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
ORTHO RADAR / RESEARCHOrthodontic
Orthodontic
demand forecast
The next 6 to 12 months · October 2026
Patient demand stays flat.