The U.S. clear aligners market size was estimated at USD 3.90 billion in 2023 and is expected to surpass around USD 56.73 billion by 2033 and poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.7% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.
Key Takeaways:
Adults dominated the market with a revenue share of 60.9% in 2023.
The teens segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR over the forecast period.
The standalone practices segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 52.19% in 2023.
The group practices segment is projected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period.
The orthodontists segment held the largest market share of 67.16% in 2023
The general dentists (GD) segment is anticipated to grow at a prominent growth rate over the forecast period.
The medium treatments (treatment > 6-12month/ 20-40 sets of aligner) segment held the largest market share of 49.14% in 2023.
The small little beauty alignments segment is projected to depict a remarkable growth rate over the forecast period.
The polyurethane segment held the largest market share of 77.12% in 2023.
The others segment is projected to witness significant growth rate over the forecast period.
The offline segment held the highest market share of 74.9% in 2023.
Market Overview
The U.S. clear aligners market has grown rapidly over the last decade, transforming orthodontic care by offering patients a discreet, comfortable, and convenient alternative to traditional braces. This growth is fueled by technological advancements, rising awareness of oral aesthetics, and an increasing adult population seeking orthodontic solutions. Clear aligners, often associated with the brand Invisalign, have moved beyond niche status to become a mainstream dental solution.
These aligners are custom-made transparent trays that gradually shift teeth into desired alignment. Unlike traditional braces, they are removable, nearly invisible, and often more comfortable—making them especially popular among professionals, celebrities, and image-conscious teenagers. The market also benefits from the rising preference for minimally invasive cosmetic treatments in the U.S., a country with a well-developed dental care infrastructure and a consumer base highly attuned to aesthetics.
Technological innovations such as 3D printing, AI-driven treatment planning, intraoral scanning, and teledentistry platforms are driving adoption. Moreover, direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands have democratized access by offering home-based treatment options at a lower cost, prompting increased competition and new business models.
Major Trends in the Market
Rise of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Models: Companies like SmileDirectClub have disrupted the traditional clinical model by enabling remote consultations and aligner delivery.
Integration of AI and 3D Scanning: AI-driven treatment plans, combined with digital scanning, are improving customization and treatment accuracy.
Surge in Adult Orthodontics: An increasing number of adults are opting for aligners due to improved affordability and social acceptability.
Eco-Friendly Materials and Sustainable Packaging: Patients are gravitating toward brands offering biodegradable aligners and recyclable packaging.
Subscription-Based Pricing and Financing Models: Monthly payment plans are making orthodontic treatment more financially accessible.
Combination Therapy and Hybrid Care: Orthodontists are combining aligners with other appliances like elastics or retainers for more complex cases.
Partnerships with Dental Chains: Large dental service organizations (DSOs) are partnering with aligner manufacturers to offer in-office aligner treatments.
U.S. Clear Aligners Market Report Scope
Report Attribute
Details
Market Size in 2024
USD 5.10 Billion
Market Size by 2033 USD
56.73 Billion
Growth Rate From 2024 to 2033
CAGR of 30.7%
Base Year
2023
Forecast Period
2024 to 2033
Segments Covered
Age, end-use, dentist type, duration, material, distribution channel
Market Analysis (Terms Used)
Value (US$ Million/Billion) or (Volume/Units)
Report Coverage
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends
Key Companies Profiled
Dentsply Sirona; Ormco Corporation (Envista); Henry Schein, Inc.; SmileDirectClub; Align Technology, Inc.; Argen Corporation; TP Orthodontics, Inc.; 3M
Key Market Driver: Growing Demand for Aesthetic and Non-Invasive Orthodontics
A major driver of the U.S. clear aligners market is the growing consumer demand for aesthetic, non-invasive orthodontic solutions. Traditional metal braces, while effective, are associated with discomfort, food restrictions, and noticeable appearance. Clear aligners, in contrast, offer a near-invisible option that allows patients to maintain their normal eating habits and oral hygiene routines.
