Market Demand

Addressing a Key Industry Challenge

Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are often the preferred choice because they are the most affordable and least invasive option for replacing missing teeth, avoiding surgery and extensive alteration of healthy adjacent teeth. They suit many elderly patients or those with medical limitations who cannot undergo implants or support fixed bridges.

It usually comprises 5 visits or more in which multiple steps are required to complete the final RPD prosthesis. For the patient, this can take anywhere from 2 or more months to complete their entire treatment journey. Currently, this process in the majority of dental clinics in Singapore still utilizes a manual and labour-intensive process.

A survey in 2017 on community-dwelling seniors found nearly 200,000 seniors have complete edentulism, and two-thirds of seniors have a severe degree of partial edentulism. On average, only 11 remaining teeth among the seniors in the community.

Market Demand

Based on population projections, currently there are about 600,000 denture wearers in Singapore of which 69% are already denture wearers. Most dentures need to be replaced after 5 to 10 years depending on oral condition. By 2035, with the projected increase in overall older adult population, the national capacity to produce high quality dentures will need to be significantly increased.

Local Demand Projection: 3× Increase Needed by 2035

Global Demand Projection: 239 million people globally aged 65+ are partially dentate. 120 million already wear dentures. Asia has the highest rate of ageing populations — Singapore, Japan, and South Korea lead the demand.