsible for restraining the market growth. For instance, many manufacturing companies 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. This factor is expected to limit the market growth.

• For instance, the cost of DTC products is considerably lower than that of the business-to-business (B2B) model followed by the key market players. The cost of direct-to-consumer clear aligners falls in the range of USD 1,800-4,000. However, the cost of treatment with these products from companies, such as Align Technology can be in the USD 3,000-8,000 range.

This difference in price will influence the demand for direct-to-consumer products as they are available at lower prices, leading to a higher adoption rate. This factor will negatively impact the sales of products sold through the B2B channel during the forecast period.

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 the 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

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

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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. For instance, as per the Align Technology Q4 2023 report, the utilization rate of Invisalign among North American orthodontists was 25.9 cases per doctor in Q4 2023.

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.

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 countries, such as India and Japan and increasing awareness regarding product 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.

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.

List of Key Companies in Clear Aligners Market

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

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 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:

• 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, key recent 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