isMobile() ? ($detect->isTablet() ? 'tablet' : 'phone') : 'computer'); $mobile = false; if ($detect->isMobile() || $detect->isTablet()) { $mobile = true; } else { $mobile = false; } ?> Cosmetic Dental Services Laguna Niguel | Perfect Smile CA | Mark A Cruz DDS

From the Desk of Dr. Cruz: Cosmetic Dentistry

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I have been a patient of Dr. Cruz for 20 years. My only regret is that I didn't find him much sooner in my life. These days it is very difficult, actually almost impossible to find any doctors that care about their patients as sincerely as he does. Dr. Cruz's first priority is always about preventive care and repairing any issues you may have. Most importantly, he take his patients care very seriously and takes quality time to explain everything he is going to do and give you a good education on what's best for you.
Finally and very important to me, he prides himself on making sure you never feel pain during any procedure. Thank you Dr. Cruz for taking such great care of you patients.
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Full Mouth Rehabilitation

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Before
After
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Diagnostic Wax up Prior to Treatment
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Before
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Before
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Final Smile

Silver Filling Replacement

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Silver Filling Replacement BEFORE
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Silver Filling Replacement AFTER
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Silver Filling Replacement AFTER SIDE VIEW
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Silver Filling Replacement BEFORE
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Silver Filling Replacement AFTER
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Failing composite (tooth colored) filling on lower first molar & decay under existing porcelain crown on 2nd molar
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Removal and clean out of old filling material and crown.
<?php echo $pk;?> - Restoration of 1st molar with ceramic onlay
Restoration of 1st molar with ceramic onlay and new porcelain crown on 2nd molar. Note natural appearance and harmonious color match with existing tooth structure.
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Chipped tooth isolated with rubber dam ready to be restored with cosmetic bonding
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Preparation of chipped tooth for bonding
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Initial restoration of chipped tooth with composite bonding
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Final result of chipped tooth restored with cosmetic bonding
<?php echo $pk;?> - Note old tooth colored restorations
Note old tooth colored restorations
<?php echo $pk;?> - Patient smile with old tooth colored restorations
Patient smile with old tooth colored restorations. Note worn, shortened teeth
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Teeth after old tooth colored restorations removed prior to re-restoration
<?php echo $pk;?> - Restored teeth to appropriate length and proportion
Restored teeth to appropriate length and proportion with tooth colored restorations
Mark A. Cruz, DDS understands every patient has different needs and goals for treatment. Dr. Cruz and his team are equipped to offer services ranging from customized home or in-office professional whitening for modest stain correction to full-mouth rehabilitation or reconstruction, which combines procedures such as porcelain veneers and dental implant-supported teeth to improve function and comfort as well as the appearance of your smile.

For patients in Orange County and the surrounding areas who are considering services primarily for cosmetic reasons or for functional reasons with a cosmetic benefit, Dr. Cruz also offers the following procedures in addition to the treatments noted above:
  • Composite resin bonding
  • Tooth-colored fillings
  • Lifelike conventional and non-conventional bridges
  • Porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns
Please note: This is only a partial list. Dr. Cruz will discuss options for treatment once he examines your mouth and discusses goals for treatment with you.

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way, yet some patients may still think of dental procedures as what they were decades ago, prior to advancements in dental materials and techniques. Dr. Cruz is happy to clear up these misconceptions, by answering some commonly-asked questions …

Q: Do dental fillings still look like dark silver or black spots on people’s teeth?

A: Many materials are available today to fill decayed areas and rebuild tooth structure. These materials include:
  • Gold
  • Silver amalgam
  • Composite
  • Ceramic
  • Glass ionomer
Each material has its pros and its cons. A material your family member or friend prefers may not be recommended for you, depending on factors such as the location of the tooth and personal budget. Dr. Cruz makes it a priority to educate each patient on the risks and benefits of all materials.

Q: I've heard about inlays and onlays? What are they exactly?

A: These types of fillings (or restorations as they are also known) are similar to other types of fillings. The difference is they are fabricated in dental laboratories, which is similar to the approach taken when creating a customized dental crown. Since information about your mouth must be sent to an outside lab, where lab technicians make them, inlays and onlays require 2 visits:
  • The first appointment — Tooth preparation and planning, including rendering a mold or model of the tooth and surrounding teeth
  • The second appointment — Placement of the inlay or onlay
During the second visit, Dr. Cruz will also check the fit of this structure. If an inlay is what you need, it will lie within the cusps of the chewing surface of the tooth. Onlays are placed on the chewing surface and over the cusps or tips of the teeth. While a more significant alternative to a filling, these approaches are less aggressive than the conventional crown, which is considered full coverage for patients who have more damage to tooth structure.

Inlays and onlays, as well as some of the other procedures mentioned here depend on the current state or health of your mouth as well as aesthetic preferences and considerations. Call 949-661-1006 to schedule an appointment and discuss these concerns with Dr. Cruz.

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