The dental barrier membrane market is growing rapidly as companies increasingly invest in the product for their procedures. Around 25-30% of bone graft procedures utilize dental bone graft membranes a figure that is expected to continue to increase. The overall market for dental membranes is forecasted to grow by nearly 50% over the next five years. Dental firms are increasingly starting to consider them to be an extremely valuable tool in situations where bone regeneration is needed. Bone grafts can lose up to 35% of their density by the 16th week without a membrane, whereas using a barrier membrane reduces this density loss to just 10%.
This article draws on key trends and insights from our published Global Dental Market Report Suite for Dental Bone Graft Substitutes and Other Biomaterials.
What are Dental Barrier Membranes?
Barrier membranes are a critical component of regeneration therapy and are aimed at restoring the form and function of the mouth. In dental surgeries, they help retain bone grafting materials, prevent the epithelium and connective tissue from invading sites of bone and ligament regeneration, or serve both purposes. They play a crucial role in guided bone regeneration (GBR) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) by protecting graft materials and promoting optimal healing.
Dental Membrane Market Drivers
Dental Bone Grafting Procedures
The dental bone grafting procedures for patients commonly incorporate the use of barrier membranes to direct the growth of the new bone and gingival tissue. The expansion in the number of dental bone grafting procedures has driven substantial growth in demand for dental bone graft membranes. This parallel growth is expected to continue over the next 5 years.
Increased Acceptance of Dental Membranes
A lack of education on the benefits of dental membranes has resulted in a significant number of dentists undervaluing their use for their simpler procedures, opting to save them for complex operations. As research and studies continue to show the benefits of barrier membranes to dentists, the acceptance of the usage of this product has increased. The overall demand for these dental barrier membranes is increasing as more dentists understand their benefits.
Increased Use of Resorbable Membranes
Resorbable membranes are typically more expensive than their non-resorbable counterparts. Despite the increased cost, their popularity has continued to grow as the benefits of them naturally dissolving over time eliminates the need for removal surgery. As more dental professionals adopt resorbable membranes, their higher price point will drive overall market growth, increasing revenue in the dental barrier membrane industry.
Bundling of Implants, Bone Graft Substitutes and Membranes
Dental membranes are also frequently used in dental implant procedures that also require dental bone graft substitutes (DBGS). To capitalize on this, many leading companies in the market have formed distribution agreements, alliances, and acquisitions to offer a comprehensive range of products, including dental implants, DBGS materials, and membranes. By bundling these products, companies make it more convenient for dental professionals to purchase all their necessary materials from a single sales representative, which increases the likelihood of them choosing to buy dental bone graft membranes.
Dental Barrier Membrane Market Outlook
The dental barrier membrane market is growing steadily as more dental professionals recognize their value in procedures like bone grafting. Advances in technology, such as improved designs and materials, are making these membranes more effective and easier to use. While they are still not used in every possible case, their role in promoting better healing and protecting grafts is quickly becoming more widely appreciated. As more dentists adopt dental membranes, especially resorbable ones, and as companies bundle them with other products, the market is expected to keep expanding in the future. Market leaders like Geistlich, Zimmer Biomet, and Envista will need to continue to innovate, improve product offerings, and expand their geographic market reach in order to maintain their leadership. Those who invest in research, product differentiation, and customer education will be in the best position to capitalize on the growing market and sustain their competitive edge.
For more detailed insights into market drivers, growth projections, and strategic opportunities, explore our 2025 Global Dental Market Report Suite for Dental Bone Graft Substitutes and Other Biomaterials.
To read about the market drivers for another quickly growing segment in the dental market, read our recent blog on Intraoral Scanners.
