Cosmetic Dentistry : More than a Pretty Smile
For too long , dentistry has been practiced with harmful dated techniques like patching teeth with “ silver ” mercury fillings and standing idly by watching oral health deteriorate due to “ age ” or “ normal wear .”
Dentistry can no longer be exclusively focused on teeth or sidelined as non-essential health care . The mouth is the gateway to the body , and the dental profession has an obligation to educate the public on the subject . Dr . Shanthi Cariappa , along with her “ Dental Dream Team ,” aim to stand at the forefront of the dental profession , raising the standards of care and setting the precedent on how dentistry should be practiced .
Cosmetic Dentistry , she saw how often serious health conditions lead to the need for cosmetic restorative dentistry . Inspired by the new role dentistry had in treating sleep apnea , and the affect she could have on people ’ s overall longevity and quality of life , she became a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine in 2019 .
Cosmetic dentistry is much more than Hollywood white veneers reserved for the rich and vein . It can be correcting old faulty dental work or developmental abnormalities — in fact , it ’ s often simply the beneficial outcome when providing proper dentistry . Dr . Cariappa has always been enthusiastic about the positive impact cosmetic dentistry has to one ’ s self esteem and oral health . While taking courses to become accredited by the American Academy of
Dr . Shanthi Cariappa , Dr . Kyle Malesra , Dr . Meaghan McCauley and their dental dream team provide advanced general and cosmetic dentistry at three different locations . Frenchtown Dental Associates , 2580 South County Tr ., East Greenwich , 884-7300 ; Branch Village Dental Associates , 501 Great Rd , Suite 101 , North Smithfield , 766-5428 ; Stonington Dental Associates , Pawcatuck , Connecticut , 20 South Anguilla Rd ., Suite 1 , 860-599-2505 , rictadvanceddentistry . com
82 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l FEBRUARY 2021