Who is the biggest name in the aligner business in 2022?

The growth of the clear aligner industry has been staggering. The global clear aligners market size was estimated to be at USD 2.4 billion in 2020 whereas, in 2022, it was valued at a whopping USD 4.1 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.08% from 2023 to 2030. As can be witnessed from these promising figures, the market for clear aligners is not showing any signs of slowing down.

Clear aligners and their role in today’s fast-paced environment

The prevalence of malocclusion is surging at a significant rate. It is estimated that 60% to 75% of the global population suffers from malocclusion with 40% of children in North America falling victim to malalignment. Additionally, a survey reported that more than three out of five teenagers had severe tooth displacement.

Decades ago, the only options that were presented to correct malocclusion were some form of fixed appliance like braces. Experts were truly at their wit’s end trying to forge a formula that could help quickly rid patients of their malaligned teeth while at the same time being aesthetically friendly. Therefore, the advent of clear aligners by Align Technology Inc. in 1999 played a crucial role in the battle against malocclusion.

Clear aligners refer to tight-fitted custom-made mouthpieces that are used to correct misaligned or crooked teeth. Fabricated to be virtually discrete and almost entirely invisible, these advanced orthodontic systems are designed around patients’ convenience and flexibility. The pandemic had a positive impact on the global aligner market. Key players were able to recover high revenues in 2020 as compared to previous years, for instance, Align Technology sold a record 1.6 million cases of clear aligners in 2020  as compared to 1.5 million in 2019.

With increased public awareness and advertisements, developed countries are now seeing huge growth in adults seeking orthodontic treatment. In fact, around 75% of the orthodontists said that they had seen an increase in adult patients opting for clear aligners treatment in a survey conducted by the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) among their members. Adults accounted for more than 30% of orthodontic patients in North America following the pandemic.

Which is the leading aligner brand in 2022?

A drastically increased number of people are now head over heels in adoration of clear aligners and as expected, key players have been paying close attention to these demands and keeping pace with their rivals. And that’s the thing about orthodontics, isn’t it? The axiom for “good enough” is consistently diversifying and stifling new possibilities for better efficiencies in the industry. The truth is that “good enough” just won’t cut it anymore.

Researchers and patients alike are always on the hunt for the next big thing in orthodontic culture and clear aligners have not been able to dodge this practice. As per the Global Clear Aligner Brands’ Market Report, the market size is growing at a moderate pace with substantial growth rates over the last few years. Numerous aligner brands have made their debut in the market, competing with dozens of other brands including veterans.

However, the question remains – which aligner brand is leading 2022’s aligner market?

Align Technology:

A US-based orthodontics company, Align Technology was the pioneer of clear aligner manufacturing and popularity. It was incorporated by Zia Chisti and Kelsey Wirth in 1997 and the Invisalign® aligner system was launched in 1999. It has been in the market for decades and is still considered one of the leading, if not, the leading brand of clear aligners still dominating the charts in 2022.

Align Technology Switzerland GmbH is a renowned subsidiary of the firm and manufactures medical equipment, Invisalign, intraoral scanning, and clear aligners. It is a company that is well-known for its dedication to transforming lives by creating a smile that patients love. It is still considered among the best clear aligner brands.

Other brands like ClearCorrect, Dentsply Sirona, Clarus, and AlignerCo have also been making their mark in the industry.