In the U.S., where image, self-confidence, and personal branding are highly valued particularly among millennials and working professionals the appeal of a discreet dental solution is strong. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, adult orthodontic patients now represent more than30% of all orthodontic cases. Aligners meet the dual need for aesthetic discretion and functional correction, contributing to their mass adoption.
Additionally, the rise of social media has heightened awareness and normalized adult orthodontics, creating a receptive market for innovations in aligner technology and service delivery.
Key Market Restraint: High Cost and Limited Insurance Coverage
One of the principal restraints is the high out-of-pocket cost of clear aligners, which can range from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on case complexity and provider. While insurance plans occasionally cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, the percentage is often lower than for traditional metal braces, and many plans exclude adult orthodontics altogether.
Although financing options and subscription models have improved affordability, cost remains a barrier for a substantial portion of the U.S. population. Direct-to-consumer models have attempted to close the affordability gap, but they are often limited in their ability to treat complex cases, and concerns about treatment outcomes persist due to minimal in-person supervision.
Until insurance policies evolve to offer broader coverage for adult cosmetic procedures or aligner therapy is classified as medically necessary in more cases, cost will continue to hinder wider market penetration.
Key Market Opportunity: Digital Orthodontics and Remote Treatment Platforms
A significant opportunity lies in the integration of digital workflows and tele-orthodontics. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote consultations and virtual treatment monitoring, allowing companies to reach underserved populations and reduce the burden on in-office visits.
Startups and established players alike are developing apps and platforms that allow patients to upload progress images, receive automated feedback, and communicate with orthodontists from home. This trend has extended orthodontic treatment to people in rural areas, busy professionals, and younger demographics comfortable with app-based services.
Moreover, the ability to use AI to forecast treatment timelines, predict tooth movement, and generate patient-specific aligners offers scope for further customization and precision resulting in better treatment adherence and satisfaction.
Segments Insights
By Age
Adults dominate the market for clear aligners in the U.S., accounting for a large portion of total users. Adults are more financially independent and often more motivated to seek discreet orthodontic options for aesthetic reasons. Many adults had braces as children and are now returning for retreatment due to relapsed alignment. Additionally, adults appreciate the minimal lifestyle disruption that aligners offer, such as the ability to remove trays for business meetings or social events.
Teens are the fastest-growing segment, fueled by increased awareness and parental support. Newer products like Invisalign Teen are tailored for adolescent needs, including eruption tabs for growing teeth and compliance indicators. Teen acceptance of aligners has increased thanks to their comfort, reduced peer stigma, and shorter treatment durations. Furthermore, marketing campaigns targeting parents emphasize fewer emergency appointments compared to traditional braces, making aligners appealing for both clinical and logistical reasons.
By End-use
Stand-alone dental practices dominate the end-use segment, particularly due to their personalized care and long-standing relationships with patients. These practices often cater to adult patients seeking customized orthodontic care and are equipped with advanced intraoral scanners and 3D printers for in-house aligner fabrication. Dentists and orthodontists working in private offices are usually early adopters of cutting-edge dental technology, giving them a competitive advantage in aligner delivery.
Group practices are the fastest-growing, as dental service organizations (DSOs) consolidate operations and invest in digital transformation. These practices benefit from shared infrastructure, economies of scale, and strategic partnerships with aligner companies. They are better positioned to offer consistent care quality and competitive pricing, and they have the capital to invest in staff training and digital platforms to support large-scale aligner programs.
By Dentist Type
Orthodontists dominate this segment, primarily due to their specialization in complex malocclusion and bite correction. Orthodontists use clear aligners not just for cosmetic fixes, but for full treatment of Class I and Class II malocclusions. They are also most likely to use aligners in combination with other tools such as elastics, attachments, or accelerators to enhance outcomes. The trust and clinical accuracy associated with orthodontic care continue to draw a substantial portion of the clear aligner patient base.
General dentists are gaining ground rapidly, especially as aligner companies provide training, certification, and turnkey treatment plans. Aligner brands have democratized access by allowing general practitioners to offer these services, especially in cosmetic dentistry clinics. With patient expectations for convenience and aesthetics increasing, general dentists are leveraging aligners as a value-added service, often bundling them with whitening or cleaning procedures.
