Invisible Orthodontics Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023-2028)

The invisible orthodontics market is projected to register a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period.

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the global orthodontics market. Due to the government actions taken to limit the spread of the pandemic, companies experienced a decline in customer demand globally. For instance, according to the study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in March 2021, in comparison to the pre-pandemic period, more than half of the dentists (65.16 %) reported a reduction in their practice burden. During the first COVID-19 wave, dentists in Germany significantly decreased the number of patients they saw in their offices. This situation declined the physical workload on the dentists and hampered the market growth during the initial phase of the pandemic. Dental services saw an ease in restrictions across the globe in the year 2021. However, clinics and hospitals still operate under strict guidelines for COVID-19 patients. For instance, as per a January 2021 published article in the National Library of Medicine stated that the COVID-19 pandemic made dental healthcare professionals take extra measures to deliver exceptional care in the safest possible environment. The same source also reports that patients with symptoms of a COVID-19 infection should be prohibited from visiting dental implant clinics. Hence the market saw a slight gradual improvement in invisible orthodontics demand after the pandemic wave in the year 2021. Such factors and studies indicate that the dental industry has been hugely impacted by the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.​ Furthermore, as per a January 2021 update, the government of the United Kingdom revealed that Gentle Dental Implant & Cosmetic Centre would remain open, and there are no restrictions on medical treatment. Thus, currently, the market is rapidly stabilizing and is expected to grow in the forecast period.

The increasing prevalence of dental diseases and rising awareness regarding cosmetic and restorative dentistry across the globe are driving the growth of the market. Combining tooth ailment techniques with orthodontic devices such as braces and clear aligners to improve dentistry techniques to improve the symmetry and aesthetics of smiles are being used with invisible orthodontics, thereby positively impacting the market growth as invisible orthodontics. According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine in December 2021, stated that crowded teeth develop when there is not enough space in the jaws into which the teeth can erupt. Crowding can affect baby teeth (deciduous dentition), adult teeth (permanent dentition), or both, and is a common reason for referral to an orthodontist. The study evaluated active interventions to prevent or correct dental crowding in children and adolescents, such as orthodontic braces or extractions, compared to no or delayed treatment, placebo treatment, or another active intervention. Thus, such studies are expected to increase the adoption of orthodontic support for dental care, which is expected to increase market growth. Moreover, the increasing adoption of invisible orthodontics among young people and changes in the lifestyle of people to adopt invisible orthodontics instead of traditional braces are likely to drive market growth over the forecast period.

In addition, innovation in new technologies acts as an opportunity for market players. For instance, in February 2021, Henry Schein Orthodontics, in partnership with Grin, launched a new Remote Consultation feature that provides orthodontists with a cost-effective alternative virtual solution to time-consuming initial consults. Similarly, in April 2021, Align Technology expanded its global operations by opening a manufacturing plant in Poland. This expansion will allow the company to cater to a large and underpenetrated market for Invisalign in Europe and the Middle East, and Africa. Furthermore, in April 2021, Envista Holdings Corporation entered into a partnership with Curaeos Clinics to provide the latest dental technologies. Thus, the surge in geographical expansion by key players such as Align Technology and the rise in availability of the latest dental technologies is expected to increase the demand and adoption of invisible orthodontics, thereby driving the growth of the market.

However, the high cost of invisible orthodontics makes its affordability a concern for patients. The risks associated with invisible orthodontics procedures, gum disease, or cavities during treatment are likely to challenge the market’s growth.

Invisible Orthodontics Market Trends

Clear Aligners Anticipated to Witness Significant Growth in the Market

The clear aligners segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The rising prevalence of malocclusions and growing demand for customized invisible aligners are propelling the market’s growth. Similarly, increasing dental tourism is another factor in market growth. For instance, according to the article published by Dental Organization in 2021 by Amanda Napitu, Dental tourism is becoming more popular as the cost of dental care rises. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people travel abroad in search of more affordable dental care. Spain is a popular dental tourism destination, renowned for its high standards of dentistry, with prices that are up to 50-70 % lower than in the United States. Thus, increasing dental tourism is expected to increase market growth over the forecast period as cost-effective treatments for the dental disease are expected to increase the number of patients coming for dental procedures.

