Dental Adhesives and Sealants Market

Market Overview

The global dental adhesives and sealants market was valued at USD 2.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4.12 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The major drivers of the market are the rising healthcare costs and the focus on enhancing dental procedure outcomes in emerging nations.

An adhesive is a material that can create a permanent bond between two surfaces. Dental adhesives are available in various forms, such as powder, cream, paste, wafers, etc. A sealant is a material utilized to cover gaps between two surfaces to establish a barrier or inhibit tooth decay. Despite their reduced strength compared to adhesives, they possess exceptional flexibility.

The primary element propelling the market is the global rise in the elderly population. Moreover, the dental adhesives and sealants market growth is being enhanced during the projected timeframe due to the growing trend of medical and dental tourism and the increasing number of patients with root and coronal caries and periodontitis.

Highlights

• Natural Adhesive generates the highest revenue share based on raw material.
• Self-etching adhesive accounts for the largest market share by etching type.
• Self-cured contribute significantly to the market through curing.

Market Dynamics

Global Dental Adhesives and Sealants Market Drivers

Growing Cases of Dental Disorders 

The frequency of dental problems is a global concern, influenced by multiple contributing variables. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dental caries in permanent teeth that are left untreated are the most widespread conditions, impacting 2.3 billion individuals globally. Furthermore, a significant proportion of the worldwide population, approximately 10%, is afflicted with severe periodontal disease, a condition that can result in the loss of teeth. These figures highlight the substantial impact of oral problems on public health.

Moreover, the FDI World Dental Federation asserts that dental caries is a prevalent oral ailment globally, constituting approximately 10% of the healthcare expenditures in most advanced nations. Technological improvements have led to the emergence of improved dental care procedures. Therefore, the increasing significance of adhesive dentistry and the surging need for dental restorations are the primary factors propelling this market. Furthermore, the growing use of advanced adhesive products in response to widespread dental and oral issues such as tooth loss and decay, the demand for dental fixatives, and the need for cosmetic applications and conditions like dry mouth are anticipated to drive dental adhesives and sealants market growth.

Increase in the Global Ageing Population

The percentage of individuals classified as elderly (65 years and older) worldwide is growing. The United Nations predicts that the global population of 65 and older will surpass 1.5 billion by 2050, more than twice the current amount. Based on the Fourth Oral Epidemiological Survey of China in 2015, dental caries were 98.0% among individuals aged 65 to 74. Furthermore, the older population was more likely to develop root caries than coronal caries. In this group, the occurrence rate of root caries was 61.9%, with only 3% of them being treated. An estimated 60% of individuals aged 65 and older in the United States experienced root caries. 

Global Dental Adhesives and Sealants Market Restraints

High Prices of Dental Care

According to the Medical Tourism Association, the mean expense for a dental implant is approximately USD 2,500. England had the highest cost for dental care, with a filling costing approximately 156 Euros. Spain and Italy were close behind, with fillings costing around 125 and 135 Euros, respectively. The expenditures in other Western European countries were significantly lower, amounting to less than half of that amount. Specifically, the costs varied from approximately €46 in France to around €67 in Germany. Multiple factors contribute to the elevated dental care costs, such as the expenses incurred from supplies, equipment, personnel, and overhead associated with running a dental business.

Moreover, intricate techniques such as dental implants frequently necessitate additional instruction and proficiency, increasing expenses even more. This financial obstacle hinders patients' ability to obtain dental treatment, affecting the market for dental adhesives. Also, the exorbitant costs associated with dental care can discourage individuals from seeking prompt treatment, worsen oral problems, and perhaps require more extensive and expensive interventions in the future. Moreover, discrepancies in the availability of reasonably priced dental services might worsen preexisting inequities in oral health results, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. Therefore, the exorbitant costs of dental treatment serve as a significant obstacle for the dental care sector in the country.

