Orthodontic Headgear Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025 - 2032)

By Product Type:

Based on product type, the market is categorized into cervical-pull headgear, high-pull headgear, and reverse-pull headgear.

Trends in Product Type:

• Integration of advanced materials for durability and aesthetics.
• Customization options to better suit individual patient needs.

The cervical-pull headgear segment accounted for the largest market share of 36.24% in 2024.

• Cervical pull headgear is an orthodontic device used to correct an overbite or overjet in children and adults. It consists of a U-shaped wire, called a facebow, that attaches to the upper back teeth. A strap connects to the facebow and goes around the neck.
• This system applies downward and backward force to the upper molars, guiding them back into proper alignment. It also helps in tooth spacing after tooth extraction. Children wear this headgear for at least 14 hours a day.
• By guiding the alignment of the jaws, cervical pull headgear fosters a more balanced bite and improved facial aesthetics. This, in turn, contributes to enhanced self-esteem and overall quality of life for patients, positively impacting market trends.
• Overall, as per the market analysis, the rising prevalence of class II malocclusion (overbite), increased awareness of orthodontic treatment options, and advancements in headgear design and materials are driving the segment in the global orthodontic headgear market growth.

The high-pull headgear segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• High-pull headgear, similar to cervical-pull headgear, treats overjet and overbite. However, it utilizes two head straps, one on the back and one on top, to exert upward and backward force on the upper jaw.
• High-pull headgear is particularly beneficial for cases where both vertical and horizontal control of the upper jaw is necessary. Moreover, this headgear is helpful in other orthopedic goals as well.
• For instance, according to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in 2024, high-pull headgear adjusts anteroposterior skeletal connections and enhances or averts the deterioration of vertical skeletal connections.
• Additionally, by correcting the bite and influencing jaw development, high-pull headgear contributes to improved facial aesthetics and a more balanced facial profile.
• As per the market analysis, the increasing prevalence of malocclusion, particularly deep bites, in children and adolescents will drive the segment. Furthermore, the growing demand for aesthetic dentistry and the desire for straighter smiles further contribute to segmental growth for the forecasted years.

By Application:

The application segment is categorized into overbite, crossbite, underbite, and others.

Trends in the Application:

• Increased use of headgear for optimal overbitecorrection in growing children.
• Development of more comfortable and discreet headgear options for improved patient compliance in crossbite treatment.

The overbite segment accounted for the largest market share of 2024.

• Overbite occurs when your upper teeth excessively overlap your lower teeth, creating a vertical misalignment. This misalignment leads to various oral health problems, including jaw discomfort, tooth wear, and gum disease if not addressed.
• Headgear is an orthodontic appliance that is used to treat overbites, especially in growing children. It works by applying gentle pressure to the upper jaw, slowing its development and allowing the lower jaw to catch up. This helps to correct the bites and improve facial balance. The headgear also helps in putting less strain on jaw muscles which benefits oral health.
• For instance, according to an article published by Bateman Orthodontics, in 2023, headgear in overbite condition, also creates more space within the mouth. This allows teeth to shift into their proper positions, leading to a more aligned and aesthetically pleasing smile.
• Overall, as per the market analysis, rising awareness of cosmetic dentistry, and advancements in orthodontic treatment techniques are driving this segmental growth in the orthodontic headgear industry.

The underbite segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• An underbite is a type of malocclusion where the lower front teeth protrude in front of the upper front teeth. This is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, jaw growth, and thumb-sucking.
• Headgear works by applying gentle pressure to the upper jaw, gradually guiding it into the correct position.By starting treatment early, the headgear helps guide the development of the jaw.
• Additionally, correcting the underbite leads to a more balanced facial profile and a more confident smile. Furthermore, by addressing the underbite early with headgear, the need for more invasive surgical procedures later in life is significantly reduced.
• Furthermore, correcting the bite with headgear improves speech clarity and chewing function, leading to better overall oral health and quality of life.
• Increased public awareness about the importance of oral health and the availability of effective underbite treatment options create the potential for the segment in the upcoming years.

By End User:

The end-user segment is categorized into hospitals, dental clinics, and others.

Trends in End-User:

• Hospitals are fostering collaboration between orthodontists, oral surgeons, and other specialists for comprehensive patient care.
• Dental clinics are increasingly adopting digital technologies such as 3D imaging and intraoral scanners to enhance treatment planning and patient communication.

The hospitals segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Hospitals dominate the market due to their comprehensive infrastructure, multidisciplinary approach, and ability to handle complex cases. They are well-equipped to manage severe orthodontic issues, such as skeletal discrepancies or malocclusions that require intervention.
• Moreover, in regions with centralized healthcare systems, hospitals serve as primary points of care, making them the preferred choice for orthodontic treatments. Additionally, public hospitals offer affordable treatment options through insurance coverage or government programs, increasing accessibility for a broader population.
• Furthermore, remote consultations and monitoring potentially increase accessibility, reducing costs. Rising healthcare costs, technological advancements, growing diseases, and government regulations have led to increases in hospitals.
• For instance, according toCEIC, the number of hospitals in China increased by 3.85% from 2022 to 2023, rising from 36 million units to 38 million units. Consequently, this surge in hospitals has contributed to a higher volume of diagnostics and treatments related to overbites, underbites, and other issues concerning jaw and tooth alignment, leading to an increased need for headgear, positively influencing the market.
• Also, the rising awareness of early orthodontic intervention further supports hospitals’ dominance, as parents trust hospitals for pediatric care. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as 3D imaging and comprehensive treatment planning, attracts patients seeking precision and reliability.
• Overall, the increasing number of hospitals, driven by factors such as population growth and healthcare advancements, creates a favorable environment for the market, thus driving the segment.