Furthermore, an increase in the adoption of invisible orthodontics, especially among young people, is likely to drive market growth. Clear aligners have several advantages over traditional braces, such as maintaining oral hygiene, less frequent visits to dentists, and wearing comfort, which was possible due to the customized clear aligners made using computer-aided design technology, which has increased their usage. The companies are increasing their focus on developing new and affordable products for patients with product launches and partnerships. For instance, in July 2022, Sage Dental entered into a partnership with SheepMedical, Japan’s leading clear aligner manufacturer, and became the first DSO in the United States to offer KiyoClear orthodontic aligners. KiyoClear’s patented aligner-expander technology. Similarly, in November 2022, Ormco Corporation launched Spark Clear Aligners Release 13 to enhance treatment planning and efficiency. Hence, the launch of advanced and novel clear aligner products leads to a surge in their demand, thereby driving the growth of the market.

Thus, the factors such as increasing product launches and partnerships are expected to increase segmental growth over the forecast period.

North America Expected to Hold Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period

North America is anticipated to dominate the orthodontics market throughout the forecast period. Factors such as the rising prevalence of dental disease, an increasing geriatric population that require timely dental check-ups, and a well-established healthcare system are expected to be the major factors propelling the growth of the market in the region. Additionally, the American Dental Association is keen on spreading awareness among people regarding the importance of oral health and hygiene, which is likely to drive market growth. Furthermore, the rising adoption of cosmetic dentistry procedures and 3D printing technologies is supporting the growth of the invisible orthodontics market in North America. The high prevalence of dental diseases is propelling the growth of the orthodontics market globally. According to the American Dental Association, in June 2021, 85% of people were highly concerned about their dental health in the United States.

Initiatives by a public organization to increase investment is another factor in the market growth in the region. For instance, in September 2022, the Government of Canada stated that a third of Canadians currently do not have dental insurance. For this, the government committed to providing dental care for uninsured Canadians with a family income of less than USD 90,000 annually, starting with children under 12 years old in 2022. This is the first stage of the government’s plan to deliver dental coverage for families with income under USD 90,000 and will allow eligible children under 12 to get the dental care they need while a comprehensive national dental care program is developed. Thus, such initiatives are expected to increase dental visits for orthodontics procedures which are expected to increase market growth over the forecast period.

Furthermore, initiatives by key market players are expected to increase market growth. For instance, in January 2021, Dentsply Sirona acquired Straight Smile LLC (BYTE), a leading provider in the direct-to-consumer, doctor-directed clear aligner market, in an all-cash deal for USD 1.04 billion. This will assist the company in strengthening its SureSmile clear aligner business and strengthen its connection with dental professionals. Similarly, in January 2021, Carbon and Candid entered into a partnership to produce accurate, efficient, and reliable models for clear aligners to straighten teeth. Furthermore, in August 2021, Equicapita Income Trust and Equicapita Investment Corp., along with BMO Capital Partners as a co-investor, launched a Canadian Dental Laboratories Limited Partnership in conjunction with the acquisition of the Protec Group of Dental Laboratories. Thus, with such initiatives, the market is expected to grow.

Thus, the increasing prevalence of dental diseases coupled with initiatives by key market players is expected to increase market growth in the region.

Invisible Orthodontics Market Competitor Analysis

The invisible orthodontics market is moderately fragmented. Market players are focusing on new product launches, product innovations, and geographical expansion to strengthen their market share. Some of the key players operating in the market include Align Technology Inc., 3M, Envista Holdings (Ormco), Dentsply Sirona, and ClearPath Healthcare Services Pvt Ltd, among others.

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