Clear Aligners Market Growth Opportunities & Forecast [2031]

Report Description

Clear Aligners Market Outlook 2031:

The Global Clear Aligners Market was estimated at USD 4,075.84 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 14,642.03 Million by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 17.5% during the forecast period. The clear aligner market experienced a slowdown during the covid-19 pandemic as dental clinics & dental hospitals were open only to emergency and complex dental treatments.

The majority of patients who planned to implant clear aligners in 2020 either canceled their appointments or postponed their treatment to the next year. The key players operating in the market cleared their piled-up inventory (from 2019 & 2020) in the year 2021. Hence, the market revenue spiked up to 59.0% in 2021.

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The market conditions were normalized again in 2022 & 2023 and hence experienced a negative growth rate as compared to the preceding year However, the market is projected to regain its positive growth rate from the year 2024 up to the forecast year 2031.

Clear aligners (CA) are transparent, thermoplastic, removable, and FDA cleared mouthguards that are customized to fit closely over the patient's teeth. These are used to correct mild-moderate orthodontic problems. They offer a viable alternative to traditional metal braces for patients seeking aesthetic orthodontic care.

Clear aligners gradually improve appearance and function by applying gentle and consistent pressure to a patient's teeth. Aligner appliances are preferred by adult patients, as life-style or work commitments make it difficult to wear visible fixed braces.

Macro-economic Factors

Per-capita Annual Healthcare Expenditure

Healthcare expenditure is a crucial macroeconomic factor that significantly influences the global clear aligners market. Healthcare expenditure includes all expenditures for the provision of emergency aid, nutrition activities, family planning activities, and health services selected for health.

This indicator is defined as the per capita total expenditure on health, calculated at the average exchange rate for a particular year. In 2021, health spending per person in the US was USD 12,914.

Cost of Treatment

The cost of treatment is one of the significant factors that determines the affordability of a treatment. A six-month treatment with 10-14 aligners is projected to cost approximately $4,000 to $7,000, while a full 12–18-month treatment costs around $8,000 to $10,000.

However, the actual cost of treatment varies, depending on the complexity of the case, treatment duration, and geographic location. The cost of treatment includes the expertise of an orthodontist and a team of qualified professionals, who are monitoring and guiding the treatment.

The high cost of treatment for crowding, malocclusion, and excessive spacing is making it difficult for developing countries to adopt the required facilities. Therefore, the cost of treatment has a major impact on the growth of the clear aligners market.

Clear Aligners Market Dynamics

Market Driver- Increasing Prevalence of Dental Malocclusion

Malocclusion is the improper positioning or alignment of the upper and lower teeth. It is an abnormal jaw relationship that affects aesthetic appearance, function, and facial harmony. The global prevalence of malocclusion is estimated to be between 45-58% without differences in gender.

The highest prevalence is projected to be in Europe (72%), followed by America (53%) and Asia (48%). Approximately 70% of all children and adolescents have some degree of malocclusion and about 35-45% have severe malocclusion requiring orthodontic treatment. The prevalence of classes I, II, and III malocclusions is estimated to be 48.5%, 32.68%, and 4.32%, respectively.

Annually, approximately 21 million people globally choose treatment by orthodontists. In 2019, the US accounted for approximately 244 million malocclusion cases. However, 33.1% of the 4.5 million treated malocclusion cases were addressed with clear aligners. Thus, the increasing prevalence of malocclusion is projected to drive the market during the forecast period.

Market Restraint- High Treatment Cost of Aligners

Treatment cost of clear aligners depends on brand of clear aligners, length of treatment, and type of aligner. Clear aligners are made of high-quality, medical-grade plastic designed to be durable, flexible, and comfortable to wear. These materials are more expensive than the materials used in traditional braces, which are typically made of metal or ceramic.

Additionally, clear aligners are replaced every few weeks, as the teeth gradually move into the correct position. The patient goes through several sets of aligners over the course of treatment, which adds to the overall cost. The treatment costs anywhere between USD 1,200 and USD 8,000. Aligners such as Invisalign and ClearCorrect require in-office impressions and check-ups that cost additional USD 100 or more.

Customized treatment plan makes tooth aligners more expensive than traditional braces. Thus, the high cost of the aligner and its treatment is projected to restrain the market in the coming years, as it is not affordable for low-middle income households.

