Market Overview
The North America intraoral scanners market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing adoption of digital dentistry and the demand for accurate and efficient dental restorations. Intraoral scanners are advanced imaging devices that capture highly precise digital impressions of a patient’s teeth and oral structures, replacing the traditional method of using impression materials and creating physical models.
These state-of-the-art scanners leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D imaging, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), to create highly detailed 3D models of a patient’s dentition. These digital models are then used for various dental applications, including the design and fabrication of crowns, bridges, implants, orthodontic aligners, and other restorative and cosmetic treatments.
Key Takeaways of the Market
- The North America intraoral scanners market is driven by the increasing demand for accurate and efficient digital dentistry solutions, the growing adoption of CAD/CAM technologies, and the advantages offered by intraoral scanners over traditional impression methods.
- The market is witnessing a shift towards open-architecture intraoral scanners, enabling seamless integration with various dental CAD/CAM systems and third-party software, enhancing workflow efficiency and treatment planning.
- The development of advanced intraoral scanning technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, is improving the accuracy and speed of digital impressions, leading to better treatment outcomes.
- The growing popularity of clear aligner therapy and the rise of direct-to-consumer clear aligner companies are driving the demand for intraoral scanners, enabling efficient and precise digital impressions for clear aligner fabrication.
- Key players in the market are focusing on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanding their product portfolios to cater to the growing demand for intraoral scanning solutions across various dental specialties.
Market Driver
The primary driver for the North America intraoral scanners market is the increasing demand for accurate and efficient digital dentistry solutions. Traditional impression methods using materials like alginate or polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) can be time-consuming, uncomfortable for patients, and prone to inaccuracies due to potential distortions or material handling issues.
Intraoral scanners address these limitations by providing a more efficient and accurate alternative for capturing digital impressions. They offer several advantages over traditional methods, including improved patient comfort, reduced chair time, and the ability to instantly visualize and modify digital impressions. These benefits have contributed to the widespread adoption of intraoral scanners among dental professionals.
Additionally, the growing adoption of CAD/CAM technologies in dentistry has fueled the demand for intraoral scanners. CAD/CAM systems rely on precise digital impressions to design and fabricate high-quality dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and implants. Intraoral scanners seamlessly integrate with these systems, enabling efficient digital workflows and streamlining the entire restorative process.
Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on patient satisfaction and the demand for minimally invasive dental procedures have driven the adoption of intraoral scanners. By eliminating the need for messy impression materials and reducing discomfort for patients, intraoral scanners enhance the overall patient experience, contributing to their growing popularity in dental practices.
Market Restraint
One of the primary restraints in the North America intraoral scanners market is the high initial investment required for these advanced imaging devices. Intraoral scanners are typically more expensive than traditional impression materials and equipment, which can be a significant barrier for smaller dental practices or those with limited financial resources.
Additionally, the ongoing costs associated with software updates, maintenance, and training for dental professionals can further contribute to the overall financial burden, potentially hindering the widespread adoption of intraoral scanners, particularly in more cost-sensitive markets or regions.
Another restraint is the learning curve and the need for specialized training required to effectively operate and integrate intraoral scanners into existing dental workflows. Dental professionals must undergo specialized training to become proficient in using these advanced imaging devices and interpreting the digital impressions accurately. The time and resources required for training can be a challenge for some dental practices, potentially slowing down the adoption of intraoral scanners.
Furthermore, the potential for technology obsolescence and the need for frequent software and hardware upgrades can pose a significant restraint. As new and improved intraoral scanning technologies emerge, dental practices may need to invest in upgrades or replacements to remain competitive and provide the latest digital dentistry solutions to their patients, adding to the overall cost burden.
Market Opportunity
The North America intraoral scanners market presents numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. One significant opportunity lies in the development of open-architecture intraoral scanners that can seamlessly integrate with various dental CAD/CAM systems and third-party software. This interoperability and flexibility can enhance workflow efficiency, reduce costs associated with proprietary systems, and enable dental professionals to leverage the best solutions from different vendors.
