Growth Coming in World Market for Dental Implants

The world market for dental implants and prosthetics is expected to grow by 7.3 percent annually over the next five years, according to a September 2016 report cited in researchandmarkets.com. Analysts attribute the growth to higher rates of cavities and an over-65 population expected to increase from 524 million in 2010 to 1.5 billion by 2050. At the same time, senior citizens will be more aware of the benefits of dental care and have more disposable income, especially in developing countries.
Premium implants, made with durable, high-quality materials, will garner the largest share in the implant market, chiefly in high-income countries like Canada, Germany, the U.S., and Japan. However, low-cost (discounted) implants will be the largest segment of the market. Root-form implants will be in demand because of their durability and high patient satisfaction. An implant is preferable to a dental bridge because bridges are associated with a greater risk of tooth loss.

About two out of three people over the age of 65 have no teeth. Every year, about 15 percent of toothless people in the U.S. purchase dentures, creating a high demand for the services of a denturist. Globally, significant growth will be driven by older people’s desire to look and live better. Many patients may be “dental tourists,” going outside their home countries because it has no denturist or seeking countries where dental services are less expensive.
Advances in dental technologies such as computer-aided design and manufacturing are expected to improve the appearance and comfort of implants and dentures. Denturists will also make increasing use of dental biomaterials (materials that can bond with the body). Market growth may be held back by the high cost of implants and low insurance reimbursement rates, and demands on manufacturers and suppliers to control costs.