At Mark A. Cruz, DDS, we treat the “why” behind conditions such as snoring, sleep apnea, and crowded teeth. This approach differs from other dentists and providers in Dana Point, California, and beyond. Our healthcare system tends to manage symptoms. It doesn’t focus on resolving the root cause. Furthermore, Dr. Cruz appreciates that widespread conditions are rooted in environmental factors. Originating at birth and quite literally “under our nose,” these factors represent a radical departure in human evolution. Consider how third molars (“wisdom teeth”) often don’t align with what “nature intended.” Our genetic expression or potential is inhibited by an … Read Full Article
Our dentist, Dr. Mark A. Cruz, describes obstructive sleep apnea as an “end-stage diagnosis” akin to metastatic cancer. We are not being alarmist; instead, we make this comparison to underscore our approach to treating airway problems. Our team in Dana Point, California, emphasizes early intervention. OSA did not arise overnight. It may have begun as a seemingly innocent snore. Just as cancer doctors ideally “catch” tumors early into the disease process (before they have metastasized), we want to detect and intervene with snoring and earlier-stage disorders before they progress into full-blown OSA. Reasons for poor sleep must be identified and … Read Full Article
At the office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS in Dana Point, California, we target the root cause of many common diseases and dysfunction. We don’t simply manage the symptoms. And these causes are quite literally right under our noses, often originating right after we are born. The importance of breathing quality We tend to assume that proper or optimal breathing is second nature. But many of us are not breathing correctly or the way that nature intended. In fact, we may chalk up physiological issues with breathing to the stress of day-to-day life or attribute it to our psychological state. … Read Full Article
Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive way to improve many different conditions that can arise from improperly functioning oral structures, such as the facial muscles and tongue. Patients in the Dana Point, CA area, can benefit from this exciting type of therapy with the guidance of experienced dentist Dr. Mark A. Cruz. The science of myofunctional therapy “Myofunctional therapy” may sound like a complicated term, but at its core, it is similar to physical therapy for your oral structures. Myofunctional therapy is used to fine-tune how the tongue and oral-facial muscles function to improve their strength, which can, in turn, resolve … Read Full Article
Breathing: Most of us don’t think about this basic function we perform on a daily basis, but having a healthy airflow is vital to your overall well-being and quality of life. Many airflow problems can be resolved with dental treatments from a dentist with an in-depth knowledge of the integral relationship between oral structures, breathing, and airflow. At the dental office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS in Dana Point, patients receive personalized airway focused dental care to enhance their oral health and overall well-being. What is airway focused dental care? Airway focused dentistry is a field of dentistry that has … Read Full Article
“Dentistry” is primarily associated with diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the teeth and gums. We at Mark A. Cruz, DDS in Dana Point, California, are early 15 years innovators in a type of dentistry that is characterized as “airway centered.” Airway centered or airway focused dentistry As humans have evolved and dietary changes have occurred, our airway has become smaller. This process has resulted in a health crisis. Our airways need room to function as intended. The healthy function involves breathing through the nose. Due to the changes mentioned, insufficient room is available for the airways to support consistent and … Read Full Article
Braces do not have to be inevitable, a rite of passage. Likewise, braces or other oral appliances may be just one proactive element used to restore proper function and development and support lasting health. Mark A. Cruz, DDS, embodies the spirit of modern, innovative dentistry. Our services transcend fillings, teeth whitening, and other procedures that the public generally expects from a dentist. With his leadership and pioneering in the area of airway-focused dentistry, Dr. Cruz can provide the most effective, personalized, and non-invasive treatment option available to patients in and around Dana Point, including Myobrace®. Benefits galore Myobrace® represents a … Read Full Article
Patients who live in and around Dana Point, CA, are fortunate to have a pioneer and leader in airway-focused dentistry in their own backyard. As a dentist who trains other dentists in this approach, Dr. Mark Cruz has exceptional knowledge and experience in identifying and resolving the many problems that arise due to a deficient or dysfunctional airway. An unobstructed airway is essential to move oxygen through the body. So, problems with the airways can have severe implications for your overall health and quality of life. The “airway-focused” difference Our team‘s analysis and care transcend the teeth and gums and … Read Full Article
Your breath is a core component of your overall health and wellbeing. To breathe effectively and efficiently, there are several systems and structures that must be operating correctly and in unison. Otherwise, you may encounter complicated symptoms or long-term side effects like facial distortions or heart problems. In the video below, Dr. Mark Cruz discusses the Five Functional Competencies, which include your lips, the roof of your mouth, facial muscles, cranial nerves, and a patent pharynx (when sleeping). If any of these competencies are threatened you will start to see compensations in the form of disruptive symptoms, such as snoring … Read Full Article
Dr. Mark Cruz is a board-certified dentist who specializes in airway dentistry, treating patients in the Dana Point, CA area. He recognizes the important link between your facial structures and your overall wellbeing. The structures of your face — your nose, throat, jaw, etc. — directly impact your body’s ability to draw breath. Issues in any of these areas can lead to other health problems and potential facial distortions. Dr. Cruz specializes in working with patients with airway issues, identifying the cause, and offering effective treatment solutions, from myobrace treatments and myofunctional therapy to orthodontics and special dental appliances. The … Read Full Article
