If you’ve been practicing orthodontics for any length of time, you already know how dependent your success is on a steady flow of brackets, wires, and clear aligners. In light of ongoing tariff changes and supply chain disruptions, reliable sourcing can still feel like a moving target. We’re not here to make political statements or point any fingers. Instead, we want to give you a better understanding of the broader economic forces that affect your ability to run a smooth, profitable practice. Below, you’ll find an update on the most relevant challenges and practical ways to keep your practice firing on all cylinders, even if tariffs impact your day-to-day.
Tariffs, Disruptions, & Why They Matter
Over the past year, heavyweights in the orthodontic world have reported hikes in material costs, shipping delays, and surcharges on imported products. 3M announced in late 2024 that surcharges on certain orthodontic components would take effect in 2025, while Envista (the parent company of Ormco) noted that it would begin diversifying production into Southeast Asia to sidestep future tariff blowback. Align Technology also hinted it might raise aligner prices further, especially if U.S. trade relations with Mexico hit a rough patch.
On paper, these announcements might look like mere policy changes, but tariffs can create friction in the global movement of goods. When a supplier relocates manufacturing to avoid tariffs—say, from China to Vietnam or Mexico—it often triggers delays as production ramps up, quality control adjusts, and shipping lanes realign. This disruption leads to longer lead times, increased port congestion, and occasional customs hold-ups. Add to that the higher costs of raw materials due to tariffs, and your suppliers are juggling more instability across the board, which means you’re dealing with a less predictable supply chain and more potential for late-stage surprises for your practice.
The Real-World Impact on Your Practice
Late shipments and cost spikes can’t be shrugged off, especially if you’re balancing patient schedules, staff rosters, and overhead. Even a short delay on a bracket reorder could mean rescheduling appointments (which no one enjoys). And when your preferred aligner system announces a mid-year price increase, that can throw off your profitability projections.
While you’re already familiar with the intricacies of your supply chain, the difference now is that global economics—and policy shifts—are making those standard processes less predictable. The better you can anticipate and build a cushion against these market changes, the less you’ll be scrambling to adapt.
What Leading Suppliers Are Saying (and Doing)
- Align Technology: Confirmed a ~3% price increase in early 2025 to cover higher resin, labor, and shipping costs, plus a contingency plan if trade relations with Mexico sour.
- 3M: Cited new tariffs and raw-material challenges as key reasons for surcharges on orthodontic products, cautioning that future policy changes could extend or raise those fees further.
- Ormco (Envista): Acknowledged tariffs as a major driver for exploring alternative production sites, particularly in Southeast Asia. While that shift may help control costs in the long run, it won’t happen overnight.
Four Ways to Safeguard Your Practice
#1: Plan for Volatile Costs
Even if you’ve heard suppliers mention potential surcharges or price adjustments, preparing in advance helps you handle those changes gracefully. Consider building a small contingency fund into your supply budget so you’re not forced to absorb unexpected hits all at once.
#2: Ask Your Reps Directly
Maintaining an open line of communication with your distributor or manufacturer rep can give you a heads-up on upcoming shortages or price shifts. If your primary bracket supplier warns you that shipping is delayed, you might pivot to a second-choice brand for a few weeks, before that delay becomes an urgent problem.
#3: Pre-Order Essentials, but Stay Flexible
You know best which items you need on a daily basis. Keeping a modest reserve of those essentials helps you make sure you won’t be left high and dry if a shipment’s late. Just avoid the temptation to buy excessive quantities at once, since tying up cash in large amounts of inventory can limit your flexibility.
#4: Get Backup Suppliers
Vet a second source for every major product. If one shipment gets stuck, you’ll have a fallback—and don’t forget to diversify geographically if possible. If your primary supplier sources from Asia, find a secondary supplier based in North America or Europe to hedge against regional slowdowns or tariff-specific delays.
Communicating Changes to Patients
In an uncertain economy, your patients want assurance that you have their best interests at heart. Here are a few ways to reinforce that message:
Highlight If You’re Holding Prices Steady
If you decide not to pass along higher supply costs to patients, let them know. A quick announcement via a blog post, email, or social media update can build trust by showing them you’re looking out for their budget.
Offer Flexible Payment Options
Remind families that you have financing or extended-payment plans available. Even if costs do rise slightly, parents will feel reassured knowing they can spread out the expense instead of paying it all at once.
Focus on Long-Term Relationships
Economic ups and downs come and go, but people remember how they were treated during the tough stretches. Going the extra mile for patients, even when your costs are squeezed, can pay off in long-term loyalty and referrals.
Offer a “Small Thanks” in Tough Times
Whether it’s a nominal discount for siblings who both need braces or a limited-time waiver of a small fee, small gestures of goodwill can go a long way. They show that you’re willing to share some of the burden when economic factors create uncertainty.
Remember That No Storm Lasts Forever
Your expertise already covers bracket systems, aligner therapies, and patient care. However, given the ups and downs of today’s international marketplace, it pays to regularly reassess how you source and manage supplies. By planning for cost fluctuations, fostering strong supplier relationships, and being open with patients when unforeseen snags happen, you’ll keep your practice on solid footing—no matter which way the economic winds blow.
Disclaimer: The information shared here is based on recent press releases, investor updates, and public statements by leading orthodontic product companies. Global trade policies and supply chain conditions can shift rapidly, so be sure to check reliable industry news and stay in touch with your suppliers for the latest updates.e industry news and stay in touch with your suppliers for the latest updates.