Report Overview
The U.S. dental splint market was valued at USD 130.4 million in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2022 to 2030. The increasing cases of clenching and grinding of teeth among people and the rising awareness about oral health are anticipated to drive the industry’s growth. Dental hygiene is a crucial part of personal hygiene. In the last few years, people have realized the significance of oral hygiene. They are becoming aware of various disorders and treatment options, such as Temporomandibular Joint function. This has given way to the growth of the market.
In 2021, the American Dental Association reported that more than 70% of surveyed clinicians and dentists observed a rise in teeth clenching and grinding among patients; more than 60% of dental professionals said they observed an increase in TMJ disorder symptoms in their patients.
Millions of individuals suffer from TMJ disorders, characterized by joint dysfunction and pain. TMJ Internal Derangement (ID) is the most prevalent disorder in this field, accounting for 41.1% of patients with TMJ disorder. The condition affects an estimated 10 million U.S. individuals, roughly between the ages of 20 years and 40 years, with these numbers growing further.
The COVID-19 pandemic considerably affected the entire healthcare system, including dental care practices. Dentists were unable to practice during the initial phase of the lockdown, which resulted in the biggest decline in revenue. In March 2020, CDC issued guidelines for dental settings in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
The dental splints market was impacted negatively in 2020 due to decreased number of procedures and disruption in the supply chain. However, in 2021, the market recovered and grew at a significant rate due to COVID-19-related stress disorder.
Mobility Degree Insights
Based on product, the rigid segment had the highest revenue share at 47.6% in 2021. This is attributed to the fact that a rigid splint is the most commonly used splint in the market as it reduces pain by ensuring no movement of the teeth. Rigid dental splints are easy availability in dental clinics that involve low material cost, and ease of modification.
The semi-rigid segment is anticipated to witness a sizable CAGR is anticipated during the forecast period. A semi-rigid splint is used to protect, support, and immobilize teeth that have been suffering from a dental issue. In a semi-rigid splint, the functional mobility of the traumatized tooth is comparable to a rigid splint. However, a semi-rigid splint is more favorable for the recovery of the periodontal ligament, which reduces the risk of ankyloses.
Distribution Channel Insights
Based on distribution channel, the offline segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 55.9% in 2021Most of the customers prefer to buy a product only after physically examining a product, which may reduce the number of product returns for various businesses. In the dental industry, dentists are involved in buying and selling dental products.
The online segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The manufacturers of dental splints are distributing their products online and via other retail outlets, such as pharmacies and supermarkets. Some dentists are selling these products online through their websites directly to patients. People tend to look to online stores for buying dental products due to numerous advantages, such as ease of buying, price comparison, and free home delivery. Hence, these factors are responsible for the growth of the segment over the forecast period.
Key Companies & Market Share Insights
The presence of numerous domestic and international players reflects the market's intense competition. With the different strategic actions by key competitors, including partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and collaboration by these players, the industry is expanding. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant losses to the market players. Some manufacturers still launched new products to compete in the market. For instance, it was observed that COVID-related stress led to increased cases of jaw clenching and grinding. Hence, a market player like Glidewell launched the Comfort3D Bite Splint to help in preventing teeth damage caused by clenching and bruxism.
The industry players are launching new products and technology to capture a huge share of the market. For instance, Sporting Smiles introduced 3D stored teeth impressions by which customers can keep their dental impressions on record for life, using digital technology and 3D scanning. Some prominent players in the U.S. dental splint market include:
Aqualizer
Glidewell
Procter & Gamble
Dentek
Brux Night Guard
Sporting Smiles
Smile Brilliant
Chomper Labs
Sentinel Mouth Guards