The key to straight, healthy teeth is proper growth and development of the oral cavity. This ensures enough room for the teeth and tongue to function properly. Without enough room, problems such as crowded teeth, sleep-disordered breathing, and TMJ ensue. Unlike traditional orthodontics, the Myobrace treatment system addresses underlying issues that lead to crooked teeth. Myobrace is designed to correct poor oral habits while also treating jaw development problems. Dr. Mark Cruz in Dana Point, CA offers Myobrace for adults and children. Myobrace treatment for adults Children as young as three can be treated with Myobrace to ensure proper growth … Read Full Article
Dr. Mark Cruz is a dentist in Dana Point, CA who offers the ALF dental appliance for children and adults. The Advanced Light Force (ALF) dental appliance works to improve the health, appearance, and function of the entire oral cavity. This device can help guide the teeth, tongue, and jaw into proper positioning for a healthy, functional smile. What is an ALF dental appliance? The ALF appliance has a unique, sophisticated design that produces results beyond those of traditional dentistry and orthodontics. It has multiple purposes and abilities including: Addressing and balancing the patient’s bite and tongue placementProviding constant, gentle … Read Full Article
Did you know your dentist can do more than just examine your teeth and gums? He also examines your airway to ensure you can breathe and sleep properly. For an airway dental office near me, contact Dr. Mark Cruz. Dr. Cruz is an airway focused dentist who treats patients in Laguna Niguel, CA, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Cruz understands the airway and common breathing issues. Proper treatment helps protect your overall health and improves your quality of life. Airway dentistry for sleep-disordered breathing An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with an estimated 80 percent of cases … Read Full Article
The structures in your mouth do much more than just help you enjoy food – they are critical for healthy breathing, speaking, and sufficiently chewing your food for optimal digestion. Because of this, a weak tongue and facial muscles can contribute to a variety of systemic issues that affect your entire body, such as poor digestion or the development of obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Mark A. Cruz, dentist in Dana Point, CA, uses a comprehensive array of airway-focused and functional treatments to address the underlying causes of these issues rather than just treating the symptoms. Among these, myofunctional therapy is … Read Full Article
At the dental practice of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, patients in the Dana Point, CA area can rely on comprehensive dental care that focuses on improving their overall health and well-being, including airway-focused therapies and non-traditional orthodontic treatments. The ALF appliance, which stands for “Advanced Lightwire Functionals,” is a specialized appliance that provides gentle realignment of the jaw, teeth, and dental arch to improve patients’ overall quality of life. How the ALF appliance works The ALF appliance is a customized oral device that is designed using the principles of cranial osteopathy to promote better function of the jaw muscles, place … Read Full Article
Does your partner complain that you snore throughout the night? Do you find yourself waking up regularly, tossing and turning? Or are you groggy and feel like you just haven’t gotten enough rest when you wake up in the morning? If so, you may have sleep apnea, a disorder in which your breathing becomes restricted while you sleep. Dr. Mark Cruz, dentist in Dana Point, CA, is extensively trained on how to screen for this sleep disorder, as well as how to manage and treat it with a multi-disciplinary approach that includes oral appliance therapy. Why treat sleep apnea? Sleep … Read Full Article
SDB (Sleep disordered breathing) is a group of medical conditions that are characterized by abnormalities in the quality or pattern of respiratory activity. These include snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, and OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). All of these conditions involve restriction of the airway. With snoring and upper respiratory resistance syndrome, the airway is partially blocked, and the sympathetic nervous system is still functioning properly. It is important to address these conditions before they become apnea, which can have much more serious consequences. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing, known as apneic events. During these events, the … Read Full Article
Spinal posture has a tremendous influence on a child’s overall development – the difference between growing up with an apathetic slouch, or standing tall and proud. Did you know that facial posture also impacts your child’s lifelong appearance? Early intervention with facial growth guidance fosters an attractive profile and straighter teeth and easier breathing. Understanding ALF ALF is an acronym for “advanced light functional wire.” ALF combines oral appliance therapy, lessons in proper facial posture, and sometimes permanent teeth straightening with orthodontics. Characteristics of good oral posture include (when swallowing): Tongue on the roof of the mouth.Teeth together.Lips closed. Airway … Read Full Article
Dental caries is a common oral disease, which can lead to cavities and a host of other dental problems without treatment. Historically, dental caries were largely ignored. Cavities were filled, and when new ones formed, they were filled. The process continued until the tooth structure was too badly damaged for a filling. Many dental offices continue to take this approach, but there is a better way. Dr. Mark Cruz practices advanced dentistry, based on the latest scientific knowledge and evidence. Therefore, he focuses on helping patients avoid cavities by understanding and reducing their caries risk factors. Designing a treatment plan … Read Full Article
Dental fillings repair cavities but don’t address the underlying cause. Cavities are a symptom of dental caries, a type of oral bacterial infection. It is a prevalent condition across all age groups. For many people, it is a chronic disease. Dr. Mark Cruz, of Dana Point, focuses on helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health, which means understanding and addressing the risk factors for caries. Caries begins with biofilm The mouth is host to millions of microorganisms, which colonize into a sticky layer. Known as biofilm, it is present even in the healthiest mouth. Current scientific research indicates that … Read Full Article
