Dental Ceramic Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Oxides, Silicates, Glass Ceramics, Others), By Applications (Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges, Inlays and Onlays, Orthodontic Brackets, Dental Implants, Other Restorative Applications), By End User (Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The global dental ceramic market size was valued at USD 385.60 million in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 614.12 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period (2024–2032). 

Dental ceramics are a widely used class of biomaterials in dentistry that are used for making dental restorations, prostheses, and orthodontic appliances. The inorganic composition of dental ceramics consists mainly of oxides and silicates prepared to express properties like biocompatibility, strength, and esthetic nature. Dental ceramics are known to resemble closely the natural look of the teeth, giving functional and esthetic properties to the patient. Dental ceramics find use in a wide spectrum of applications, including crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, onlays, dental implants, and orthodontic brackets. Dental ceramics are usually made using sintering, milling, and layering techniques to give them the desired shape, strength, and shade. The development of modern dentistry is heavily reliant upon innovative materials science and technology, where dental ceramics continue to provide durable, visually appealing, and biocompatible solutions for the restoration of function and the improvement of dental structure.

The global market of dental ceramic is growing at an significant rate due to the increase in dental technology, an increase in awareness about dental health, and an increase in demand for aesthetic dental restorations. Dental ceramics are preferred for their excellent biocompatibility, superior aesthetic properties, and high durability, making them ideal for various restorative applications such as crowns, bridges, veneers, and inlays/onlays. Further boosting the market is an increase in the prevalence of dental disorders like tooth decay and periodontal diseases, necessitating restorative treatments. Furthermore, an aging population, particularly in developed regions, increases the need for dental prosthetics and restorations. Technological innovations, such as CAD/CAM systems, have redefined the manufacturing process, facilitating the development of accurate and customized ceramic restorations and thereby increasing their adoption. Further, continuous research and development efforts are leading to the introduction of advanced materials with improved mechanical properties and aesthetic outcomes, thus broadening the scope of dental ceramics in modern dentistry.

Market Dynamics

Global dental ceramic market drivers

Rising prevalence of dental disorders and tooth loss 

The increasing prevalence of dental disorders, including caries, periodontal diseases, tooth loss, etc., adds to the increasing demand for dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and implants. Dental ceramics offer long-term, biocompatible, and highly durable restorations for the replacement of either damaged or lost teeth, to address the oral health needs of a majority of the patient population. The incidence of dental caries and tooth loss is increasing with changing dietary habits in a growing elderly population. Therefore, ceramic dental implants are becoming increasingly popular to replace teeth over the long term. Ceramic dental implants present with high biocompatibility and aesthetic properties and are often highly demanded by patients.

Increasing demand for aesthetic dentistry

Increasing aesthetic demands by patients are one of the major drivers of the dental ceramic market. Patients are increasingly seeking dental treatment not only for the restoration of function but also to improve the appearance of their dentition. Dental ceramics are able to deliver restorations that look quite similar to natural teeth, hence fulfilling most of the aesthetic expectations of the patient. For instance, the use of porcelain veneers for the aesthetic treatment of dental imperfections, such as discoloration, diastemas, and misaligned teeth. Thin ceramic shells designed specifically for the particular case are bonded to the front surface of the teeth, offering an immediate transformation of the smile without harming the natural appearance.

Global dental ceramic market restraint

High cost of dental ceramic materials and procedures

The cost of dental ceramic materials and procedures can be a significant barrier for many patients, particularly in regions with limited access to dental insurance or where out-of-pocket expenses are high. The high cost of dental ceramics could likely restrain their potential application, especially among price-sensitive patient populations. The cost of a single ceramic crown may differ greatly depending on the material, complexity of the procedure, and geographical region. It may be rather inaccessible for patients from a less affluent country, which may result in a delay in the provision of timely and proper treatment to patients.

Global dental ceramic market opportunities

Growing emphasis on minimally invasive dentistry

The shift to minimally invasive dentistry provides an opportunity for the use of ceramic materials in conservative treatment approaches. Ceramic restorations, such as inlays, onlays, and veneers, allow for the preservation of healthy tooth structure while providing functional and aesthetic benefits. This has raised the demand for procedures that are minimally invasive due to patients' conservative treatment options, and greater advancements that have been made in adhesive dentistry techniques. For instance, dentists recommend ceramic inlays and onlays as an alternative to dental fillings because they give better-looking, more durable, and biocompatible restorations for teeth with moderate to severe levels of decay. Compared with traditional amalgam or composite fillings, ceramic restorations preserve more natural tooth structure.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global dental ceramic market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North america dominates the global market

North America is the most significant global dental ceramic market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The region boasts a highly developed healthcare infrastructure, including advanced dental facilities and a robust network of dental professionals. This enables a large number of people to gain access to dental care services, in turn creating a high demand for dental ceramics. Additionally, North America is the leader in technological developments and innovations in dentistry, being driven by a significant focus on research and development. This drive for innovation has led to the widespread adoption of cutting-edge dental technologies, such as CAD/CAM systems, which streamline the fabrication process of dental ceramics, making them more accessible and cost-effective.

