Various materials are used in the manufacturing of modern orthodontic brackets. Some of the commonly used materials include:

Stainless Steel - Stainless steel continues to be one of the most popular materials for orthodontic brackets. It is affordable, durable and resistant to corrosion. However, it is not very aesthetically pleasing as the gray color of brackets can be visible through the teeth. Around 45% of the global market still uses stainless steel brackets.

Ceramic - Ceramic brackets are tooth colored and almost invisible when attached to teeth. This makes them a preferred choice for adults and cosmetic orthodontics. However, ceramic brackets are brittle in nature and prone to breakage. They are also more expensive than metal equivalents. Around 30% of the global orthodontic brackets market currently uses ceramics.

Polycarbonate - Polycarbonate brackets are light weight and translucent. They are stronger than ceramics but more aesthetic than stainless steel. Around 15% of the orthodontists currently use polycarbonate brackets for their patients.

Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement (RMGIC) - RMGIC brackets are aesthetic, bond well to teeth and release fluoride. However, they are not as strong as other materials and prone to staining. Only about 5% of orthodontists currently use RMGIC brackets.

Self-Ligating Bracket Designs

In addition to materials, Global Orthodontic Brackets also differ based on their ligation or closure system. Self-ligating brackets are gaining popularity over traditional elastic ligated designs:

Active Self-Ligation - These brackets use a clip to actively push against the archwire for improved force control. However, they are more expensive than passive designs.

Passive Self-Ligation - In these brackets, the archwire sits loosely in the bracket slot without any active engagement. They are less expensive than active designs.

Both active and passive self-ligating bracket designs have shown benefits like reduced friction, improved efficacy and less chair time. They now account for over 35% of the global orthodontic bracket market.

Trends In Direct To Consumer Orthodontics

The rise of indulgent dental technology and changing consumer attitudes have created growth opportunities in direct to consumer clear aligner therapy market.

Brands like SmileDirectClub, Candid Co. and SnapCorrect offer clear aligner therapy directly to customers without requiring extensive orthodontic visits. Using advanced DIY impression kits and doctor consultations via teledentistry platforms, they can deliver clear aligners at fraction of costs of traditional orthodontics.

Invisalign also launched their version of aligner therapy directly available without prescription. Their Go system of aligners costs only $1k and offers basic tooth movement corrections like closing gaps.

However, direct to consumer clear aligners still cannot replace traditional orthodontics for complex cases involving extractions, surgical intervention or multiple jaw discrepancies. But they are quite effective for mild to moderate misalignments.

Regional Bracket Market Dynamics

North America currently dominates the global orthodontic brackets market with a share of over 40% due to high orthodontic spending and existence of major manufacturers.

Europe and Asia-Pacific follow next with market shares of around 25-30% each. Asian countries are witnessing fastest growth driven by improving healthcare access and rising middle class populations seeking aesthetics.

Latin America and Middle East markets are also growing significantly year-over-year with increasing awareness about importance of proper dental alignment. Emerging countries especially in Southeast Asia and Africa offer huge untapped opportunities.
Get more insights on Global Orthodontic Brackets