Clear Aligners Market

Market Overview

The global clear aligners market size was valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 18.8 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 23.1% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The increased demand for dental aesthetics is a major element driving the clear aligners market growth.

Clear aligners are orthodontic devices that straighten teeth and correct misalignment problems without using traditional braces. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are transparent, making them a popular alternative for people looking for a more aesthetically acceptable and less obtrusive orthodontic solution.

Clear aligners are becoming increasingly popular as the prevalence of dental alignment issues rises. The Clear Aligners market growth is driven by increased consumer awareness of dental care and rising customer expenditure. During the investigation, it was discovered that the female population is a significant contributor to worldwide share since they are more mindful of their appearance and grin. The rising cost of healthcare has reduced human effort while boosting the quality of patient care services. Furthermore, the advancement of advanced Technology in the healthcare business has improved and supplied various services to patients based on their needs, propelling the worldwide clear aligners market forward.

Market Dynamics

Global Clear Aligners Market Drivers

Growing Aesthetic Concerns

Clear aligners are becoming increasingly popular because of aesthetic concerns. Patients, particularly adults and teenagers, prefer less visible orthodontic treatments than traditional braces. Invisalign, a well-known clear aligner brand, has had great market success. Invisalign aligners are clear, removable, and personalized for each patient. The popularity of Invisalign demonstrates the increasing significance of people focusing on cosmetic issues when seeking orthodontic treatment. The increasing desire for clear aligners is reflected in Invisalign's global market share and revenue growth. Align Technology, the business behind Invisalign, recorded a net revenue of over USD 3.735 billion in 2022, demonstrating significant market demand for clear aligners. Invisalign's global usage has expanded, with millions of patients selecting Invisalign therapy for teeth straightening.

Furthermore, according to a study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, adult patients, in particular, prefer clear aligners over traditional braces due to concerns about look and comfort. The study stressed the significance of aesthetic aspects in the decision-making process of orthodontic treatment. Hence, these factors are expected to influence the clear aligners market trend.

Global Clear Aligners Market Restraints

Cost Consideration

Compared to traditional braces, the cost of clear aligner treatment is significant. For some people, affordability is still a major concern. According to Orthodontic Products, the cost of transparent aligners is frequently more than the cost of regular braces. According to the report, clear aligner treatment can cost between USD 3,000 and USD 8,000, while regular braces cost between USD 2,500 and USD 6,000. In the United States, clear aligners can range in price from USD 1,800 to USD 10,000. The increased price of transparent aligners may impede people who value affordability in their orthodontic decisions.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics discovered that cost remains a significant factor influencing orthodontic treatment choice while demand for clear aligners is increasing. According to the survey, patients are generally prepared to try clear aligners if the cost is comparable to traditional braces. These data show that the perceived increased cost of clear aligners can influence some people's decision-making process. Affordability considerations are important in orthodontic treatment decisions, and the cost difference between transparent aligners and traditional braces can be a barrier for individuals on a tight budget. 

Global Clear Aligners Market Opportunity

Expanding Market Presence in Emerging Economies

Clear aligner companies have enormous potential in emerging markets where orthodontic awareness is growing, and disposable incomes are rising. The clear aligners industry is expected to increase significantly in the Asia-Pacific region. Factors such as rising disposable income, a growing emphasis on aesthetic dentistry, and more awareness of orthodontic treatments contribute to the region's market expansion. 

Besides, a study published in the Journal of Oral Science and Rehabilitation highlighted the growing need for orthodontic treatment in Latin American countries. The study stressed the importance of clear aligner providers taking into account the individual characteristics and preferences of the Latin American people to enter these markets effectively. Individuals in these regions may choose advanced and aesthetically acceptable orthodontic solutions as disposable incomes and knowledge rise, creating a significant market opportunity for clear aligner providers. Strategic entry into these markets necessitates a deep awareness of local dynamics, cooperation with local specialists, and an approach that aligns with the needs of different demographics.

Regional Analysis

The global clear aligners market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America's Clear Aligners market share is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 23.4% over the forecast period. This is explained by rising R&D expenditures, the localized presence of multinational corporations, and their pursuit of new patents. According to an American Dental Association survey, eighty-five percent of Americans genuinely appreciate dental health and view oral health as a crucial component of total care. A quarter of the four million individuals in the United States who wear braces are adults. Introducing clear tray aligners has drawn interest from patients who want to straighten their teeth but don't want to look like they have metal in their mouths. As to the ADA's 2022 update, women in the United States account for 70% of brace wearers, with 85% of the target demographic expressing high concern about their dental health. As a result, clear aligner use is growing in this region due to rising knowledge of the devices and rising beauty standards among the populace. So, promoting market expansion. 

Additionally, public and private organizations, like the American Dental Association (ADA), are increasingly promoting oral health and cleanliness more and more. This is expected to increase public awareness of malocclusion and other dental diseases and thus increase demand for clear aligners. Hence, it supports the region's market growth as studied. For example, few significant associations actively promote oral health awareness among the public, according to a November 2022 Colgate-Palmolive Company article. A few significant groups involved in these awareness campaigns are the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), Authority Dental (previously Oral Health America), and the American Dental Association (ADA). These activities will likely generate fresh prospects for clear aligners, augmenting the regional market's expansion. 

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 23.6% over the forecast period due to rising demand for clear aligners in developing economies, particularly in China and India. Another factor contributing to the increase is the attractive design of aligner systems. Targeting over 80 million urban populations, who account for a significant portion of the country's sales of high-end oral care products, Align Technology announced in February 2016 the launch of Invisalign systems in India, which include Invisalign Full, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign Lite clear aligners.

Europe accounts for a moderate clear aligners market share due to their awareness of how these products use cutting-edge technologies to repair misaligned teeth. More and more companies are growing their facilities to produce and meet the growing demand for these products among the youth in the area. Furthermore, the German market held the highest market share for Clear Aligners, while the UK market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Middle East and Africa, Latin America are budding markets. According to Clear Aligners market insights, a shortage of oral health treatments, including dental treatment, in important Middle Eastern nations such as Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa will account for a small market revenue share in 2022. This lack of understanding about oral health may hinder the region's adoption of these items. The region, which includes Latin American countries such as Brazil, is predicted to increase steadily over the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global clear aligners market is segmented based on age, Type, Material Type, end-use, dentist type, product, duration and distribution channel.

The market is further segmented by Age into Adults and teens.

Adults account for the largest share of the market. The adults category held 60% of the market in 2022 and is predicted to increase at a substantial CAGR throughout the forecast period. Many individuals seek orthodontic treatment to improve their appearance or to address long-standing tooth problems. Aesthetic factors, such as the concealability of clear aligners, are frequently important for adult patients. Factors such as professional image and lifestyle may impact treatment selections. Adults seeking orthodontic treatment are rising, creating a sizable market opportunity.

The market is sub-segmented based on Type into At-home aligners and in-office Aligners.

At-home aligners are a significant contributor to the market. At-home aligners are a technique in which patients get their aligners at home rather than visiting a dentist's office regularly. Impression kits are frequently supplied to patients, and therapy progress is tracked remotely. Compared to typical in-office aligners, at-home aligners are frequently seen as more cost-effective, particularly for mild to moderate orthodontic situations. This could be because of reduced initial costs and fewer dentist appointments. Telemedicine and remote monitoring advancements have made at-home aligner treatment more possible and dependable. Patients can have virtual consultations, upload progress photos, and have their treatment remotely supervised by dentists.

Based on material Type, the market is sub-segmented into Polyurethane Plastic, Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).

Polyurethane Plastic generates the most revenue. The polyurethane sector retained the greatest market share of 75% in 2022 because of polyurethane-based Invisalign clear aligners. Polyurethane has several advantages when used as a component of an aligner. It can be utilized for both hard and soft parts because of its diverse properties. This material can create powerful items to press teeth into alignment. At the same time, it is soft enough to be worn for extended periods.

Based on end-use, the market is fragmented into hospitals, standalone, and group practices.

Stand Alone Practices commands the highest share of the market. The standalone practitioners segment had the largest market share of 50% in 2022 and is also growing at a considerable CAGR over the forecast period. Standalone practices are dedicated orthodontic or dental clinics that provide just orthodontic services. It may provide a more focused and individualized experience for patients seeking orthodontic treatment.

The market can be further classified by dentist type into General Dentists and orthodontists.

Orthodontists influenced the market growth. Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists frequently have considerable training and experience in orthodontic treatments such as clear aligners. The segment of orthodontists held the largest market share of 65% in 2022 and is predicted to grow at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. Orthodontists have specific knowledge of orthodontic treatments, making them ideal for difficult patients.

The market can be segmented based on product into hard, medium, and soft types.

Hard Type occupies the maximum share of the market. Hard-type clear aligners imply a more solid material composition. Hard aligners are often constructed of strong, rigid materials such as PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), which significantly force tooth movement and provide faster results than softer materials. This efficiency is critical for repairing mild to severe malocclusions. Due to their hardness, hard aligners are well-suited for treating complicated orthodontic cases requiring rotations, gaps, or overcrowding, where precise control is required.

By duration, the segment can be further bifurcated into Comprehensive malfunction (treatment > 12 months/ > 40 sets of Aligner), Medium treatments (treatment > 6-12 months/ 20-40 sets of Aligner), Small little beauty Alignments (treatment <4-6 month/ <20 sets Aligner).

Medium treatment duration holds the major share of the market. Medium treatments imply a moderate length of orthodontic care. Treatment time ranges from 6 to 12 months, with 20 to 40 sets of aligners used. The medium treatment duration segment held the largest market share of 48% in 2022 and is predicted to rise throughout the forecast period. It strikes a compromise between comprehensive treatment and a shorter treatment period.

Based on the distribution channel, the market is divided into online and offline.

Offline channels led the market. Clear aligners are sold in regular brick-and-mortar locations such as dental offices and orthodontic clinics. Face-to-face encounters are possible, allowing for a more personalized and hands-on approach to orthodontic therapy. Since Align Technology is the most prominent competitor in the global market, and the firm conducts its sales operations primarily through offline channels, the offline category maintained the greatest market share of 70% in 2022. Discounts of up to 35% are available from Invisalign, encouraging dentists and orthodontists to actively sell as many teeth-straightening aligners as possible, increasing their per-patient revenues.

Recent Developments

• September 2023- Attachment-free aligner activation is a new SmartForce feature introduced by Align Technology, Inc. ("Align") (Nasdaq: ALGN), a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign® System of clear aligners, iTeroTM intraoral scanners, and exocadTM CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry.
• July 2023- SmileDirectClub collaborated with leading medical aesthetic provider Thérapie Clinic to expand SmileShop's presence in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• September 2023- Straumann Group purchased AlliedStar, a Chinese intraoral scanner supplier.