The United States dental ceramic market is leading in terms of market share. The market for dental ceramics is rising as a result of the country's big population and high degree of knowledge regarding dental health and aesthetics. Dental ceramics are also widely used because of the existence of a sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, which includes cutting-edge dental clinics and laboratory settings.

The Canadian dental ceramic market is poised to grow as the demand for ceramic dental implants is increasing, fuelled by the aging population and a greater preference for metal-free dental restoration in dentistry. Across the country, dentists are accepting and practicing with ceramic implants as a safe and aesthetic alternative to the traditional titanium implants.

These factors are estimated to drive the North American dental ceramic market growth.

Asia-Pacific region is a pivotal market for the dental ceramic industry, the region is home to a significant portion of the global population, including emerging economies like China, India, and South Korea, which are experiencing rapid urbanization, economic growth, and a growing middle class. This demographic shift is driving an uptick in healthcare and dental care services, including both restorative and aesthetic dental treatments that utilize dental ceramics.

China's dental ceramic market has a major role in shaping the dynamics of the Asia-Pacific dental ceramic market. The country's burgeoning middle class, coupled with the growing adoption of dental care services, is driving the demand for dental ceramic. China also leads in technological advancements in dentistry, with significant investments in digital dentistry, which are revolutionizing the fabrication process of dental ceramics and making them more accessible and cost-effective.

Indian dental ceramic market observed increased use as in India, dental clinics and laboratories are increasingly adopting digital dentistry technologies, such as intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM systems, for the fabrication of dental ceramics with high precision and efficiency to meet the growing demand of cosmetic and restorative treatments.  

Thus, the factors above are estimated to boost the Asia-Pacific dental ceramic market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global dental ceramic market is segmented by product type, applications and end user.

Based on product type, the global dental ceramic market is divided into oxides, silicates, glass ceramics and others. 

The oxides segment holds the major revenue share in the global dental ceramics market, as the materials are exceptional and versatile in nature, mainly zirconia-based. Zirconia-based ceramics, including yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), are highly strong, biocompatible, and aesthetically optimum material used in various dental applications, such as crowns, bridges, and implants. Their aesthetically pleasing nature in terms of color and natural tooth transparency, along with excellent mechanical properties, has made these materials quite adoptable by dentists around the world.

Based on applications, the global dental ceramic market is dental crowns, dental bridges, inlays and onlays, orthodontic brackets, dental implants and others. 

The dental crowns segment dominates the global dental ceramic market primarily due to the widespread demand for dental crowns in restorative dentistry. Dental crowns are extensively used to restore damaged, decayed, or aesthetically compromised teeth, providing strength, durability, and natural-looking aesthetics. Ceramic crowns, in particular, are highly favored for their ability to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth while offering excellent biocompatibility and longevity.

Based on end user, the global dental ceramic market is segmented into hospitals, clinics and others. 

The hospitals segment dominates the global dental ceramic market. Hospitals are one of the main settings for dental care, especially for complex treatments and procedures with the need for special equipment and expertise. They are often well-equipped, with the most modern equipment and resources available, including new dental technologies and professionals who have a command over these technologies, and are, thus, the favoured options for patients for their comprehensive dental needs. Furthermore, hospitals also cater to a varied patient population that includes different kinds of people with different levels of dental needs, which in turn increases the demand for dental ceramics to be used for restoration and prosthetics in teeth.

Recent Developments

• In December 2023, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. decided to enhance the manufacturing capacity for ceramic dental materials at its Miyoshi Plant to accelerate the expansion of its dental materials business.
• In October 2021, Ivoclar Vivadent AG introduced IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime, which is a new zirconia material featuring improved strength and aesthetics. This new material is designed for high-translucency anterior and posterior restorations with aesthetics that look truly natural. This launch has helped the company to expand its product portfolio for dental ceramics.

Analyst’s Perspective

As per our research analysts, the global dental ceramic market looks promising with a steady rise in growth and changing dynamics. An increasing focus on dental aesthetics and oral health across the globe is leading to growing demand for dental ceramics, owing to the rising prevalence of dental disorders, technological advancements in dental materials and manufacturing processes, and the increasing geriatric population. Another driving factor is the transition toward less-invasive dentistry and the increasing interest in aesthetic dental treatment.