In orthodontics, relationships are everything. You build trust with your patients over months or even years, guiding them through their treatment. You rely on referrals from other dental professionals, knowing that word-of-mouth recommendations are the lifeblood of a thriving practice.
But there’s one relationship that often gets overlooked: the one with your orthodontics lab.
Your lab isn’t just a vendor; it’s a critical partner in your ability to deliver high-quality orthodontic appliances on time, keep treatment plans on schedule, and maintain a stellar reputation. A strong relationship with the right lab leads to fewer remakes, smoother workflows, and better patient outcomes. A weak relationship, on the other hand, creates delays, errors, and unnecessary stress for you and your team.
Says OrthoDenco managing partner Rene Silva, “Orthodontists work hard to build strong relationships with their patients, but if they don’t have the same kind of trusted relationship with their lab, they’re setting themselves up for unnecessary problems. A lab that treats you like just another order number is a lab that will eventually let you down.”
Let’s explore why your orthodontics lab partnership matters and what to look for in a lab that truly supports your success.
Why the Right Orthodontics Lab Matters
Every orthodontic appliance is custom-made, meaning precision, timing, and communication are essential. If your lab doesn’t understand your specific preferences and treatment goals, you’ll run into:
- Appliances that don’t fit correctly, leading to adjustments and wasted chair time.
- Late deliveries, which disrupt treatment schedules and frustrate patients.
- Poor customer support, making it difficult to get quick answers when issues arise.
These challenges don’t just create logistical headaches—they hurt your bottom line. Studies show that orthodontic practices lose an average of $30,000 per year due to inefficiencies, miscommunication, and delays from external vendors, including labs (Dental Economics).
“A bad lab doesn’t just send bad appliances,” Silva explains. “It sends you problems you didn’t have time for in the first place. The time you spend adjusting or replacing a faulty appliance is time you could have spent treating another patient or building your practice.”
When you have a lab that prioritizes relationships, everything changes. You get faster solutions, fewer errors, and a seamless experience that benefits both you and your patients.
The Difference Between a Vendor and a Partner
Some orthodontics labs operate like high-volume, low-touch manufacturers. They churn out appliances without much concern for individual orthodontists’ needs. Others take a partnership approach, working closely with you to ensure every appliance is made to your exact specifications.
A Vendor’s Approach:
- Processes orders with minimal communication.
- Offers little flexibility or customization.
- Treats your case as just another file in the system.
- Requires multiple follow-ups when problems arise.
A True Partner’s Approach:
- Takes the time to understand your practice’s specific preferences.
- Works collaboratively to troubleshoot complex cases.
- Communicates proactively about timelines, materials, and improvements.
- Provides direct access to experienced technicians when you need assistance.
“An orthodontic lab that values relationships doesn’t just fulfill orders—it anticipates your needs,” Silva says. “We make sure every appliance fits seamlessly into the way you work, so you don’t have to think about whether it’s going to be right. You just know.”
The difference between these two models isn’t just convenience—it directly impacts patient care.
For example, if an orthodontic appliance doesn’t fit correctly and a patient has to return for adjustments, it can extend treatment time by several weeks. Patients who experience frequent disruptions in their treatment plan are less likely to follow through with their care and less likely to refer friends and family (American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics).
How a Strong Lab Relationship Benefits Your Practice
Fewer Errors, Less Chair Time
A lab that knows your preferences—and prioritizes accuracy—will produce consistently high-quality orthodontic appliances that fit correctly the first time. This means:
- Fewer remakes and adjustments.
- Less time spent troubleshooting issues.
- Happier patients who stay on schedule.
According to the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, practices that work with high-quality, relationship-driven labs report a 30% reduction in appliance remakes and significantly lower rates of treatment delays (JCO Online).
“An appliance that fits perfectly the first time isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Silva explains. “If a lab consistently gets it wrong, that’s a red flag. You don’t just need good appliances. You need a lab that understands why accuracy matters in the first place.”
Faster Resolutions to Problems
Even the best labs will occasionally run into issues—what matters is how quickly and effectively those issues are resolved. When you have a strong relationship with your orthodontics lab, you get:
- Direct access to technicians for quick problem-solving.
- Faster turnaround times on remakes or adjustments.
- Proactive updates so you’re never left wondering where an order stands.
Silva emphasizes the importance of a direct line of communication between orthodontists and lab technicians. “When a lab really values your business, they make sure you can reach them whenever you need to. There’s no waiting days for an email response, no automated messages. Just real people who are there to help.”
More Consistency, Less Guesswork
Orthodontists who bounce between multiple labs often experience inconsistent results. One aligner might fit perfectly, while the next is off by just enough to require adjustments. One retainer may arrive on time, while another is delayed by weeks.
When you commit to one trusted lab partner, you gain consistency. Your lab learns:
- Your preferred materials and specifications.
- Your expectations for turnaround times.
- How to anticipate your needs before problems arise.
This consistency reduces stress and streamlines your workflows. You won’t have to second-guess whether an appliance will be right—you’ll know it will be.
Why OrthoDenco Prioritizes Relationships
At OrthoDenco, we believe that an orthodontics lab should be more than just a supplier—it should be a trusted partner in your success.
- Personalized Service: We take the time to understand how you work and what your patients need.
- Unmatched Accuracy: Every appliance is made to your exact specifications, reducing remakes.
- Consistent, On-Time Delivery: You’ll never have to reschedule patients because of a late order.
- Direct Technician Access: No automated systems—just real, experienced professionals ready to help.
“You will see the difference quickly when you work with us,” Silva says. “We love what we do, and we love the peace of mind we’re able to bring our customers—and their patients.”
Final Thoughts
Your orthodontics lab isn’t just another vendor—it’s a key player in your ability to provide great care, run an efficient practice, and grow your business. The difference between a lab that treats you like just another order number and one that prioritizes relationships can mean fewer remakes, faster case resolution, and happier patients.
If your current lab isn’t providing the level of service and consistency you need, it’s time to consider a partner that will.
Contact OrthoDenco today to see what a real partnership looks like.