The intraoral scanners market is anticipated to grow significantly over the forecast period.
Intraoral scanners have revolutionized the field of dentistry by offering advanced technology for capturing detailed images of the oral cavity. These compact and user-friendly devices enable dentists to create precise digital impressions of patient's teeth and gums, eliminating the need for traditional messy impression materials. By swiftly capturing high-resolution images, intraoral scanners facilitate accurate treatment planning and the fabrication of customized dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and aligners. Moreover, these scanners enhance patient comfort and satisfaction by minimizing discomfort and reducing chairside time during dental procedures. As a result, intraoral scanners have become indispensable tools in modern dental practices, streamlining workflows and improving the overall patient experience.
The main driver behind the dental devices market growth is the widespread occurrence of dental caries, which is largely attributed to poor dietary habits and inadequate oral care practices in various populations worldwide. For instance, according to a survey conducted by the National Dental Epidemiology Program in 2022, the prevalence of enamel and dentinal decay among 5-year-old children in England was recorded at 29.3%. Regional variations were observed, ranging from 23.3% in the Southwest to 38.7% in Northwest England. Additionally, the introduction of intraoral scanners in dental practice has revolutionized the field by overcoming the limitations associated with traditional tooth impressions. These scanners enable dentists to instantly capture and manipulate data, thereby enhancing the efficiency of dental procedures. The integration of such advanced features is expected to drive the adoption of intraoral scanners across healthcare facilities, thereby fueling market growth.
The expanding elderly demographic is anticipated to drive market expansion, as older individuals are prone to developing dental issues due to age-related changes in saliva production, poor dietary habits, and gum recession leading to exposure to dental roots. For example, a World Economic Forum report from September 2023 revealed that over 10% of Japan's population will be aged 80 or older in 2023. Moreover, the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research projected that individuals aged 65 and above will comprise 34.8% of the total population by 2040. This demographic shift suggests a direct correlation between the aging population and an increase in dental problems such as tooth loss, thereby positively influencing market growth.
North America is poised for significant growth in the foreseeable future, driven by factors such as a growing elderly population susceptible to oral ailments, an increasing number of patients grappling with dental issues, and advanced healthcare infrastructure. The surge in tooth decay among the elderly demographic in the United States is expected to boost the demand for intraoral scanners for several reasons.
With the aging population expanding, there's a heightened likelihood of oral health problems like tooth decay and loss necessitating dental interventions. For instance, according to an April 2022 update by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 9 out of 10 adults aged 20 to 64 in the United States experienced tooth decay over the past two years. Similarly, data from the United Nations Population Fund for 2022 indicates that around 19% of Canada's population is aged 65 and above. Consequently, the growing aging population is anticipated to amplify the prevalence of dental diseases, thereby driving demand for intraoral scanners to detect and address these issues, consequently fueling market growth in the forecast period.