In 1997, two Stanford University students invested the first clear aligner system known as Invisalign®. Today, the market is jam-packed with such players as Candid, SmileDirectClub, Henry Schein, Inc. and Envista, filling the demand for non-traditional orthodontic products.

The future for aligners is especially bright.

A recent report by Fortune Business Insights™ predicts the U.S. clear aligners market to grow from $1.52 billion in 2021 to $4.55 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.0% from 2021-2028. Why the resurgence? The report credits increased product demand returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over. It also cites the increasing prevalence of malocclusion in the U.S. According to the World Health Organization estimates, around 15%-20% of the U.S. population suffers from malocclusion. Of course, not all aligners are created equal.

“It’s an exciting time in oral health,” says Dr. Jeremy N. Krell General Partner of Revere Partners, the first and only independent Venture Fund for oral health. “We’re seeing innovative solutions that add a powerful ‘twist’ to the aligner space.”

Case in point: biometric sensors can be safely placed in the oral cavity to monitor acidity and temperature. This is key since acidity below 5.5, the environment favors demineralization of the teeth. Another example are smart cases that could house a removable oral appliance in between uses. The case could not only determine location, but also remind the user to use the device and track that usage to improve compliance.”

Collaborating for better products and outcomes.

“We believe in collaboration,” adds Dr. Krell. “There’s never too little product choice in dental. All too often, it’s an issue, however, where the systems simply aren’t compatible with each other.” Revere Partners addresses that challenge head on by making investments in companies that seamlessly work together. In the microbiome space, collaboration would consist of a consumer education platform, a true diagnostic, and therapeutics. “You could easily also apply this to AI or intraoral tests that detect early decay and then lead to therapeutics to treat that decay.”

As the market for aligners continues to grow, so will the demand for innovative products. Companies such as Revere Partners are poised to help up the ante and take aligners well beyond the next level.