Invisible Orthodontics Market By Type (Clear Aligners, Ceramic Braces, Lingual Braces), By Patient Group (Dental And Orthodontic Clinics, Hospitals) - Growth, Future Prospects And Competitive Landscape, 2018 – 2026

Industry Outlook

The field of orthodontics is rapidly shifting from traditional wire retainers and braces to clear aligners created with CAD/CAM technologies. Several new products and solutions are being introduced in the market due to the growing demand from adult patients seeking orthodontic treatments. The major market players in this industry have made their mark on the industry with their novel products, first-in-class introductions, and new business models that disrupt the dentist-patient relationship by marketing the products directly to consumers. This has made invisible orthodontics a lucrative area for significant growth for dental companies.

Currently, facial and dental aesthetics are viewed as a new model in orthodontic diagnosis, planning, and treatment. The demand from patients for aesthetic orthodontic treatment is transitioning from treatment models to aesthetic appliances. Efforts are being undertaken to increase the aesthetic appearance of orthodontic appliances, thus delivering invisible orthodontics to the global market. Products such as bands with attachments have evolved into bondable brackets produced in ceramic and plastic. The less visible lingual orthodontic products have also gained popularity in recent years.

Market Synopsis

Clear aligners are the most promising market segment.

Based on the product types, the global invisible orthodontics market is segmented into clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. Clear aligners are the most popular product type in the global market and shall retain their dominance through the forecast period. Lingual orthodontics has grown in popularity over the years due to its aesthetic appeal. However, its use was restricted due to the complexity of treatment mechanics, bracket positioning, and high costs, to name a few. Thus, clear aligners emerged as a viable option for cases in adult orthodontics.

In clear aligner therapy, the patients are administered customized, removable, and clear aligners that shift the teeth to the desired position. The number of aligners recommended for such patients depends on the severity of the malocclusion. The convenience of use, paired with their aesthetic appeal, has made clear aligners an attractive treatment option among adults. Other advantages include less chairside time, no cuts or abrasions, comfortable use as such aligners are fabricated with soft medical-grade polymers, and removability during eating and brushing, thus ensuring good oral hygiene.

Teenagers will be in high demand during the forecast period.

One of the most prominent problems when it comes to administering conventional braces to teenagers is the maintenance of oral hygiene. The use of brackets and wires makes it difficult for users to move the toothbrush around, compromising oral hygiene. Flossing is also a challenge for teenage users with traditional braces. Furthermore, if playing sports or wind instruments is considered, many users are not recommended due to the interference of braces.

Clear aligners overcome such barriers as they are easily removable before eating. These products are to be used for 20 to 22 hours a day, making space for sports and recreational activities. However, the commitment required for wearing aligners for such a long duration, removing them every time something is eaten, and needing to clean teeth before placing aligners may create commitment challenges in teenagers. This also increases the chances of premature treatment discontinuation, thereby interfering with treatment outcomes.

Dental and orthodontic clinics will remain the largest usage area for invisible orthodontics.

Dentistry is viewed as a separate specialty in several parts of the world, where patients approach orthodontists or dentists directly or on recommendation from general practitioners. This ensures greater patient footfall to dental and orthodontic clinics, therefore allowing market dominance. Greater awareness and skills, and direct marketing to consumers, are also benefiting this segment. The hospital's segment will continue to have a lesser market share during the forecast period but will have a considerably larger share in the developed markets of North America and Europe.

North America will remain the largest regional market, yet Asia Pacific will advance at a swift CAGR.

Swift growth in the youth population and increasing disposable incomes are attracting more and more patients to opt for invisible orthodontics in emerging markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America, therefore driving the market's growth. Consistent growth in the number of orthodontists and other dental practitioners, rapidly evolving skills, increasing prevalence of malocclusion, and growing awareness in the general population. The proliferation of CAD/CAM technologies in general dentistry is also paving the way for the growing adoption of invisible orthodontics in Asia and the Pacific. Conversely, unfavorable reimbursements, restricted insurance for orthodontic treatments, and high costs restrict the wider adoption of invisible orthodontics.

Periods of History and Forecast

This research report presents the analysis of each considered segment for the period from 2016 to 2026, using 2017 as the base year for estimations. Compounded annual growth rates (CAGRs) for each segment are calculated for the forecast period from 2018 to 2026.

Report Scope by Segments

The invisible orthodontics market report provides a quantitative assessment of the industry in terms of current and forecasted market size while also presenting the market dynamics. This market is segmented based on types and geography.

This report also includes a company profiles section that gives insights into the company overview, product portfolio, financial information, and key developments of major market players. The major players profiled in this report include The 3M Company, Align Technology Inc., Dentsply Sirona, American Orthodontics, ClearPath Healthcare Services Pvt. Ltd., Straumann Group (ClearCorrect), Ormco Corporation, Ortho Organizers Inc. (Henry Schein Orthodontics), SCHEU-DENTAL GmbH, Great Lakes Dental Technologies, and K Line Europe GmbH.

Key questions are answered in this report.

• What will be the market size of the invisible orthodontics industry by the year 2026?
• Which are the key trends and factors determining the market's growth?
• What are the key challenges faced by consumers and market players?
• Who are the key players in this market, and what are the major strategies employed by such players?
• Which patient group is the largest consumer of invisible orthodontics, and why?
• Which types of treatment facilities are more preferred by patients?
• What are the key factors driving the growth of the Asia-Pacific market?

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