Market Opportunity- Advancements in Clear Aligners

Clear aligners have rapidly evolved as a preferred choice for orthodontic treatment. Continuous research and advancements have pushed the boundaries of orthodontics. Research has focused on the development of smart tracking systems, including artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, which analyse patient progress.

In the near future, smart clear aligners are expected to equipped with sensors and AI algorithms, to optimize treatment efficiency, reduce timelines, and enhance patient experiences. Smart aligners actively monitor and adjust treatment in real time. 3D printing technology is set to evolve, leading to precise, comfortable, and customizable aligners through innovations in materials and printing techniques.

Research has led to the development of durable, transparent, and flexible materials, enhancing patient comfort and aesthetics. Thus, advancements in clear aligners are expected to create growth opportunities in the near future, as it provides predictable treatment outcomes.

Scope of the Clear Aligners Market Report  

The report on the Global Clear Aligners Market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Clear Aligners Market Segmental Outlook

Based on age group, the clear aligners market is segmented into adults and teens. The teens segment is expected to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period, owing to the increasing use of technologically advanced products in treatment methods. Furthermore, high prevalence of malocclusion in teenagers is anticipated to enhance the expansion of the segment in the coming years.

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Based on material type, the clear aligners market is segmented into polyurethane, plastic polyethylene terephthalate glycol, poly-vinyl chloride, and others. Clear aligner materials have evolved from a single layered or monophasic plastic to the second generation polyurethane material and to the currently used third generation multilayered polyurethane-like material that comprises of hard and soft layers. the soft layer imparts the property of elastic deformation, allowing smooth seating of the aligner, and the hard layer ensures strength and durability.

Based on dentist type, the clear aligners market is segmented into general dentists and orthodontists. The orthodontists segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR of 17.2% during the forecast period, as the majority of orthodontists are utilizing clear aligners in their practice.

Based on application, the clear aligners market is segmented into malocclusion, crowding, excessive spacing, and others. The others segment is further segmented into misaligned primary (baby) teeth, impacted teeth, ectopic teeth, and straightened teeth.

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Based on end-user, the clear aligners market is segmented into hospitals, dental and orthodontal clinics. The orthodontic clinics segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, due to the presence of highly skilled orthodontists and other trained dental practitioners across the globe.

Based on distribution channel, the clear aligners market is segmented into B2B and B2C. The B2B segment is expected to hold a significant share of the clear aligners market, due to the growing trading activities in the B2B segment. An aligner brand recommended by orthodontists is convenient and efficient. Aligners distributed through B2B are a preferred choice to achieve optimal results, ensure oral health, and manage complex cases.

Regional Outlook

On the basis of region, the global Clear Aligners market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA).

The market in Asia Pacific is projected to expand at a CAGR of 18.1% during the forecast period, owing to the increasing number of teenagers with crowding and malocclusions. China has a high prevalence rate of complicated malocclusion cases.

In 2019, the overall prevalence rate of malocclusion in China reached approximately 74.0%, whereas the prevalence rate of Class II and III malocclusion cases in China reached approximately 49.0%. Approximately 4.3% and 37.8% of the treated malocclusion cases of children/teenagers and adults, respectively, were addressed by clear aligners.

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Market Key Developments

• In September 2023, Angelalign Technology Inc. and 3Shape announced a global strategic partnership aimed at strengthening dedication to digital orthodontics of both these companies.

• In January 2022, Envista Holdings Corporation and Pacific Dental Services (PDS), a key dental support organization, announced the completion of a multi-year year development partnership, created to harness the power of Assisted Intelligence in support of clinical image analysis across the dental market.

• In May 2022, Align Technology, Inc. introduced Invisalign Outcome Simulator Pro and advanced patient communication tool.

• In June 2021, Dentsply Sirona announced a strategic partnership with 3Shape, focused on collaboration between intraoral scanner 3Shape TRIOS by 3Shape and SureSmile Clear Aligners by Dentsply Sirona.

• In December 2021, Henry Schein Orthodontics, the orthodontics business of Henry Schein, Inc., announced the launch of Studio Pro 4.0, a new web-based treatment planning software for Reveal Clear Aligners (Reveal).

Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders

• In-depth Analysis of the Global Clear Aligners Market

• Historical, Current, and Projected Market Size in terms of Value

• Potential & Niche Segments and Regions Exhibiting Promising Growth Covered

• Industry Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Covered in the Study

• Recent Industry Trends and Developments

• Competitive Landscape & Strategies of Key Players

• Neutral Perspective on Global Clear Aligners Market performance