Orthodontic Services Market Share, Size and Growth Analysis By 2029

The orthodontic services sector is anticipated to expand significantly, with projections indicating growth from US$ 4,331.05 million in 2021 to US$ 9,293.72 million by 2028. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% over the period from 2021 to 2028. The increasing incidence of dental issues worldwide, coupled with the rising prevalence of malocclusion, is a key driver of this market expansion. However, the high costs associated with orthodontic treatments pose a challenge to overall market growth.

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, positioning, and correcting misaligned teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, approximately 50% of the population in developed nations suffers from significant dental deformities that could benefit from orthodontic intervention. The scope of orthodontic services extends beyond mere braces; it encompasses various treatments essential for both oral and overall health. Surgical options are also available to expedite orthodontic treatment, particularly for individuals with conditions such as overbites, underbites, or jaw misalignments. Notably, even older adults in their 70s and 80s can gain from orthodontic services. These services include a range of procedures such as root canal therapy, pediatric dentistry, crowns and bridges, implants, dentures, veneers, tooth extractions, teeth whitening, and cosmetic dentistry. The integration of advanced technologies, including sophisticated dental imaging and robotics, is further propelling market growth. Additionally, the increasing number of dental laboratories in emerging markets outsourcing orthodontic appliances contributes to this expansion.

The demand for orthodontic services is on the rise due to the growing prevalence of dental problems, including crowded teeth, abnormalities, chipped teeth, and uneven spacing. These services are offered in various environments, such as hospitals and dental clinics. Fixed orthodontic appliances provide enhanced control over tooth movements, although they require specific maintenance and diligent oral hygiene to ensure their effectiveness. As reported by the American Dental Association (ADA), there were 10,658 orthodontists practicing in the United States in 2018, equating to approximately 3.27 orthodontists per 100,000 people. The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that around 3.5 billion people globally were affected by oral diseases in 2019, with malocclusion being a significant concern, ranking just behind caries and periodontal disease. In India, the prevalence of malocclusion ranges from 20% to 43%, indicating a substantial patient base seeking orthodontic treatment, thus driving market growth.

Despite the increasing demand, the high costs associated with orthodontic services are a significant barrier to market growth. While leading companies in the orthodontic services market have established a strong presence globally, penetrating local markets remains a challenge due to the lower prices of local products compared to international offerings. For instance, according to Oral-B, the cost of braces can vary widely, ranging from US$ 4,000 to US$ 7,500. Specifically, metal braces can cost between US$ 3,000 and US$ 7,000, ceramic braces range from US$ 4,000 to US$ 8,000, lingual braces are priced around US$ 8,000 to US$ 10,000, and Invisalign braces typically cost between US$ 4,000 and US$ 7,400. The overall cost is influenced by factors such as the type and brand of braces, regional cost of living, and the expertise of the dental professionals involved, all of which can hinder market growth.

The orthodontic services market is categorized based on type and end user. In terms of type, the market is divided into fixed and removable orthodontic appliances. The removable segment is projected to capture a larger share of the market from 2021 to 2028, driven by a growing preference for removable braces like aligners and retainers, which are perceived as less complex and easier to use. Removable orthodontic appliances offer several advantages, including comfort, hygiene, and the ability to remove them as needed. These appliances are suitable for both children and adults and are effective in treating various dental issues and malocclusions, such as overlapping teeth, deep bites, open bites, crossbites, and diastema. The rising incidence of dental malocclusion, advancements in dental technology, an increase in dental laboratories outsourcing orthodontic products in developing regions, and a growing number of dental care providers are all contributing to the demand for removable orthodontic appliances. Consequently, this segment is expected to maintain a significant market share throughout the forecast period.

Opportunities within the orthodontic services market are expanding, particularly with the advent of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies, which have gained traction in dentistry over the past 25 years. These technologies facilitate the production of transparent aligners, custom brackets, implant abutments, and full-mouth reconstruction products in dental settings. CAD and CAM technologies address three primary challenges: ensuring adequate strength restoration, maintaining a natural appearance alongside functional restorations, and simplifying the restoration process for efficiency and accuracy. In many cases, these technologies enable same-day restorations for patients. The use of high-strength materials, such as alumina and zirconia-based ceramics, in restorations is optimized through CAD/CAM systems, which enhance the longevity of dental work. As a result, the availability of CAD/CAM systems in the dental community has surged in recent years, driven by the demand for safe and aesthetically pleasing dental materials. Furthermore, new high-strength ceramic materials have been introduced for dental device manufacturing, leading to increased adoption of CAD and CAM technologies in the field.

In preparing this report on the orthodontic services market, various primary and secondary sources were consulted, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHP).