Clear Aligners Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

The clear aligners market is projected to register a CAGR of 24.8% during the forecast period.

The emergence of COVID-19 adversely affected the global clear aligners market at the beginning of the pandemic. The revenue of the companies from the clear aligners segment has declined substantially during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the government actions taken to limit the spread of COVID-19, the companies have experienced a decline in customer demand worldwide. Moreover, the end-user demand was affected by the guidelines published by dental associations globally to perform only emergency procedures. However, in 2021, after the restrictions were lifted, dental practices resumed, and the companies reported an increase in revenue which had a considerable impact on the market growth. For instance, Align Technology reported a decrease in its clear aligners sales by 1.2% in FY2020 as compared to the prior years, but the company reported an increase of 52.9% in revenue from its clear aligners segment in FY2021. Thus, the market witnessed growth during the later phases of the pandemic, and it is expected to continue to grow over the forecast period.

The increasing prevalence of dental diseases, rising awareness regarding dental care, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and growing demand for clear aligners across the globe are driving the growth of the market. In addition, the growing patient population suffering from malocclusions and increasing adoption of invisible aligners in young people, and changes in the lifestyle of people to adopt invisible aligners instead of traditional braces are likely to boost the market growth in the forecast period. According to an article Published in IJERPH in May 2022, when a systematic literature review was conducted by the scientists, the range of prevalence of angle class I, class II, and class III malocclusion was very large, with a mean prevalence of 51.9%, 23.8%, and 6.5%, respectively. As per the researchers of the study, globally, there is a clear and urgent need to define orthodontic features and malocclusion traits.

Another factor that is inducing the growth of the clear aligners market is the adoption of new technologies and tools such as computer-aided design (CAD) technology, artificial intelligence, digital impression systems, and machine learning tools. This aids in providing customizable teeth alignment and facilitates the correct placement of the aligners. For instance, iTero, a digital impression system by Align Technology, assists in developing accurate and customized clear aligner systems to treat mild to moderate misalignment conditions. Additionally, a high number of product development are fueling the market. For instance, in September 2021, Align Technology agreed with Ultradent Products to develop a professional whitening system that can be used with Align's Vivera retainers and Invisalign aligners. This will provide Invisalign-trained doctors exclusive access to a professional whitening system with the Opalescence PF whitening formula from Ultradent. Such product developments are predicted to fuel market growth.

Hence, the studied market is expected to witness growth over the analysis period, owing to the factors stated above. However, the high cost of clear aligners is making their affordability a concern for patients and is likely to challenge the growth of the market.

Clear Aligners Market Trends

Adult Segment is Expected to Have the Significant Market Share

Clear aligners are also known as invisible braces. These are transparent teeth clips made of a special material designed to straighten teeth to perfection. Most of the target population who seek cosmetic and oral health benefits are adults of age 40 years and older. Thus, with the increasing adult population globally, dental disorders are also increasing. This is fueling the segment’s growth.

The increasing dental conditions like malocclusion and crowding are widely prevalent amongst the target population, which has affected the quality of life. Also, they cause several problems, such as impaired dentofacial aesthetics, disturbances of oral function, such as mastication, swallowing, and speech, and greater susceptibility to trauma and periodontal disease. According to an article published by Star Orthodontics in September 2021, malocclusion affects nearly 56% of the population worldwide every year, while the prevalence of malocclusions is high in Africa, which is 81%. In addition, as per the above source, malocclusion can occur in both primary teeth and permanent teeth and affects adults most often. Thus, such instances show that there is a high burden of the disease among the adult population, and it is expected to contribute to the growth of the segment.

The adoption of clear aligners is high among adults and adolescents due to their advantages. Clear aligners available in the market for adults are easy to remove and clean, less visible than conventional fixed braces, reduce plaque accumulation and reduce dental visits. For instance, Invisalign or 3M Clarity aligners are made from a thin, smooth, food-grade plastic that fits perfectly over teeth. Also, these can be custom-made for patients as per their needs to ensure accurate and discreet results. Thus, the adoption of these aligners is increasing among adults and is fueling segment growth.

North America is Expected to Have the Significant Market Share

North America is anticipated to hold a major market share in the clear aligners market throughout the forecast period. The factors driving the growth of the market are the rising prevalence of dental disease, an increasing geriatric population that requires timely dental check-ups, and a well-established healthcare system in the region.

There is an increasing awareness program related to oral health and hygiene by government and private organizations such as American Dental Association (ADA), which is likely to boost knowledge about malocclusion and other dental disorders and hence create demand for clear aligners. Thereby fueling the studied market growth in the region. For instance, as per an article published by Colgate-Palmolive Company in November 2022, few major associations actively engage in creating awareness among people about oral health. Among which ADA, Authority Dental (formerly Oral Health America), American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) are a few major organizations engaged in such awareness activities. Thus, such initiatives are expected to create new opportunities for clear aligners, contributing to the overall market growth in the region.

The high prevalence of malocclusion is propelling the growth of the invisible aligners market in this region. According to Star Orthodontics October 2021 update, America had the 3rd-highest number of cases of malocclusions, and the prevalence of malocclusion in America is 53% every year. In addition, the introduction of clear tray-style aligners has increased the interest of many patients who want to replace their traditional braces with new clear aligners. According to the 2022 update by ADA, 85% of the target population are highly concerned about their dental health in the United States, and 70% of the braces are worn by females in the country. Thus, increasing awareness regarding the aligners and the surge in beauty standards among the population in the region is propelling the usage of clear aligners among the people in this region. Thereby driving the market growth.

Additionally, market players are developing technologically advanced products to enhance their market presence. For instance, in July 2021, 3M Oral Care introduced a next-generation clear aligner system, Clarity Aligners Flex + Force. This will assist the company in strengthening its portfolio of advanced digital solutions by offering advanced Tx design through the 3M oral care portal. Thus, such product development is anticipated to fuel the segment growth over the forecast period. Therefore, owing to increasing awareness about products and dental disorders and the rise in product development, the studied market growth is expected to witness growth in North America.

Clear Aligners Market Competitor Analysis

The clear aligners market is highly competitive due to the rapid adoption of advanced digital technology and tools, 3D printers, and CAD/CAM appliances. Moreover, the market players are rapidly opting for strategic expansions and collaborations to expand their geographical presence and product launches. Some of the key market players operating in the market include Align Technology, Inc., 3M Company, Dentsply Sirona, Argen Corporation, and Henry Schein Inc., among others.

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