Another promising opportunity is the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, into intraoral scanning solutions. These technologies can improve the accuracy and speed of digital impressions, enhance automated feature detection and segmentation, and potentially enable real-time guidance and feedback during the scanning process, leading to better treatment outcomes and increased efficiency.
Furthermore, the growing popularity of clear aligner therapy and the rise of direct-to-consumer clear aligner companies present an opportunity for intraoral scanner manufacturers to cater to this rapidly growing market segment. Intraoral scanners play a crucial role in capturing precise digital impressions for clear aligner fabrication, enabling efficient and accurate treatment planning and delivery.
Additionally, the development of portable and mobile intraoral scanning solutions offers an opportunity for dental professionals to expand their services beyond traditional clinical settings. Mobile intraoral scanners can facilitate digital impressions in remote or off-site locations, enabling dental professionals to reach underserved populations or provide on-site services for patients with mobility challenges.
Market Segment Analysis
- Technology Segment: The North America intraoral scanners market can be segmented based on the underlying technology used in these imaging devices. Major technology segments include:
- Optical/Video Scanners: These intraoral scanners use optical or video cameras to capture digital impressions by projecting structured light patterns onto the teeth and oral structures. The reflected patterns are then processed to create highly detailed 3D models.
- Laser Scanners: Laser scanners employ laser technology to scan and capture digital impressions. They project a laser beam onto the teeth and use the reflected light to create accurate 3D models, often offering high precision and accuracy.
- End-User Segment: The intraoral scanners market can also be segmented based on the end-users or dental professionals utilizing these imaging devices. Major end-user segments include:
- Dental Clinics: General dental practices and multi-specialty clinics are a significant end-user segment for intraoral scanners, as they offer various restorative and cosmetic treatments that benefit from digital impressions and CAD/CAM workflows.
- Orthodontic Practices: Orthodontists are increasingly adopting intraoral scanners for capturing digital impressions for clear aligner therapy, as well as for treatment planning and monitoring purposes in orthodontic cases.
- Dental Laboratories: Dental laboratories play a crucial role in fabricating dental restorations and appliances based on digital impressions captured by intraoral scanners, enabling efficient and accurate production processes.
Regional Analysis
Within the North America region, the United States represents the largest and most advanced market for intraoral scanners. This can be attributed to several factors, including the well-established dental industry, the widespread adoption of digital dentistry solutions, and the presence of leading intraoral scanner manufacturers and dental technology companies.
The United States has a strong focus on advanced dental care and emerging technologies, driven by the growing demand for accurate and efficient restorative treatments, as well as the increasing emphasis on patient satisfaction and convenience. The availability of specialized dental practices, such as orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry clinics, further contributes to the adoption of intraoral scanners in the country.
Canada is another significant market for intraoral scanners in North America. The Canadian dental industry has embraced digital dentistry solutions, including intraoral scanners, to improve treatment outcomes and enhance patient experiences. The country’s emphasis on advanced dental care and the presence of leading dental technology providers have facilitated the growth of the intraoral scanners market.
Both the United States and Canada have well-established regulatory frameworks and guidelines for medical devices, including intraoral scanners, ensuring the safety and efficacy of these imaging solutions before their introduction into the respective markets.
Competitive Analysis
The North America intraoral scanners market is highly competitive, with the presence of several key players offering advanced imaging solutions. Major companies operating in this market include Align Technology, Danaher Corporation (Dentsply Sirona and Ormco), 3Shape, Medit, and Planmeca, among others.
Align Technology, the manufacturer of the popular Invisalign clear aligner system, offers the iTero intraoral scanner, which is widely used for capturing digital impressions in orthodontic and restorative dentistry. Danaher Corporation’s subsidiaries, Dentsply Sirona and Ormco, offer a range of intraoral scanners, including the CEREC Primescan and OraScanner, respectively.
