Understanding Your Dental Implant Options: Aspen Dental in East Orlando, FL

When you start looking into tooth replacement, the options can feel like a lot to sort through. Dentures, dental implants and implant dentures may sound similar at first, and it is not always clear how they differ or which option fits your needs.

The right choice is not the same for everyone. Your oral health, daily routine and long-term goals all play a role in finding a solution that feels right for you.

At Aspen Dental in Waterford Lakes, Dr. Jere Gillan Jr. and the care team help patients across East Orlando understand their options clearly. From traditional dentures to implant-supported solutions, they take time to explain how each option works so you can move forward feeling informed and confident.

Care led by Dr. Jere Gillan Jr. at Aspen Dental Waterford Lakes

At Aspen Dental in Waterford Lakes, Dr. Jere Gillan Jr. brings a thoughtful, patient-first approach to care. He understands that tooth loss affects more than appearance. It can influence how you feel day to day and how confident you are in everyday situations.

Dr. Gillan takes time to listen before discussing treatment options. By understanding your concerns, lifestyle and goals, he helps guide you through solutions that make sense for you. Whether you are considering replacing a single tooth or exploring full-mouth options, he explains each choice in clear, straightforward terms.

For residents of Waterford Lakes and the surrounding East Orlando area, having a trusted care team close to home matters. Conveniently located near Waterford Lakes Town Center and Alafaya Trail, the Aspen Dental office serves local families and professionals looking for accessible, supportive dental care.

What are dental implants and how do they work?

A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone to help replace a missing tooth. Over time, the implant bonds with the bone, creating a stable base for a custom crown that is designed to look and function like a natural tooth.

Because implants are anchored in the jaw, they do not rest on the gums the way traditional dentures do. This allows them to stay in place during everyday activities like eating and talking. The surrounding teeth are not altered since each implant stands on its own.

Dental implants are designed to support long-term tooth replacement when they are properly placed and cared for. Your care team will evaluate your oral health, bone structure and overall needs to help determine whether implants may be a good option for you.

What denture options are available at Aspen Dental?

Aspen Dental offers several denture options designed to support different needs, preferences and budgets. The Waterford Lakes care team takes time to help you understand the differences so you can choose an option that feels right for you.

Traditional denture options include:

• Basic: A more affordable option for patients who need dependable dentures without added features

• Classic: A mid-level option with acrylic contouring for a more natural appearance and customizable tooth shades

• Signature: A digitally designed option with a stronger acrylic resin blend and additional customization choices

• Signature Elite: A premium option made with advanced materials, an extended warranty and the ability to add implant support in the future Each option is designed to meet different priorities. Some patients focus on affordability, while others are looking for added customization or a more natural look. Dr. Jere Gillan Jr. and the care team at Aspen Dental in Waterford Lakes can review samples with you and explain the differences in person.
  

How do dentures compare to implant dentures?

This is a common question for patients exploring tooth replacement. While both options replace missing teeth, they function in different ways and offer distinct benefits.

Traditional dentures:

• Rest on the gums and may use adhesive for added stability

• Are removable for cleaning and at night

• Can shift during eating or speaking

• Typically involve a lower upfront investment

• May need replacement over time due to normal wear

Implant dentures (snap-in dentures):

• Attach to implants placed in the jaw for a more secure fit

• Feel more stable during eating, speaking and smiling

• Can help restore more biting strength compared to traditional dentures

• Support jawbone health by providing stimulation to the bone

• Can be removed for daily cleaning

Many Waterford Lakes patients begin with traditional dentures and later add implant support. The Signature Elite denture option is designed with this flexibility in mind, allowing patients to adjust their treatment as their needs change over time.

What is a full fixed arch solution?

A full fixed arch solution is a tooth replacement option designed to stay securely in place throughout the day. Unlike snap-in dentures that are removed daily, a full fixed arch is attached to dental implants and is only removed by your care team during professional visits.

This approach uses multiple implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. Many patients find that a full fixed arch feels closer to natural teeth than other options, with added stability that can make everyday activities feel more natural and predictable.

