The Evolution of Cosmetic Dentistry: A Data-Driven Analysis of Market Trends 2019-2024

Analysis conducted in October 2024 | Data from 11K opt-in consent-based active dental practices across the United States from 2019 to 2024

Key Points

●      Based on data from consent-based practices on the Sikka API platform, the industry rebounded significantly post-2020 with production volume projected to reach $7.8B by the end of 2024

●      Millennials lead generational growth at a 48% increase in patient volume, consuming elective dentistry more than any other generation

●      Implants have the highest production volume growth at an increase of approximately 70%

Executive Summary

The cosmetic dentistry market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $7.8 billion by the end of 2024 based on per practice growth of 11,000 consent-based practices performing cosmetic procedures in the Sikka database. Key procedures driving this expansion include dental implants, crowns, and orthodontics. Millennials are showing the most significant increase in cosmetic procedures, with a projected 48% growth. The industry is adapting to changing patient preferences, with a notable shift toward ceramic and porcelain materials in crown procedures. Continued growth across various procedures indicates a strong and sustainable future for the cosmetic dentistry sector.

Figure 1. Cosmetic Dentistry Production Volume Growth Over Time

Market Recovery and Growth Trajectory

Based on over 11,000 consent-based practices in the Sikka database, the cosmetic dentistry sector demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebounding from the 2020 downturn to showing impressive growth through 2024. Production volume is expected to reach $7.8B by the end of 2024, up from $5.1B in 2019, representing a substantial market expansion (Figure 1). Patient volume follows a similar trajectory, with growth projected to reach 4.56M patients (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Cosmetic Dentistry Patient Volume Growth Over Time

Generational Dynamics and Patient Demographics

Generation-Specific Trends

Baby Boomers remain the largest patient segment, with an expected 1.6M total patients by the end of 2024, according to Figure 3. However, Millennials are showing the most growth with a positive trajectory of 48% (Figure 4). Breaking down expected patient volume by generation reveals:

●      Baby Boomers: 1.6M patients

●      Gen X: 920K patients

●      Millennials: 740K patients

●      Gen Z: 550K patients

Figure3. Patient Count Distribution Across Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures by Generation

Figure 4. Cosmetic Dentistry Patient Volume Growth by Generation

Gender Distribution

Across all generations, there is a consistent gender distribution, indicating that female patients represent a majority of cosmetic dental procedures (Figure 5):

●      Overall industry average: 55% female vs 45% male

●      This gender skew remains relatively stable across all generational cohorts

●      The highest female participation was observed in the Millennial segment

Figure 5. Cosmetic Dentistry Patient Gender Distribution in 2024

Procedure and Treatment Evolution

Table 1. Average Cost Analysis by Procedure Category

Procedure Type Trends

Figure 6 shows distinct shifts in industry procedure preferences from 2019-2024:

●      From the database of Sikka opt-in practices, implants lead growth at approximately 70% increase

●      Orthodontics and Veneers show strong performance at 60% growth

●      Crown and bonding procedures demonstrate steady and moderate growth

Figure 6. Cosmetic Dentistry Production Volume Growth by Procedure Type

Crown Production Trends

Regarding crown production, Figure 7 reveals a notable transformation within the last 5 years, with composite materials emerging as the clear preference:

●      Ceramic/porcelain maintains growth at about 45% over the years

●      Composite materials emerge as a strong choice

●      Traditional metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal options show declining popularity

Figure 7. Crown Procedure Production Volume Growth by Product Type

Looking Ahead

The cosmetic dentistry industry, driven by technological advancement and changing patient demographics, is transforming. Strong growth across multiple procedure types, coupled with evolving material preferences, suggests a dynamic and innovative future for the sector.

The industry's ability to adapt to generational needs while maintaining consistent growth indicates strong fundamentals and sustainable development potential through 2024 and beyond.

Please write to info@sikka.ai for more information

About Sikka.ai

Sikka.ai is a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company offering solutions that empower retail healthcare professionals, including those in dental, oral surgery, orthodontics, optometry, veterinary, and chiropractic fields, to excel in today’s competitive healthcare landscape. Sikka.ai provides app developers with tools supported by a multiple award-winning AI API platform, enabling seamless integration with over 96% of practice management, financial, imaging, and insurance systems.

Sikka.ai's consent-based insights are leveraged by major DSOs, manufacturers, financial institutions, and the life insurance industry. With more than 38,000 dental practice installations, 162 million total dental patients, and over 14,000 active dental practices on its API platform, Sikka.ai serves a broad spectrum of the dental industry.