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The orthodontic demand forecast · October 2026

Where is patient demand heading next?

Our answer: flat. Expect about the same number of new patients and starts as a year earlier, with a small dip more likely than a gain. The free report shows why, and what to do about it.

  • The 6- and 12-month forecast, with the odds and how confident we are
  • Six findings from Gaidge, OrthoFi, Cain Watters, Levin Group, the AAO and our own member survey
  • How the economy is squeezing family budgets, and which patients feel it first
  • What to budget for in 2027, and which practices are most exposed
  • The signals that would change our forecast
Next 6 monthsFlatOctober 2026 - March 2027
Next 12 monthsFlat, leaning slightly lowerthrough September 2027
ConfidenceModerateFlat = within 3% of the same months a year earlier