3Shape, a leading provider of dental CAD/CAM solutions, offers the TRIOS intraoral scanner, known for its accuracy and ease of use. Medit, a rapidly growing company in the dental imaging market, provides the Medit line of intraoral scanners, which are gaining popularity for their affordability and open architecture.
Planmeca, a Finnish company specializing in dental and medical imaging equipment, offers the Planmeca Emerald and Planmeca Emerald S intraoral scanners, designed for comprehensive digital dentistry workflows.
Competition in the North America intraoral scanners market is driven by factors such as imaging accuracy, scanning speed, ease of use, integration with dental CAD/CAM systems, and the overall cost of ownership. Companies are continuously investing in research and development to introduce advanced intraoral scanning technologies, improve workflow efficiency, and enhance user experiences.
Strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and collaborations with dental technology companies and dental service organizations (DSOs) are common strategies employed by intraoral scanner manufacturers to expand their market reach and gain a competitive advantage.
Key Industry Developments
- Align Technology introduced the iTero Element 5D imaging system, a next-generation intraoral scanner with advanced visualization capabilities for comprehensive digital workflows.
- Danaher Corporation (Dentsply Sirona) launched the CEREC Primescan Connect, an open-architecture intraoral scanner enabling seamless integration with various dental CAD/CAM systems.
- 3Shape unveiled the TRIOS 5 intraoral scanner, featuring advanced AI capabilities for automated scanning and real-time guidance during the scanning process.
- Medit launched the Medit Link open platform, allowing seamless integration of Medit intraoral scanners with third-party dental CAD/CAM software and digital workflows.
- Planmeca introduced the Planmeca Emerald S, an ultra-compact intraoral scanner designed for efficient digital impressions in various dental specialties.
Future Outlook
The North America intraoral scanners market is poised for continued growth and innovation in the coming years, driven by the increasing adoption of digital dentistry solutions, the demand for accurate and efficient restorative treatments, and the integration of advanced technologies.
The development of open-architecture intraoral scanners that can seamlessly integrate with various dental CAD/CAM systems and third-party software is expected to gain momentum. This interoperability will enhance workflow efficiency, reduce costs associated with proprietary systems, and enable dental professionals to leverage the best solutions from different vendors.
Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms into intraoral scanning solutions will revolutionize the field. These advanced technologies will improve the accuracy and speed of digital impressions, enhance automated feature detection and segmentation, and potentially enable real-time guidance and feedback during the scanning process, leading to better treatment outcomes and increased efficiency.
The growing popularity of clear aligner therapy and the rise of direct-to-consumer clear aligner companies will continue to drive the demand for intraoral scanners. As these treatment modalities gain traction, the need for precise digital impressions and efficient treatment planning will fuel the adoption of advanced intraoral scanning solutions.
Additionally, the development of portable and mobile intraoral scanning solutions is expected to gain traction, enabling dental professionals to expand their services beyond traditional clinical settings. Mobile intraoral scanners will facilitate digital impressions in remote or off-site locations, reaching underserved populations or providing on-site services for patients with mobility challenges.
However, the market will also face challenges related to the high initial investment required for these advanced imaging devices, the need for specialized training and expertise, and the potential for technology obsolescence. Addressing these challenges through innovative financing models, streamlined training programs, and continuous product development and upgrades will be crucial for maintaining market growth and ensuring widespread adoption of intraoral scanners.
Overall, the North America intraoral scanners market is poised for significant growth and transformation, driven by technological advancements, the increasing demand for accurate and efficient digital dentistry solutions, and the integration of advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning algorithms.
Market Segmentation
- By Technology:
- Optical/Video Scanners
- Laser Scanners
- By End-User:
- Dental Clinics
- Orthodontic Practices
- Dental Laboratories
- By Application:
- Restorative Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Implantology
- By Acquisition Type:
- Purchase
- Rental
- By Region:
- United States
- Canada
