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The Cosmetic Dentistry Market Is Booming, Thanks to Technology and Technique

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Aug 5 143570

According to the July report “Cosmetic Dentistry Market Size, Share, Trends, By Product Type, By Patient Type, By End-Use, and By Region Forecast to 2028,” cosmetic dentistry is booming. Analysts expect the global market value to exceed $35 billion by 2028. There are several factors influencing the growth: rising incomes of middle-class populations, increasing consumer knowledge about cosmetic dentistry, and a stronger focus on wellness and quality of life improvements since the pandemic. However, it’s the advances in technology, materials, and techniques that have propelled the evolution and expansion of the market. As with many other industries, dentistry is reaping the benefits of modernization and innovation in an increasingly tech-savvy society.

New Remedies for Old Pains

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 2 billion people across the globe have cavities, which represents one of the most common dental diseases. People want to improve their smiles and repair damage, but many have long considered dental procedures to be invasive, painful, and frightening. A study conducted by ​​market research platform DentaVox, which polled 18,000 people worldwide, found that 61% of respondents claimed to suffer from dentophobia (dental fear), with 4% admitting to having never seen a dentist. The smells of chemicals, equipment such as drills and scalers, and injections often top the list of anxiety inducing aspects of treatment for patients. Whether the procedure involves teeth whitening, orthodontics, or implants, new technologies and practices are paving the way for effective and minimally invasive treatment options that have fueled the momentum for the flourishing cosmetic dentistry market.

“For instance,” Business Wire reported recently, “in June 2019, Zumosun Healthcare launched its new product Zumosun Smile, which is an advanced teeth whitening system that uses LED light technology. This product offers various benefits such as pain-free treatment, immediate results, and cost-effectiveness. Such products are expected to fuel the growth of this market in the coming years.” The use of lasers is also being explored to increase the comfort, speed, and effectiveness of cosmetic procedures while substantially mitigating the more invasive processes associated with traditional instruments. These tools, however, are just part of the burgeoning array of advances taking shape in the industry.

New Materials

The industry has witnessed a transformation from conventional materials to new technologically advanced materials such as dental cements, bonding agents, and others. The widening use of these advanced materials to design dental restorations has resulted in more natural looking teeth. Omnichroma is a great example of modern dental filling materials that match every tooth shade.

Artificial Intelligence, Robots, and Implants

As we discussed in a July article, artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming a mainstay in the evolution of dentistry, enhancing countless processes including prevention and maintenance, caries detection, periodontics, dental implants, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral cancer screening, endodontics, prosthetics, and more. Specific to cosmetic dentistry, AI is having a profound impact on implants.

Different AI models have been successful in recognizing implant types by scrutinizing images and x-rays. They have also demonstrated high reliability in determining implant prognosis, implant design, and identifying fractured implants. “The overall accuracy for AI models applied for implant type recognition ranges from 93.8% to 98% for prediction of osteointegration,” the ADA wrote.

Dr. Lindzy Goodman of the Blende Dental Group said that oral surgeons are already using robotic devices such as Yomi by Neocis to place implants. This type of robot-assisted surgery, augmented by AI-driven improvements, has already received FDA 510(k) clearance for use in patient procedures.

3D Printing

Eventually, 3D printers will be able to further enhance treatment outcomes. Using dedicated materials, labs and practices can produce orthodontic models, highly accurate crown and bridge models, surgical guides, castable or pressable restorations, aligners, retainers, long-term biocompatible dental products like splints or dentures, and more. At some point, the entire wax-up to production process could take place right in the office within a matter of hours or minutes, rather than weeks or days.

Orthodontics

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), around 4.5 million patients in the United States are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. That’s 3.9 million children and one-in-four adults. One of the reasons for this increase comes from the latest developments in orthodontic materials and techniques.

“Ceramic braces, which are made of clear or tooth-colored materials, are becoming increasingly popular due to their aesthetic appeal,” Business Wire noted. “Invisalign is another popular treatment option within cosmetic dentistry that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. According to the AAO, the number of Invisalign patients has increased significantly in recent years, reaching almost 700,000 in 2017.”

Lingual braces represent another option. They adhere behind the teeth to remain hidden from view. Patients see many benefits from the less invasive, less visible structure of traditional braces, as we explained in a May article.

Key Takeaway from the Cosmetic Dentistry Report

The cosmetic dentistry forecast included some key findings that could shape market trends between now and 2028. From the report:

  • By product type, dental implants segment accounted for significant revenue share in 2020. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are an ideal option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, or any other reason. Moreover, these implants improve the appearance of your smile and also boost your confidence and self-esteem. They also provide a natural feel and appearance as compared to other options, which is expected to drive the segment growth.
  • The Porcelain veneers segment among product types is projected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of ceramic that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of your smile and are an effective treatment option for chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth. They can also be used to close small gaps between your teeth.
  • The growing demand for minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures is expected to fuel market growth during the forecast period. Minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry is a type of procedure that uses the least amount of intervention to achieve the desired results. It is a popular choice among patients as it requires less time, is less painful, and has a shorter recovery period as compared to traditional cosmetic dentistry procedures.
  • The North America market is projected to grow at a significant CAGR (compound annual growth rate) during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the rising awareness about dental aesthetics and the growing demand for minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures in the region. The presence of major players in the region is also expected to contribute to market growth.

New Tech, New Smile

It’s often said that every company is a tech company these days. Those involved in healthcare, whether medical or dental, have long served as pioneers in the advancements of technology to promote better health and wellness. In this digital era, the innovations may have changed in nature, but the outcomes they promise continue to ensure an ongoing commitment to brighter smiles, healthier teeth, and improved quality of life for all patients.

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