PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1628500
PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1628500
The dental lab market is being driven upwards by technological advancements in digital dentistry and 3D printing, which are increasing production efficiency and enabling more precise and customized dental products. According to analysts, the dental lab market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 62.11 Billion by 2031, up from USD 40.24 Billion in 2024.
The rapid expansion of the dental lab market is primarily driven by the rising global demand for cosmetic dentistry, an aging population requiring more dental prosthetics, and increasing dental health awareness. These factors are enabling the market to grow at a projected CAGR of 6.15% from 2024 to 2031.
Dental Lab Market: Definition/Overview
Dental lab encompasses the manufacturing and distribution of various dental products and equipment used in the fabrication of dental prosthetics, implants, and orthodontic devices. Dental laboratories are specialized facilities where dental technicians work to create custom-made dental products based on dentists' prescriptions.
These products include crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, and orthodontic appliances. The market also includes the equipment and materials used in the production process, such as CAD/CAM systems, 3D printers, furnaces, and various dental materials like metals, ceramics, and plastics.
The rising aging population is a key driver of the dental lab market, as older individuals often require dental prosthetics such as dentures and crowns. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population of individuals aged 60 and older is expected to double by 2050, reaching 2.1 billion. This demographic shift is driving the demand for dental prosthetics, fueling the growth of dental laboratories worldwide.
The rapid adoption of digital dentistry technologies, such as computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), is revolutionizing the dental lab market. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), over 34% of U.S. dentists are using CAD/CAM systems as of 2022, which enable faster, more precise fabrication of dental restorations. The integration of such technologies is boosting the efficiency and capabilities of dental labs, leading to market growth.
Furthermore, the global rise in dental conditions such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, and edentulism is driving demand for dental restoration solutions, thus expanding the dental lab market. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide, with untreated dental caries being the most common condition. The growing need for restorative dental treatments is pushing the demand for services provided by dental laboratories.
The high price of dental supplies and equipment is one of the main obstacles. Many dental laboratories cannot afford the advanced technologies and high-quality materials required to produce dental restorations. This cost burden restricts their ability to invest in cutting-edge equipment and technologies, reducing their competitiveness and capacity to provide high-quality services, particularly for smaller labs with limited resources.
Furthermore, the dental lab market is facing a trained technician shortage, which presents a substantial difficulty. As technology evolves, there is a greater demand for specialists who understand digital workflows, CAD/CAM systems, and 3D printing. However, the current workforce lacks the requisite knowledge and skills to operate these modern devices efficiently. This skills gap resulted in inefficiencies, decreased productivity, and poor dental repair quality, all of which had an influence on patient satisfaction.
The dental prosthetics segment is estimated to dominate the market in the product category during the forecast period. The growing elderly population worldwide is a significant driver, as older individuals are more likely to require dental prosthetics such as dentures and bridges. The increased life expectancy and desire to maintain quality of life in later years are contributing to sustained demand for these products.
Advancements in dental materials and manufacturing techniques are also fueling growth in this segment. New materials that offer improved aesthetics, durability, and biocompatibility are making dental prosthetics more appealing to patients. For instance, the development of high-strength ceramics and zirconia has enabled the creation of more natural-looking and longer-lasting dental restorations.
Moreover, the rising prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases is contributing to the demand for dental prosthetics. Poor oral hygiene habits, dietary factors, and lifestyle choices are leading to tooth loss in many populations, necessitating prosthetic replacements. Additionally, increasing awareness of the importance of oral health and aesthetics is driving more people to seek prosthetic solutions for missing or damaged teeth.
The CAD/CAM systems segment is projected to experience significant growth within the dental lab equipment market during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of digital dentistry workflows is a primary driver, as CAD/CAM systems are central to these processes. These systems allow for the digital design and fabrication of dental restorations, offering precision, efficiency, and consistency that is difficult to achieve with traditional methods.
The ability of CAD/CAM systems to produce high-quality restorations quickly is a major factor in their growing popularity. These systems significantly reduce the time required to produce crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics, allowing dental labs to increase their productivity and meet growing demand. The improved accuracy of CAD/CAM-produced restorations is also contributing to their adoption, as it results in better-fitting prosthetics and higher patient satisfaction.
Furthermore, the integration of CAD/CAM systems with other digital technologies, such as intraoral scanners and 3D printers, is creating more streamlined and efficient workflows in dental labs. This integration is not only improving the quality of dental products but also enabling more personalized treatment planning and execution. As these technologies continue to evolve and become more accessible, their adoption in dental labs is expected to accelerate, further driving market growth in this segment.
North America is estimated to dominate the dental lab market during the forecast period. North America, particularly the U.S., has a well-established healthcare system with a high concentration of dental clinics and laboratories. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there are over 200,000 active dentists in the U.S. as of 2021. This robust infrastructure supports a thriving dental lab industry, facilitating innovation, adoption of advanced technologies, and greater access to dental care.
North America leads in the adoption of digital dentistry technologies like CAD/CAM systems, 3D printing, and intraoral scanners. A report indicates that the U.S. digital dentistry market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% from 2021 to 2028, driven by the widespread use of CAD/CAM systems in dental practices. This technological edge gives the region a competitive advantage in producing high-quality dental restorations more efficiently.
Furthermore, the growing incidence of dental conditions, such as tooth decay and periodontal disease, is driving demand for dental restorations and, consequently, dental lab services. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 26% of U.S. adults have untreated dental caries and over 46% show signs of gum disease. This high disease burden increases the need for dental prosthetics and lab-manufactured products, further solidifying North America's position in the market.
The Asia Pacific region is projected to exhibit the highest growth within the dental lab market during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is becoming a popular destination for dental tourism due to lower costs and high-quality services, particularly in countries like India, Thailand, and Malaysia. According to Verified Market Research, the dental tourism market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.9% from 2021 to 2030. This surge in dental tourism is driving demand for dental lab services as international patients seek affordable dental care, boosting the market's growth.
As economies in the Asia-Pacific region grow, there is a rise in disposable income and healthcare expenditures, enabling more people to afford advanced dental treatments. According to the World Bank, healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP in China increased from 4.6% in 2000 to 5.35% in 2020. This increase in healthcare spending drives the demand for dental prosthetics, orthodontic devices, and other products manufactured by dental labs.
Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of dental conditions such as caries and periodontal diseases is another significant driver in the Asia-Pacific dental lab market. According to a Report, East Asia had the highest burden of untreated dental caries globally in 2019, affecting nearly 500 million people. This high disease burden creates substantial demand for restorative dental treatments, thus expanding the market for dental laboratories.
The dental lab market's competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large, established players and smaller, specialized labs. The market is seeing increased consolidation as larger companies acquire smaller labs to expand their service offerings and geographical reach.
Some of the prominent players operating in the dental lab market include:
Dentsply Sirona Inc.
Planmeca Oy
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
Straumann Group
GC Corporation
Ivoclar Vivadent AG
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
BEGO GmbH & Co. KG
Shofu Inc.
In March 2023, Dentsply Sirona announced the launch of its new Primeprint Solution, a medical-grade 3D printing system for dental applications. This system is designed to streamline the production of dental models, surgical guides, and temporary restorations.
In January 2023, Straumann Group acquired a majority stake in Nibec, a South Korean biomaterials company. This acquisition is aimed at strengthening Straumann's position in the dental biomaterials market and expanding its presence in the Asia Pacific region