By Duration
Comprehensive treatments dominate the market, particularly in cases requiring full-mouth orthodontic correction. These treatments typically last over 12 months and involve over 40 sets of aligners, making them more expensive but highly effective. Patients with significant spacing, overbite, underbite, or crowding opt for comprehensive solutions prescribed and monitored by specialists.
Small, aesthetic alignments are growing fastest, particularly among adults seeking minor corrections for rotated or slightly misaligned teeth. This category is appealing due to its short duration (often under six months) and affordability. It has become the sweet spot for direct-to-consumer brands like Byte and Candid, which market themselves as affordable, quick-fix alternatives to traditional orthodontic care.
By Material Type
Polyurethane remains the most dominant material, owing to its flexibility, clarity, and resilience. It offers comfort and conforms easily to the teeth while providing sufficient force to move them gradually. Major players have refined their proprietary blends of polyurethane to optimize aesthetics and performance, giving it widespread use in premium products.
Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) is gaining traction, especially in mass-manufactured, lower-cost aligners. It is affordable, recyclable, and widely used by DTC brands for standard aligners. As consumer interest grows in sustainability and cost-efficiency, PETG's popularity may increase further, especially if paired with eco-friendly messaging.
By Distribution
Offline channels dominate, particularly through dental offices, clinics, and orthodontist practices. These settings offer personalized care, professional oversight, and real-time adjustments, which are crucial for complex orthodontic cases. Patients often prefer offline interaction for diagnosis, scanning, and aligner fittings.
Online distribution is the fastest-growing segment, led by DTC models that use at-home impression kits and virtual monitoring. Companies are increasingly integrating remote consultations, mobile tracking apps, and digital treatment plans, appealing to tech-savvy, time-conscious consumers. Post-pandemic behavior shifts have made online ordering and home-based treatments more acceptable, opening the door to hybrid and subscription-based sales models.
Country-Level Analysis
In the United States, clear aligners have become a hallmark of cosmetic dental care. The U.S. is the largest global market for clear aligners, owing to a confluence of high consumer awareness, disposable income, access to private insurance, and a vast network of dental and orthodontic professionals.
States like California, New York, Texas, and Florida represent the highest concentration of clear aligner procedures due to their urban populations and a strong prevalence of cosmetic dental procedures. Additionally, regulatory shifts, such as easing teledentistry laws and expanding Medicaid coverage for orthodontics in some states, are expected to further fuel the market.
Insurance providers have begun offering partial reimbursements for aligner treatments, while health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are increasingly used to finance aligners. This financial flexibility supports greater adoption, particularly among young adults and working professionals.
Recent Developments
April 2025 – Align Technology (Invisalign) announced a new AI-powered treatment platform allowing orthodontists to simulate tooth movement in real-time for patient consultations.
March 2025 – Byte launched its latest aligner series made from biodegradable PETG material, targeting eco-conscious consumers.
February 2025 – SmileDirectClub introduced a new subscription-based model offering ongoing aligner replacements and whitening for long-term users.
January 2025 – Candid entered into a partnership with a national DSO to expand its in-office hybrid clear aligner offerings across 20 U.S. states.
December 2024 – OrthoFX rolled out its AR-powered try-on app, allowing patients to visualize smile transformations before starting treatment.
Key U.S. Clear Aligners Company Insights
The following are the leading companies in the U.S. clear aligners market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends. Financials, strategy maps & products of these U.S. clear aligners companies are analyzed to map the supply network.
Dentsply Sirona
Ormco Corporation (Envista)
Henry Schein, Inc.
SmileDirectClub
Align Technology, Inc.
Argen Corporation
TP Orthodontics, Inc.
3M
Segments Covered in the Report
This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the U.S. Clear Aligners market.
By Age
Adults
Teens
By End-use
Hospitals
Stand Alone Practices
Group Practices
Others
By Dentist Type
General Dentists
Orthodontists
By Duration
Comprehensive Malfunction ( treatment > 12month/ > 40 sets of Aligner)
Medium Treatments (treatment > 6-12month/ 20-40 sets of Aligner)
Small Little Beauty Alignments
By Material Type
Polyurethane
Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
Others
By Distribution
Online
Offline
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