Global Dental Adhesives and Sealants Market Opportunity

Increased Investments in Research and Development Activities

The research and creation of different dental adhesives have significantly revolutionized conservative dentistry, providing opportunities to conserve tooth structure and create visually appealing and long-lasting restorations. In September 2023, Rodin™ Bond was introduced, a highly adaptable dental adhesive that cures when exposed to light. It was created explicitly for precise and careful use in direct and indirect bonding procedures. Rodin™ Bond strengthens the hybrid zone and penetrates dentin tubules using cutting-edge glass filler technology, creating a unique and robust structural bond that distinguishes it from adhesive systems without fillers. 

In July 2023, BISCO unveiled its latest dental adhesive, the SureFil Universal Plus, designed to enhance bonding performance across different dental procedures. Therefore, advancements in dental adhesive systems, such as oral maxillofacial procedures and techniques, along with increased investments in research and development activities, are expected to provide substantial prospects for market expansion. 

Rising Awareness about Oral Hygiene 

Dental fillings, bonding, implants, crowns, root canal therapy, dental bridges, periodontal treatments, and maxillofacial surgeries are often done in dental procedures. Over time, a growing quantity of these dental procedures will undoubtedly stimulate the need for dental adhesives and sealants. According to the American Dental Association, 58% of Americans undergo an annual dental check-up.

Moreover, as stated by Harvard Health Publishing, those afflicted with periodontal gum disease have a heightened risk, ranging from two to three times, of experiencing a stroke, dementia, or other notable cardiovascular conditions. This increased risk is attributed to the disease's ability to elevate the body's inflammatory burden. Dental health and the condition of one's teeth are significant factors in physical attractiveness, closely associated with self-confidence and self-esteem in numerous countries, such as Germany, the United States, and Canada. The market is growing due to increased awareness of oral hygiene and restorative dental procedures through suggestions on social media.

Regional Analysis

The global dental adhesives and sealants market share is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global dental adhesives and sealants market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% over the forecast period.  This can be attributed to the convenient accessibility of products, sophisticated technologies, and the advantageous reimbursement framework. For instance, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid provide coverage for dental sealants, reducing costs and promoting the utilization of sealants and associated services. The healthcare industry in the United States is a prominent contributor to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the United States, the pattern of dental visits during the last ten years has exhibited favorable and problematic elements. Roughly 66% of Americans frequently seek dental care.

Additionally, the National Center for Health Statistics reports that the number of individuals between 18 and 64 who had a dental appointment within the previous year rose from 64.7% in 2010 to 66.7% in 2019. In 2023, a significant pattern was observed in dental appointments in the United States. As per the American Dental Association, dental visits experienced a substantial surge by mid-2023, with a recorded growth of almost 15% compared to the preceding year. The increase in dental visits can be ascribed to the enhanced trust in safety protocols employed by dental offices and the heightened recognition of the significance of oral health. In addition, tele-dentistry became popular, providing virtual consultations and follow-ups, enhancing dental care availability. These developments are responsible for stimulating the expansion of the regional market. 

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period because of the aging population, rising knowledge about oral health, and the increasing prevalence of dental caries resulting from lifestyle changes. Nations like China, India, and Japan are anticipated to provide more favorable prospects due to the growing awareness and concern for health. The market in the region is expected to experience growth due to an increase in desire for a 'Hollywood smile' due to growing beauty awareness and the popularity of social media.

Europe is an essential player in the worldwide dental adhesives market, driven by several factors demonstrating its dedication to improving dental care. An aging population significantly contributes to the increased demand for dental care, which drives the need for dental adhesives. Countries with significant elderly populations, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, experience a substantial increase in demand for restorative dental procedures. This creates a lucrative market for dental adhesives that successfully ensure the longevity and durability of dental restorations. Several European nations boast exceptional public healthcare systems that prioritize dental health. Government programs in countries like Sweden and Denmark aggressively advocate advancing preventative and restorative dentistry. The continuous focus on oral health leads to a consistent need for top-notch dental adhesives as a crucial element in various dental operations, which drives the market's growth.

Moreover, Europe is a significant hub for dental research and development, with nations like Switzerland and Germany leading the way in pioneering advancements in dental materials and adhesives. Europe's commitment to continuous innovation and development positions it as a leader in dental technology advancements. This fosters the expansion of the dental adhesives market by ensuring that goods meet the most rigorous efficacy and safety standards. 

