According to the latest market study released by Technavio, the invisible orthodontics market in China is expected to grow at a CAGR of close to 16 per cent during the forecast period.
This research report titled ‘Invisible Orthodontics Market in China 2016-2020’ provides an in-depth analysis of the market in terms of revenue and emerging market trends. This market research report also includes up-to-date analysis and forecasts for various market segments and all geographical regions.
In 2014, the potential market for invisible orthodontic devices in China was about USD 66 million. This is because these devices are still gaining traction, with about 15,500 new individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment every year. In 2015, the market in China was worth USD 28 million, which is over 33 per cent of its potential. This statistic presents significant opportunities for other dental companies to penetrate the market.
Dental laboratories such as Beijing Dental Laboratory and Royal Dental Laboratory in China offer services to their outsourcing partners as a part of their new strategy. These laboratories have received ISO certification and US FDA approval for their products and services. This strategy helps attract investors from the US such as orthodontic device manufacturing companies and clinics that request for customised invisible orthodontic device. This strategy also allows manufacturers to obtain products at lower prices and the laboratories receive a share of the profits for their services. This also helps laboratories supply bulk orders of orthodontic devices.
Based on product type, the report categorises the invisible orthodontics market in China into the following segments:
- Clear aligners
- Ceramic braces
- Lingual braces
Invisible orthodontics market in China by product 2015 (%)
Clear aligners 80%
Ceramic braces 12%
Lingual braces 8%
Invisible orthodontics market in China for clear aligners
Clear braces (aligners) without wires help treat malocclusions or misalignment of the teeth. Orthodontists can also recommend the use of metal braces and ceramic or plastic bonds for treating malocclusions.
“Clear braces are invisible, transparent and removable aligners that can be custom fit. These offer an irritation-free treatment with minimal adjustment discomfort, increasing their popularity more than traditional metal braces. Clears aligners are easy to remove and can be taken out while brushing. They are comfortable to use and are less likely to irritate the gums and cheeks,” says Srinivas Sashidhar, a lead analyst at Technavio for medical devices research.
Manufacturers use 3D, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and microsensor technologies to develop and design clear aligners. 3D systems provide digital image or scan of the mouth. Manufacturers use CAD/CAM technology to design and develop customised clear aligners. For instance, Henghui Technologies, a clear aligner manufacturer in China, develops and offers iROK Clear Aligner therapy product.
Invisible orthodontics market in China for ceramic braces
Ceramic braces have higher strength resistance to wear and deformation and have a superior aesthetic appearance. These are of two types: monocrystalline and polycrystalline alumina. The major difference between them is their optical clarity. Polycrystalline alumina ceramic braces provide toughness, while monocrystalline alumina ceramic braces are more transparent and clearer. Ceramic braces are popular among adults due to their limited visibility and their sales are likely to increase at a moderate pace during the forecast period.
“The demand for aesthetic appearance has increased the adoption of ceramic braces, though the sales is less compared with ceramic braces. This has led many vendors to use advanced technologies to develop innovative products,” says Srinivas.
Invisible orthodontics market in China for lingual braces
Lingual orthodontics are customised braces, with CAD/CAM technologies being used for prototyping the impression of the teeth. These braces are designed by using intraoral digital scanners. Robotic technology is used to automate the process with computerised precision. Most dental laboratories use Incognito technology for rapid fabrication.
The sales of lingual braces will increase steadily during the forecast period due to their ability to treat malocclusion using biomechanics. Digital orthodontics such as intraoral scanner is helpful in understanding the dental structure. In addition, the advances in CAD/CAM technology to create 3D prototype are leveraging dentists to adopt designed brackets with better protection and structure.
The top vendors highlighted by Technavio’s healthcare and life sciences research analysts in this report are:
- 3M
- Align Technology
- Angel Align
- ClearCorrect
- Ormco
- TC Medical