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A visit with Dr. Arielle feels personal and unrushed—rooted in trust, education, and a whole-body understanding of dental health.

Featured Article

The Smile Garden

A New Kind of Dental Experience for a New Year

Article by Brittany Bisceglia

Photography by Luke Van Wyhe | Green Chili Media

Originally published in Windsor City Lifestyle

As the New Year inspires fresh beginnings and renewed commitment to health, one Windsor practice is reshaping how patients experience dentistry. The Smile Garden, founded by Dr. Arielle Garfinkle, DMD, blends whole-body wellness, advanced technology, and genuine human connection to create a dental experience that feels grounded, thoughtful, and deeply personal.

After ten years in practice, Dr. Arielle recognized a clear vision for the kind of environment she wanted to build. She had seen the impact of rushed appointments and unexplained procedures, but also the profound difference it makes when patients feel heard.

“I learned the value of creating real relationships with patients,” she shares. “I wanted to create a space where people felt safe and listened to, where we take the time to explain the ‘why’ behind treatment recommendations.”

That philosophy guides every aspect of The Smile Garden. Patients are shown exactly what’s happening in their mouths and how treatment decisions are made, replacing confusion with confidence. Education is central, empowering individuals to take ownership of their health.

Holistic Dentistry, Rooted in Whole-Body Understanding

For Dr. Arielle “holistic” dentistry isn’t a trend, it’s a scientific, integrative approach to care. “Holistic to me means not thinking of the mouth as separate from the rest of the body,” she explains. “If the mouth is unhealthy, something else is usually contributing.”

In addition to creating a spa-like atmosphere with private treatment rooms and a generous menu of comfort items including cooling eye gel pads, hydrating face mist, moisturizing lip scrub, and cuticle cream sourced from local Windsor business Monarch Trail Soap Company, The Smile Garden enhances every new-patient visit with a comprehensive 3D scan. This advanced imaging captures the teeth, jaw, and skull to reveal potential infections, structural concerns, or airway issues related to sleep health. By examining oral health within a whole-body context, Dr. Arielle can understand why disease is occurring rather than simply treating symptoms in isolation.

Identifying systemic contributors early allows patients to prevent deeper health issues from developing.

A Growing Integrative Wellness Ecosystem

The Smile Garden goes far beyond traditional cleanings. Dr. Arielle brings extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry, surgical procedures, extractions, and implant placement and restoration - and she continues to expand her training to provide innovative options for saving and replacing teeth.

The practice is also evolving into a collaborative wellness space. In January 2026, Dr. Arielle’s husband, Isaac Garfinkle, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and experienced family therapist will open Head First Therapy, a private practice offering individual and family counseling services with a special focus on treating and managing symptoms of ADHD. The Smile Garden
also plans to host community events with outside practitioners. Throughout the year, a visiting plastic surgeon will provide services including mole, lump, and bump removal.

To support patients without dental insurance, The Smile Garden offers two membership plans. After a new-patient exam, individuals are placed into either the Healthy Gum Plan, which includes exams, X-rays, and cleanings plus discounted treatment, or the Periodontal Plan, which includes deep cleanings, maintenance visits, and full treatment discounts for those with active gum disease.

The One Wellness Habit Dr. Arielle Wishes Everyone Would Adopt

When asked which oral-health habit matters most for whole-body wellness, her answer is
emphatic: flossing.

“Gum health is crucial,” she explains. The harmful bacteria that cause inflammation in the mouth don’t stay there. They are swallowed, affecting the digestive system, and can enter the bloodstream, where they have been linked to heart disease and even Alzheimer’s. “It’s all connected,” she says. “Flossing is a small habit with big, whole-body benefits.”

Discover Your Pathway to Better Overall Health

At The Smile Garden, patients are welcomed as whole people, not just sets of teeth. Dr. Arielle has created a practice rooted in relationships, transparency, and long-term wellness, and is a place where dentistry becomes a pathway to better overall health.
To learn more about The Smile Garden and how you can restore your overall health this year, visit www.smilegardenwindsor.com or call 970-528-8583 to begin your journey now!

“Holistic to me means not thinking of the mouth as separate from the rest of the body. If the mouth is unhealthy, something else is usually contributing.” - Dr. Arielle Garfinkle, DMD

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