Segmental Analysis

The global dental adhesives and sealants market is segmented based on raw material, etching type, and curing. 

The market is classified into synthetic adhesive and natural adhesive by raw material.

The natural adhesive category is predicted to dominate the market by 2023. Natural dental adhesives comprise glycerin, pine resins, and natural gums, whereas synthetic adhesives contain chemicals and other substances. Natural adhesives do not contain artificial colors, petrochemicals, smells, tastes, preservatives, or zinc. Synthetic adhesives are less costly than natural adhesives.

The synthetic adhesive segment will likely grow significantly throughout the projected period. Synthetic dental adhesives are substances utilized to attach dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers, to the existing structure of natural teeth. They offer numerous benefits, such as excellent preservation of restorations, decreased occurrence of microleakage, heightened durability against wear and fracture, and improved aesthetics by sealing gaps between the tooth and the restoration. Moreover, they can conserve a more significant amount of natural tooth structure than conventional techniques such as amalgam fillings.

The market is further segmented by etching type into Self Etching Adhesive, Total Etching Adhesive, and Other Etching Types. 

The self-etching adhesive category had the most significant market share in 2023. Synthetic dental adhesives are chemicals that bond dental restorations, like fillings, crowns, or veneers, to natural teeth. The benefits of their product include enhanced preservation of restorations, reduced occurrence of microleakage, increased resistance to wear and fracture, and improved aesthetics by sealing gaps between the tooth and the restoration. Furthermore, they can preserve a more natural tooth structure than traditional methods like amalgam fillings.

The total etching adhesive category will expand rapidly during the projected period. Total-etch systems are versatile and can be utilized for various dental treatments, such as the placement of crowns (made of ceramic, polymer, or metal), inlays and onlays, posts, and veneers. The advantage of the total-etch technique is that it uses phosphoric acid, which has a pH significantly below one, to treat the preparation's enamel and dentin surfaces. This application guarantees a comprehensive etch pattern on the enamel surface and the elimination of the smear layer on the dentin.

Based on curing, the market is fragmented into Self Cured, Light Cured, and Dual Cured. 

The self-cured category will likely account for a higher market share. A self-cured dental adhesive that solidifies or hardens without requiring external activation, such as light curing, is used in dentistry. This adhesive generally comprises two constituents that undergo a chemical reaction upon mixing, resulting in polymerization and adherence to the tooth structure. An example frequently encountered is self-cured resin cement, which is employed for gluing crowns, bridges, and other restorations. The primary benefit of self-cured dental adhesive lies in its capacity to be used in various situations and its consistent performance. Self-cured adhesives, unlike light-cured adhesives, do not need a light source to undergo polymerization. This makes them suitable for usage in regions where light cannot effectively reach, such as deep cavities or areas with limited access.

In addition, self-cured adhesives typically offer extended working periods, enabling more accurate positioning and fine-tuning before the adhesive solidifies. This attribute renders them particularly valuable in scenarios where achieving optimal control and adaptability is crucial for the successful execution of dental operations.

The light-cured category will rise rapidly throughout the projection period. A light-cured dental adhesive is a specific form of adhesive utilized in dentistry that undergoes polymerization or curing through exposure to a light source, commonly a dental curing lamp. The adhesive is applied to the tooth surface and then subjected to the curing light. This triggers a chemical reaction that solidifies the adhesive, creating a solid bond between the adhesive and the tooth structure and any restorative materials, such as composite resins or porcelain.

Recent Developments

• December 2023- BISCO, located in Schaumburg, Illinois, introduced two fresh FluoroCalTM options: Bubblegum and Green Apple. Both additional flavors are currently on sale, in addition to FluoroCal's original and refreshing Spearmint flavor. All tastes are sweetened with xylitol, which guarantees improved patient adherence.
• December 2023- Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., with its headquarters in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, increased the manufacturing capacity for ceramic dental materials at its Miyoshi Plant in Miyoshi City, Aichi Prefecture. This move aims to expedite the growth of its dental materials business.