China Merchants Securities has issued a research report highlighting a synchronized upward trajectory in the invisible orthodontics sector, driven by both domestic demand and overseas expansion. Domestically, the number of treatment cases is steadily climbing, while local enterprises are progressively increasing their footprint in international markets. Key growth drivers include the rapid adoption of early intervention treatments for adolescents and the accelerating penetration into third- and fourth-tier cities. Abroad, companies are actively cultivating markets across Europe, the United States, Australia, and Brazil.
The market is highly consolidated, with the top three players together commanding over 90% of the market share. The segment for children and adolescents using clear aligners has emerged as a pivotal revenue driver. China Merchants Securities points to several critical observations: the industry is dominated by Angelalign, Zhengya Dental, and Align Technology, which collectively hold more than 90% of the market share based on case volumes.
According to Zhengya Dental's prospectus, Angelalign leads the domestic market, followed by Zhengya Dental in second place and Align Technology in third. The market size for clear aligners in China, calculated by manufacturer revenue at ex-factory prices, is projected to exceed RMB 4.6 billion in 2025. By 2030, sales are expected to reach approximately RMB 7.1 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate exceeding 8% from 2026 to 2030. The number of clear aligner cases in China has risen from 450,000 in 2021 to an estimated 730,000 in 2025, marking a CAGR of over 12%.
Market concentration remains exceptionally high, with the top three companies controlling over 90% of the market share. Notably, Zhengya Dental is projected to handle 206,700 cases in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 22.74%. Its market share has expanded consecutively from 25.08% in 2023 to a projected 28.26% in 2025.
Specialized market segments are also emerging, with early childhood orthodontic treatment standing out as an independent growth pole. The segment for children and adolescents using clear aligners is rapidly expanding, fueled by rising parental awareness of the importance of early intervention. The market share for pediatric and adolescent clear aligners in China has surged from 17.05% in 2021 to a projected 30.15% in 2025, establishing itself as a crucial area for growth and differentiation.
Overseas markets are becoming a significant growth engine for domestic companies. For instance, Zhengya Dental has established a sales network covering all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. The company is also advancing its international strategy, exporting products and services to over 50 countries, including Spain, Japan, Italy, the UK, and France. Domestically, it operates primarily through a direct sales model, supplemented by distributors.
The core operational model for overseas markets is the proprietary brand strategy. Since 2019, Zhengya Dental has localized its international operations through overseas subsidiaries, continuously enhancing its global sales service networks and clinical support systems. In 2024, it established an overseas production base in Madrid, Spain, enabling localized production and delivery to significantly improve responsiveness and service capabilities in international markets. As of 2025, domestic revenue accounts for 88.19% of Zhengya Dental's total revenue, with overseas revenue comprising the remaining 11.81%.
Risks to consider include intensified industry competition, slower-than-expected overseas market expansion, and potential declines in average transaction prices due to industry-wide centralized procurement initiatives.