Best Dental Insurance Plans for Families in the U.S. (2025)

Finding the right dental insurance for your family can feel overwhelming. With rising healthcare costs and numerous plan options, many parents struggle to choose coverage that protects both their children’s smiles and their budget. Family dental care isn’t optional—it’s essential. Regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and early orthodontic interventions can prevent costly problems down the road. Yet without insurance, a simple cavity filling can cost $150-$300, while braces can reach $5,000

Is your digital presence making or breaking you with TMD patients?

An active social media presence may help oral and maxillofacial surgeons educate patients, particularly those requiring temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) surgery, according to a study recently published in the British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Furthermore, dental professionals should view social media as an important tool for patient outreach and engagement when used appropriately, the authors wrote. “Maxillofacial surgeons should consider maintaining an active and professional presence on social

OrVance aligners available in new shade

OrVance Aligner Pontics.OrVance. OrVance Aligner Pontics is now offered in a new light shade and approved for use with clear retainers like Essix. The material is designed for improved color, translucence, and fit. The new shade covers whiter tooth colors (Vita A1-C1 and M1-M3), while the original medium shade matches Vita A2-D2, offering a full range of common tooth shades.

Carbon launches denture resin

Dental technology manufacturing company Carbon has launched FP3D, a resin for 3D-printed partial dentures. A partial denture made with FP3D resin.Carbon Inc. Featuring Carbon’s dual-cure chemistry, FP3D is designed to offer 800 MPa flexural strength, durability validated through 20,000 fatigue cycles, low water sorption, and improved translucency. Developed with Keystone Industries, the material meets standards for biocompatibility, provides cost and time savings, and integrates well into digital denture workflows, according

Dental Care and Diabetes: What Every Patient Should Know

Many people are surprised to learn just how closely connected oral health and diabetes truly are. Over the years as a dentist at Thantakit International Dental Center, I’ve seen how dental care and diabetes can influence each other in ways that few people expect. Diabetes can have a strong impact on your gums, and gum disease can actually make it harder to control blood sugar. This two-way connection means that

Dr. Tom Giacobbi on what you need to know about teeth whitening

At-home whitening is an option that is appealing for many dental patients. How should dentists and team members set expectations for patients, though? Dr. Tom Giacobbi is here with another installment of his Just a Minute, Doc series with some advice that has helped him in his practice. Video transcript “Do you have a minute to talk about whitening? “When it comes to at-home whitening, it’s important to temper your

Dental Emergencies Abroad: How to Handle Them and Why Travelers Choose Thantakit in Bangkok

Dental problems can happen at the least convenient times, and I see this often with travelers. You might be exploring Bangkok’s lively night markets, hiking through Chiang Mai’s breathtaking hills, or enjoying some local street food when suddenly, something’s not right. Travel is supposed to be about freedom and discovery. The last thing anyone expects is a sharp stab of tooth pain or the sinking feeling of a crown coming

Dentalhitec launches anesthesia system in the U.S.

The QuickSleeper5.Dentalhitec Americas. Dentalhitec has launched its computer-guided system for intraosseous anesthesia — the QuickSleeper5 — in the U.S. The QuickSleeper5 is designed to provide immediate, precise numbness. Patients benefit from painless injections, no collateral numbness, and full post-treatment functionality, according to the company.

Is there an association between TMDs and diet?

Poor diet and nutrition may play a role in the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), according to a study recently published in BMC Oral Health. Affected patients often eat less nutritious foods, and they tend to consume more proinflammatory foods like ultraprocessed foods, trans fats, and refined sugars, the authors wrote. “This study highlights dietary quality as a key component of the mechanisms underlying painful TMD,” wrote the authors, led

Opalescence launches new whitening strips

Opalescence Teeth Whitening Strips.Ultradent Products Inc. Ultradent Products has expanded its Opalescence product line to launch whitening strips for at-home use. The strips are designed to remove stains and offer a comfortable slip-free fit. Each box contains 12 enamel-safe treatments, according to the company.

Managing clear aligner therapy in TMD, bruxism patients

Pain resulting from temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) or teeth grinding should be addressed before clear aligner treatment, according to research published in Seminars in Orthodontics. Patients should also be informed about possible side effects, including temporary bite changes and muscle soreness, from aligners. Blending personalized care, clear communication, and a bruxism/TMD management plan, clinicians may achieve successful orthodontic results, the authors wrote. “Treating patients with TMD and/or bruxism with clear aligners

‘MAGA dentist’ claims she lets anti-Trump patients suffer

A dentist in California who promotes herself as a “MAGA (Make America Great Again) dentist” on several social media platforms is being criticized for saying at a fundraising event that she gives patients with opposing political beliefs less pain medication. The comments Dr. Harleen Grewal of Skyline Smiles in Santa Clarita, CA, made during a political event have led to complaints being filed against her with the Dental Board of