
Nov
According to Dr. Mark Cruz, an ideal candidate for cosmetic dentistry is
any person who has a particular pressing concern about their smile and
how it affects their entire facial appearance.
However, a specific cosmetic dentistry procedure is not performed
on a patient after just one look. The real process starts by
establishing a proper and thorough diagnosis and understanding all the
available options for addressing a patient’s particular concern.
Moreover, comprehension of a particular procedure’s risks, benefits,
costs, and short term and long terms ramifications is also done prior to
any procedure. Hence, the role played by the patient in identifying
that he or she is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry, though
important, is not sufficient.
Depending on the specific treatment provided, the established
diagnosis and the patient’s goals and desires plus an understanding of
the risks and benefits, the duration for completion will vary. However,
if the treatment entails dental implants and surgical grafting or
orthodontic treatment, the end result will arrive after many months.
Hence, cosmetic dentistry can give patients their desired outcome in
days, in months or years.
There are many approaches and solutions to cosmetic problems. The
risks, benefits, and the costs vary depending on the individual’s
desires and diagnosis.
Mark A Cruz graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and started a dental practice in Monarch Beach, CA upon graduation. He has lectured nationally and internationally and is a member of various dental organizations. He was a part-time lecturer at UCLA and a member of the faculty group practice and was past assistant director of the UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry. He has served on the National Institute of Health/NIDCR (National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research) Grant review Committee in Washington D.C. as well as on the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice (Elsevier) and is currently serving on the DSMB (data safety management board) for the NPBRN (national practice-based research network.