Teeth whitening is a niche segment in the global oral care market. The commercial market for these products started developing post-1989 with the development of rinses, gels, paint-on whiteners, toothpaste, chewing gums, and strips.
The global teeth whitening market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.40% during 2014-2019 thanks to these four key factors:
Increased Demand for Cosmetic Dentistry
The desire for white teeth compels consumers to buy teeth whitening products. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in the US, 99.7% people believe that a smile is the most important social asset.
Previously, endeavors to improve the appearance of teeth were limited to straightening crooked teeth. However, there are now advanced whitening products that can enhance the appearance of teeth by removing stains and treating discolorations.
The high adoption of these products has paved the way for cosmetic dentistry. Apart from that, whitening procedures, veneers, crowns, and inlays/onlays are the popular cosmetic treatments used by consumers to improve their dental health and appearance.
Therefore, the growing development of cosmetic dentistry has fueled the demand for teeth whitening products, which bodes well for overall market growth.
Expensive Professional Treatments
Professional, or in-office, whitening and laser treatments are alternative methods of teeth whitening. These methods cost from $250 to $2,500.
Some of these treatments require regular maintenance to ensure good hygiene and bright teeth. These maintenance costs add up to approximately $100 annually.
The OTC and at-home teeth whitening products cost considerably less than professional treatments. Although these products are not as effective, they find high adoption because of their price and convenience.
Desire to Eliminate Lifestyle-induced Stains
The consumption of tobacco, cola, wine, tea, and coffee can severely discolor and stain teeth as well as affect dental health.
Genetics, antibiotic use, and aging can also cause discoloration. Apart from that, irregular dental upkeep and an unhealthy lifestyle can also effect the health and appearance of teeth.
All these factors have a positive influence on the teeth whitening products market.
Growing Effectiveness of Patient-applied Products
The advent of patient-applied teeth whitening products has revolutionized the global oral care market.
A wide range of teeth whitening products, such as dental strips, whitening pens, and trays, are available in the market. For instance, convenient, inexpensive whitening products with enhanced effectiveness, long-lasting results, and little to no side effects are available in the market today. These products have replaced professional whitening treatments because of their cost and ease of use.
As a value-added benefit, some vendors offer products that cause little to no tooth sensitivity. They also offer products that cater to individual lifestyles and intensify whiteness. Advances in the teeth whitening have fueled the development of products that offer sustainable effects. For instance, Crest 3D White Whitestrips, one of the most popular teeth whitening products available, offers results that last up to a year. The product is considered highly cost effective, which has made it popular in the US and India. In addition, the application of these products requires minimal time.
