Dental Products & Materials

Summary

US demand to grow 6% annually through 2010

Demand for dental products in the US is forecast to rise 6.0 percent per year to nearly $18 billion in 2010, aided by several factors including favorable economic conditions and population trends, as well as a strong interest in cosmetic dentistry applications. Healthy growth in the over 50 population will provide opportunities, as older individuals are more likely to require repair and restorative dental products, such as crowns, bridges or dentures, than other segments of the population. In addition, aging baby boomers are more likely to engage in cosmetic procedures, such as whitening or veneers, in order to maintain a youthful appearance.

In general, consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of cosmetic dental procedures in part due to aggressive marketing. Cosmetic procedures are also becoming increasingly important to dental professionals as these treatments are highly profitable and allow practitioners to avoid interaction with insurance companies, since cosmetic procedures are typically excluded from coverage. The continued introduction of advanced over-the-counter dental products will also provide opportunities through the forecast period.

Cosmetic dental products, implants to pace pro market

In 2005, professional dental products accounted for 79 percent of total dental product demand. The professional dentistry industry continues to evolve from a focus on repair (or "drill and fill") procedures to a focus on aesthetics, due in part to the falling incidence of tooth decay as well as greater profit opportunities. As a result, cosmetic dental products such as ceramic fillings, clear or tooth colored orthodontic appliances, veneers and whitening gels will achieve above-average gains. Implants will also achieve strong growth, not only for aesthetic purposes, but also due to their use as an alternative permanent securing method for crowns, bridges and dentures.

Product innovation, improvement key to value gains in consumer segment

Growth in the smaller consumer market for dental products will continue to be below average due to market maturity, although there will be pockets of healthy growth opportunities. In general, new product development is critical to gains in value demand. For example, toothpaste demand grew in the mid-1990s, spurred by the introduction of tartar control toothpaste, and more recently tooth whitening formulations have provided growth momentum. Suppliers of both toothpaste and mouthwash will continue to provide innovative or improved products, such as those with whitening agents, natural ingredient formulations, antimicrobial additives, odor fighting action and intense and more varied flavor offerings. The continued introduction of advanced over-the-counter whitening products, including strips, gels/liquids and gums, will also provide gains in the aggregate.

Study coverage

The study Presents historical US demand data (1995, 2000, 2005) and forecasts to 2010 and 2015 by dental product, raw material and market. The study also considers macroeconomic and regulatory issues, reviews competitive strategies and acquisition activity, evaluates company market share, and profiles leading suppliers including Church & Dwight, Colgate- Palmolive, DENTSPLY, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble and Sentage.

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