Cosmetic Dentistry Continues to Surge

Cosmetic Dentistry Continues to Surge – Market Estimated at $2.75 Billion

December 13, 2007 Madison, WI The cosmetic dental boom is showing no signs of slowing down. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) member dentists queried in the 2007 AACD State of Cosmetic Dentistry survey of 5,550 U.S. practices revealed that cosmetic dentistry-related revenue climbed to $2.75 billion total and an average of $495,000 per practice in 2006. This represents a 15% increase over 2005.

Who is the typical cosmetic dental patient?

The total number of patients in 2006, projected to all 5,550 practices represented in the survey sample, is approximately 2.69 million. This represents a 12.8% increase over practice reports of patients in 2005. On average, about two-thirds of cosmetic dentistry patients were female (67%), while one-third were male (33%). This represents an extreme shift from the 2004 study, in which 96% of patients were female, underscoring the growing number of men pursuing cosmetic dentistry. Regarding distribution by age, the majority of patients (53%), on average, are between the ages of 41 and 60. About one in six (16%) are 30 or younger, and about one in ten (11%) are over 60.

What is the typical cosmetic dental practice?

U.S. cosmetic dentistry practices are typically well established in their communities, having been in operation on average for 21 years. About half are located in suburban areas while the other half are about evenly split between urban areas and small towns.

Is cosmetic dentistry really booming?

The numbers speak for themselves. Practices responding to the survey report 485 patients on average, with 2.69 million total cosmetic dental patients in the U.S. This average practice number represents a 12.8% increase over 2005. In 2007, respondents predict an additional increase of 10.9%.

In terms of total dentistry-related revenue, each practice generated on average $1.04 million in total dental revenue, projected to a $5.76 billion total for the total dental industry.

For specific cosmetic dentistry related revenue: each practice generated on average $495,000, projected to $2.75 billion for the cosmetic procedures alone. This average practice revenue represents a 15.0% increase over 2005. In 2007, respondents predict an additional increase of 11.0%.

What are patients spending on cosmetic dentistry?

The mean amount spent by the average patient in 2006 was $5,640 and the median was $3,860. About one out of four respondents (28%) indicated the highest category available on the survey, $2,500 or more. The median production per scheduled visit was $1,690.

At the high end, 3% of practices indicated an average amount spent per patient of $20,000 or more. At the other extreme, 2% of practices reported average patient costs of less than $500. The most often indicated categories were $5,000 – $9,999 (23%) and $2,500 – $4,999 (22%).

Cosmetic Dental Procedures by the Numbers

Respondents reported on the number of procedures and revenue produced by each in 2006. Average practice reports and the total market estimates follow:

Bleaching/Whitening:
Number performed in 2006: 70 on average; 389,000 total.
Revenues in 2006: $25,000 on average; $138.8 million total.

Crown & Bridge Work:
Number performed in 2006: 333 on average; 1.85 million total.
Revenues in 2006: $194,000 on average; $1.08 billion total.

Direct Bonding – Posterior:
Number performed in 2006: 474 on average; 2.63 million total.
Revenues in 2006: $69,000 on average; $383.0 million total.

Direct Bonding – Anterior:
Number performed in 2006: 234 on average; 1.30 million total.
Revenues in 2006: $43,000 on average; $238.7 million total.

Implants:
Number performed in 2006: 27 on average; 149,900 total.
Revenues in 2006: $26,000 on average; $144.3 million total.

Inlays/Onlays:
Number performed in 2006: 84 on average; 466,200 total.
Revenues in 2006: $33,000 on average; $183.2 million total.

Orthodontics:
Number performed in 2006: 17 on average; 94,400 total.
Revenues in 2006: $11,000 on average; $61.1 million total.

Removable Prosthetics:
Number performed in 2006: 27 on average; 149,900 total.
Revenues in 2006: $20,000 on average; $111.0 million total.

Veneers:
Number performed in 2006: 108 on average; 599,400 total.
Revenues in 2006: $67,000 on average; $371.9 million total.

Other Procedures:
Number performed in 2006: 21 on average; 116,600 total.
Revenues in 2006: $20,000 on average; $111.0 million total.

About the Survey

The AACD commissioned Readex Research to conduct and summarize this survey. The resulting 14-page survey report examines market growth, industry trends, patient demographics, and more in-depth data. AACD is the world’s largest cosmetic dental organization, representing over 8,000 members in 70 countries worldwide.
To request a complete copy of the survey, contact the AACD at pr@aacd.com, call (800) 543-9220, or visit www.aacd.com.

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