Oral Health Month | 2026 | Free Press Special Feature

ORAL HEALTH MONTH

APRIL 2026 • SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Oral Health Is a Team Effort: Supporting Clients Through Every Stage of Care By Dr. Audrey Pinette

O ral Health Month is an oppor- tunity to reflect on something often overlooked: oral health is not just about teeth—it is about com- fort, function, confidence, and overall well-being. It is also best supported through a collaborative approach. Oral health is not the responsibility of one provider alone—it is a shared effort between clients and the professionals who support their care. The daily habits clients commit to play just as important a role as the treatment they receive. Here in Winnipeg, oral health is supported by a network of providers, including general dentists and dental specialists such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and orthodontists, alongside denturists who focus on the design, fit, and function of dentures. Each plays a distinct role, and when care is aligned, clients benefit from a more complete and supportive experience. At Winnipeg Denture & Implant Centre, we are grateful to work alongside dentists and dental professionals throughout the city who are equally committed to supporting our shared clients. When care is coordinated and communication is strong, it creates a more seamless and supportive experience. Tooth loss is not simply a cosmetic change—it is a significant shift in oral health. Natural teeth stimulate the jawbone and help maintain its structure. When teeth are lost, that stimula- tion is reduced, and the bone begins to change over time. This natural process, known as bone resorption, can affect the shape of the mouth, the way the jaws come together, and how a denture fits. Tooth loss affects far more than just the pres- ence of teeth—it changes the entire oral envi- ronment. In addition to bone resorption, there can be noticeable changes in facial aesthetics as the lips and cheeks lose support. Function is also affected. Chewing efficiency is reduced, speech may feel different, and the way the upper and lower jaws come together—your occlusion—can shift over time. These changes are a consequence of losing natural teeth and help explain why ongoing care is so import-

ant. With the right guidance and support, most clients are able to adapt well and regain comfort and confidence in their daily lives when missing teeth are appropriately replaced. Dentures play an important role in restoring both function and appearance after tooth loss, but it is important to approach them with realistic expectations. Unlike natural teeth, dentures are not anchored in the same way. Full dentures rest on the gums, while partial dentures rely on remaining teeth for support. Because of this, there can be natural limita- tions—particularly with lower full dentures, which can be more challenging due to the lack of suction and limited support. Over time, as the mouth continues to change, dentures require maintenance. Adjustments, relines, and eventual replacement are all part of the long-term journey. Regular follow-up care helps ensure that dentures continue to fit properly and that the underlying oral tissues remain healthy. This is where the collaborative care model becomes especially important. Dentists and dental specialists are essential in monitor- ing oral health, diagnosing conditions, and providing treatment when needed. Dentur- ists focus on the design, fit, and function of dentures, ensuring they are tailored to each client’s anatomy and needs. Open commu- nication between providers allows care to be coordinated thoughtfully and effectively. For clients, this means you are not navigating these changes alone. You are supported by a network of professionals who each bring their expertise to your care, helping ensure both short-term comfort and long-term oral health are prioritized. Within our clinic, one of the ways we support this process is through our on-site labora- tory. Having a lab within the clinic allows our denturists, Greg Pinette and Kevin Choi, to oversee each step of the denture process directly—from initial impressions to final fabrication. This allows for careful attention to detail and efficient adjustments when needed. We also use high-quality materials from Ivoclar, a globally respected name in dental manufacturing with over 100 years of expe-

Our team, supporting your smile every step of the way.

Oral Health Month serves as a reminder that maintaining oral health is an ongoing process. Whether you currently have natural teeth, wear dentures, or are somewhere in between, regular care and professional guidance remain important. It is not about a single treatment, but a long-term commitment to health and well-being. At Winnipeg Denture & Implant Centre, we are proud to be one part of that journey. We believe in working collaboratively, communicating openly, and supporting each client with care that is thoughtful and transparent. Alongside dentists and dental specialists throughout Winnipeg, our shared goal is simple: to help every client feel comfortable, confident, and well-supported at every stage of their oral health. If you have questions about dentures or changes in your oral health, we are always here to pro- vide guidance and work alongside your dental team to support your care.

rience. Their denture teeth are designed with layered aesthetics that closely resemble the natural variation found in real enamel. While no denture can fully replicate natural teeth, thoughtful material selection and precise craftsmanship can make a meaningful differ- ence in both appearance and comfort. An important part of the process is ensuring that clients are informed and involved. During the try-in stage, dentures are first created in wax, allowing clients to preview their smile and provide feedback before the final version is completed. Refinements can then be made to shape, fit, and appearance to help ensure the final result feels natural and personalized. Beyond the technical aspects, oral health is deeply personal. It affects how we eat, speak, and interact with others, and can influence confidence in both subtle and significant ways. Taking the time to understand each client’s experience—and supporting them through each stage of care—is essential.

Complete, partial & implant-supported dentures Emergency denture care & onsite laboratory Unparalleled craftsmanship & service with integrity and care Modern, calm & comfortable office

Greg Pinette, Denturist & Associates