Full fixed arch treatment typically involves a longer treatment timeline and a higher investment than traditional dentures. Dr. Jere Gillan Jr. can help you understand whether this option aligns with your oral health, lifestyle and long-term goals.

How does an onsite dental lab benefit Waterford Lakes patients?

One benefit of choosing Aspen Dental is access to an onsite dental lab. Many dental offices send lab work to outside facilities, which can extend treatment timelines and delay adjustments. At Aspen Dental in Waterford Lakes, lab technicians work in the same location as your care team. This allows for:

• Quicker turnaround on dentures and repairs

• Same-day adjustments when a denture does not fit as expected

• Direct communication between your care team and the technician creating your dentures

• Dentures completed in as few as two visits for qualifying patients

For many East Orlando patients with busy schedules, this approach can help reduce wait times and simplify the process, so care fits more easily into everyday life.

Same-day services and two-visit dentures are available for qualifying patients and may vary based on individual treatment needs.

What are the cost and payment options?

The cost of dental implants or dentures depends on your individual needs. Factors such as how many teeth are being replaced, your oral health and the type of solution you choose can all affect the overall investment.

At Aspen Dental in Waterford Lakes, the care team provides a clear cost estimate after your exam. They work with most insurance plans and can help you understand how your benefits apply before treatment begins. Medicaid is not accepted at Aspen Dental offices.

For patients who want to spread out the cost of care, Aspen Dental offers flexible options through third-party lenders. Many patients who apply for third-party financing are approved, making it easier to plan treatment over time.

Why Waterford Lakes residents choose Aspen Dental

Waterford Lakes residents value care that fits into busy schedules and supports everyday confidence. Aspen Dental serves patients across East Orlando with solutions designed to be both accessible and convenient.

Located near Waterford Lakes Town Center and Alafaya Trail, the office offers flexible scheduling and same-day appointments for urgent dental needs. This allows patients to receive care without unnecessary delays.

Whether you are balancing work, family or time spent enjoying the local community, the team at Aspen Dental understands how important a complete smile can be to your quality of life.

Frequently asked questions about dental implants and dentures

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report that the procedure feels manageable. Dental implants are placed using local anesthesia, and post-treatment tenderness is often handled with over-the-counter medication. Many patients return to their normal routines within a short period of time.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to support long-term tooth replacement with proper care and maintenance. The crown attached to the implant may need replacement over time due to normal wear, but the implant itself is intended to provide lasting support.

Can I move from dentures to implants later?

Yes. Many patients begin with traditional dentures and later add implant support. The Signature Elite denture option at Aspen Dental is designed with this flexibility in mind. Dr. Jere Gillan Jr. can help you understand options that allow for future changes.

Does Aspen Dental accept Medicaid?

No. Medicaid is not accepted at Aspen Dental offices. The team works with most PPO insurance plans and offers financing options through third-party lenders. Many patients who apply for financing are approved.

What is the difference between implant dentures and a full fixed arch?

Implant dentures, sometimes called snap-in dentures, attach to implants and can be removed for cleaning. A full fixed arch is secured to implants and is only removed by your care team during professional visits. Both provide more stability than traditional dentures but suit different preferences and lifestyles.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The implant process typically takes several months. After placement, time is needed for the jawbone to heal and bond with the implant. A temporary tooth replacement may be used during this period. Once healing is complete, the final restoration is placed.

Can I get implants if I have bone loss?

In many cases, yes. Bone grafting procedures can help rebuild bone to support implants. Your care team will evaluate your situation and review all available options. Advances in implant treatment have expanded possibilities for many patients.

Schedule an appointment in Waterford Lakes

Understanding your options is the first step toward a solution that fits your life. Whether you are exploring dentures, implant dentures or a full fixed arch, Dr. Jere Gillan Jr. and the care team at Aspen Dental in Waterford Lakes are here to guide you.

When you schedule an appointment, the conversation starts with your goals. You leave with a clear understanding of your options and next steps.

Your smile matters.