Medical and dental adhesives and sealants demand in the United States is forecast to rise 8.4% per year to $1.5 billion in 2009. Much of this growth is attributable to the aging U.S. population, since older individuals are more likely to require surgical and dental procedures than other age groups. Advances will also depend on continuing new-product development and increasing acceptance of these materials in surgical and consumer settings. Medical adhesives and sealants command relatively high prices due to their specialized nature and costly commercialization process (involving extensive research and clinical testing).

These and other trends are presented in Medical & Dental Adhesives & Sealants, a new study from The Freedonia Group Inc., a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm.

The best opportunities are expected for cyanoacrylate, polyethylene glycol and various plasma and protein types. Cyanoacrylate adhesives are projected to find greater use in external tissue bonding applications, particularly in medical emergency and consumer settings. In addition, rapid gains should result from the commercialization of several products presently in development, including cyanoacrylates for internal applications (such as those used during vascular and ophthalmologic surgeries). Continued market penetration of polyethylene glycol sealants in tissue bonding and sealing applications during cardiovascular surgical procedures, as well as the development of an expanded application base into abdominal and cranial procedures, will provide strong growth for these materials. Rapid gains for plasma and protein sealants, including those based on albumin, collagen, and fibrin, will be promoted by their expanded use in various surgical procedures, such as tissue bonding and sealing.

Dental applications are expected to achieve mixed results through 2009, with good opportunities linked to sealants and certain adhesives. For example, pit and fissure sealants will register strong gains due to their use in the prevention of cavities. In addition, bonding agents used in cosmetic dental procedures, such as braces, will continue to provide steady gains. However, the incidence of cavities and need for root canals is expected to continue to drop, and individuals will likely keep their natural teeth longer. As a result, products such as denture bonding agents, restorative adhesives and cements will achieve limited gains through 2009.

For more information, contact Corinne Gangloff, The Freedonia Group Inc., 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143--2326; phone (440) 684-9600; fax (440) 646-0484; e-mail pr@freedoniagroup.com; or visit www.freedoniagroup.com.