Intra-oral scanners soar in Latin American dentistry

Hanieh Valipour

Dr Kamran Zamanian

Sun. 30. June 2024

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BURNABY, British Columbia, Canada: Intra-oral scanners (IOSs) have emerged as a transformative technology in digital dentistry, revolutionising impression taking and supporting diagnostics, treatment planning and monitoring. In 2023, the IOS segment captured a substantial share of the Latin American dental market, accounting for over 70% of CAD/CAM device sales. IOSs being relatively new to the region, their sale and use in Latin America are expected to follow a sustained upward trajectory between this year and 2030. This article explores several key factors contributing to the increasing popularity of IOSs in the burgeoning Latin America dental market.

By replacing messy and often uncomfortable impressions with digital images that are detailed and precise, IOSs have significantly improved the patient experience and streamlined various dental procedures. Moreover, intra-oral scanning enables the fast creation of accurate digital 3D impressions that can be easily stored, shared and integrated into various dental applications. The convergence of these advantages with growth factors in the marketplace has led to IOSs becoming the fastest-growing segment in the global CAD/CAM device market. Several factors are expected to contribute to the growth in popularity of the devices in Latin America during the forecast period, including changing patient demographics, increasing affordability and the prospect of higher patient volumes.

(Image: iData Research)

Growth in the ageing population

Although Latin America is often seen as a relatively young region, its population is ageing rapidly. According to the United Nations, the region is expected to have the world’s fastest-ageing population in the coming years, and this will place increased demands on healthcare systems. Dental treatments associated with ageing—such as crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants—place additional strain on healthcare resources and infrastructure. In addition, access to dental care can be a challenge for elderly individuals, particularly those living in long-term care facilities or with limited mobility. Therefore, the time-efficient provision of care as enabled by intra-oral scanning, which supports single-visit dental treatment, can alleviate this complex logistical challenge.

Affordability and efficiency over traditional scanners

Typically, chairside and laboratory scanners have significantly higher capital costs compared with IOSs. The initial capital investment associated with these conventional scanning systems can present a significant barrier, particularly for smaller dental practices or those situated in less economically affluent regions like Latin America. In comparison, the accessibility of IOSs has broadened owing to their lower entry costs. Additionally, the lower maintenance cost of IOSs warrants financial consideration, as it can have a substantial impact on clinics’ overall costs.

Furthermore, IOSs provide long-term cost-efficiency benefits by negating the need for physical impression materials and the associated shipping expenses. This reduces material costs and has the potential to trim labour expenses.

In addition, IOSs are known for their compact and portable design, which not only conserves valuable space within dental clinics but also enhances practicality in various treatment rooms. This ease of handling and storage further increases their appeal in clinical settings.

Improved treatment outcomes

Patient education is a critical concern of modern dentistry, and IOSs play a pivotal role in enhancing this goal. These advanced tools empower dentists with real-time 3D visualisations of the oral cavity, making it easier for patients to grasp the nature and extent of their need for treatment. This visual aid not only fosters better communication between the dentist and the patient, but also supports the patient’s comprehension of the recommended treatment. With a more profound understanding of their oral health, patients can make informed decisions about their dental care, leading to improved treatment compliance and overall treatment outcomes.

Dental tourism in Latin America has significantly strengthened the appeal of IOSs to dental practices.

Dental tourism

Dental tourism in Latin America has significantly strengthened the appeal of IOSs to dental practices. Their efficient and precise capabilities align with the expectations of international patients seeking high-quality, cost-effective dental treatments in the region. Moreover, they expedite procedures, reduce chair time and enhance communication, making them a vital asset for dental clinics catering to international dental tourists. Besides securing a competitive advantage for clinics, the use of IOSs supports positive reviews of and recommendations for local clinics, further boosting the popularity of dental tourism destinations.

(Image: iData Research)

Inflation-driven surge

In an inflationary economic environment, the prices of materials used for physical dental impressions tend to rise. By eliminating the need for these materials, IOSs offer substantial long-term cost-savings, and this is a crucial advantage in a region like Latin America, where expenses are closely monitored. Additionally, inflation often results in currency devaluation, making imported dental equipment more costly. In this scenario, IOSs, because they are frequently manufactured locally, reduce dependence on more expensive imported technologies. Localised production helps to cushion the impact of currency fluctuations, and lower prices make the purchase of IOSs even more enticing, despite the economic challenges.

As a result of increasing competition among manufacturers of IOSs in the Latin American market, the average selling price of the devices is projected to decrease at a compound annual growth rate of 19.5% over the forecast period. Although the forecast suggests a decrease in average selling prices, this reduction is expected to be counterbalanced by a substantial surge in the number of units sold. Consequently, the market value for IOSs in Latin America is poised for growth that is notably higher than that of other CAD/CAM devices.

COVID-19 caution boosted sales of CAD/CAM devices

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic significantly influenced dental markets. Economic uncertainty and reduced patient visits affected the financial stability of dental practices and laboratories. Some postponed or cancelled investments in CAD/CAM technologies owing to budget constraints; however, concerns about infection control led to heightened interest in contactless procedures, including digital impressions and CAD/CAM-produced restorations. Dental practices and laboratories that were already equipped with CAD/CAM devices therefore had an advantage in meeting the increased demand for these services, and many clinicians have opted to embrace IOSs during the post-pandemic period, leading to a significant increase in demand in 2021 and 2022.

Conclusion

Overall, the growing popularity of IOSs in Latin America is driven by their ability to enhance the patient experience, to improve treatment efficiency and to support the overall quality of dental care. These factors, combined with the broader digital transformation that is taking place in dentistry, are contributing to widespread adoption and popularity of the devices in Latin America.