Dentures in the Virgin Islands

• Customization: Dentures are tailored to each individual’s mouth using molds, ensuring a unique fit whether all teeth are removed or some remain, primarily using acrylic for fabrication.
• Adjustment Period: New denture wearers may experience initial discomfort, but most adapt within 30 days, with practices like speaking or singing aiding quicker adjustment.
• Maintenance: Regular brushing with soft-bristled brushes and non-abrasive denture cleaner, along with proper storage in clean water, is crucial for denture care.
• Support: VI Dental Center offers comprehensive dental services beyond dentures, including fillings, extractions, and oral hygiene education, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance throughout the dental care journey.
• You can reach us at (340) 776-6056 for our St. Thomas location or (340) 772-6000 for our St. Croix office. For more information, complete our contact form.

If you are interested in getting dentures for any reason, you will want to ensure you receive quality care that prioritizes your health and well-being. Whether you’re considering dentures for the first time or looking for an upgrade, VI Dental Center is equipped to meet your needs with compassion​​. Dentures in St. Croix and St. Thomas are available at VI Dental Center. Our doctors, Dr. Jones, Dr. Cabbell, Dr. Wall, Dr. Amarteifio, Dr. James, or Dr. Long and their staff utilize the latest in denture technology to bring you a healthy smile solution.

At the heart of the Virgin Islands, VI Dental Center offers a comprehensive range of dental services including dentures. We utilize the latest advancements in denture technology to ensure patients receive the highest quality care. Our commitment to bringing healthy smiles to the faces of our patients is paramount, and we utilize our personalized approach and the use of cutting-edge dental solutions. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about our services and care.

What Are Dentures?

A denture, or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth to replace natural teeth and provide support for the cheeks and lips.

Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated in varying ways:

• A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
• An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
• An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
• A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.

If you are interested in getting dentures as a part of your dental care, the team of dentists and specialists at VI Dental Center is deeply dedicated to providing comfort and quality care to every single patient, including you. Please contact us if you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment with us.

How Will Your Unique Dentures Be Made?

Every mouth and set of teeth is slightly different, meaning your dentures will likely be made using a mold. How your mold is created may depend on your number of remaining teeth, whether all of your teeth have been removed, and other factors.

After your mold is made, it will be created with the chosen material. In most cases, dentures will be made using acrylic fabrication.

Once your dentures have been formed, your dentist will have you try them on and make any adjustments necessary. These adjustments will be made to ensure your overall comfort while using this helpful dental tool. However, some discomfort is expected while you are first getting used to your dentures.

How Can You Get Used to Dentures?

You may experience some discomfort when you are first getting used to your dentures. However, most patients only take about 30 days to get used to a full set of dentures. Patients with partial dentures will get used to this device slightly faster, as the foreign object takes up less space in their mouth.

You may get used to your dentures a little faster if you practice speaking or singing while wearing them. These practices can help you get more comfortable speaking with your dentures, as your mouth may need to train itself to form certain words and sounds.

We also suggest you follow your dentist’s treatment plans and recommendations for after-care. Your dentist can give you a plethora of information about how to properly care for your dentures, get used to your new device, and much more. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact VI Dental Center.

How to Care for Your Dentures

We recommend you brush your dentures on a daily basis, if not more frequently. When cleaning your dentures, brush them using a soft-bristled brush and a denture cleaner. Ideally, the denture cleaner you use should not be very abrasive in order to maintain the longevity of your dentures. Cleaning your dentures regularly will help remove plaque and food, as well as other deposits that may appear on your dentures with regular use.

If you use an adhesive for your dentures, we also strongly recommend getting into the grooves where excess residue from the adhesive might be leftover.

It is also necessary to properly store your dentures when they are not in use, such as when you are sleeping. In particular, you should use either filtered or distilled water, as you want to avoid deposits that may appear with other water. Storing them in a glass of clean water helps keep them clean and maintain the overall shape made to fit into your mouth. This is an excellent way to minimize and avoid staining.

If you have any other questions about caring for your dentures properly, we encourage you to reach out to your dentist. There may be additional recommendations for care depending on the material used, as well as if you have additional medical or dental conditions. You are welcome to contact VI Dental Center to speak with your dentist and receive additional clarification.

How Can a Dentist Help You in Your Dental Journey?

If you have any dental issues you want addressed, including finding a denture solution that works best for you, finding a qualified and dedicated dentist is essential. Your dentist can support you in many forms of oral care as you navigate this medical process.

The team at VI Dental Center can support you in numerous ways, including but not limited to the following:

• Providing fillings, extractions, periodontal care, root canals, and crowns
• Diagnosing oral diseases, including gum disease
• Providing fluoride applications
• Teaching positive oral hygiene habits
• Offering anesthetics and sedatives
• Polishing, cleaning, and providing imaging of your teeth
• Tooth decay treatments
• Dental exams
• Orthodontic treatments
• Scaling and root planing
• Oral cancer screening and treatment
• Providing implants, veneers, and night guards
• Tooth loss prevention
• Deep cleanings

If you need dentures or want any other dental care addressed, contact the team at VI Dental Center. We’re happy to help you understand all of your options, navigate through any confusing obstacles or roadblocks, and establish as much comfort as possible while you are undergoing our treatment and care.