Pediatric Dentist in Howell, MI
A Gentle Start to a
Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
At LifeSmiles Pediatric Dentistry, we know a trip to the dentist can feel big for a small kid, and for the parent bringing them. Our Howell, MI team is here to make it calm, comfortable, and even a little fun, from your child's very first visit onward.
patient-focused
dental Care in a family-friendly environment
Every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and a little bit brave at the dentist. That's the standard we hold ourselves to at every visit. Dr. Gail Czarnecki founded LifeSmiles with a simple belief: the habits and feelings a child builds around dental care early on stay with them for life — so that first experience matters enormously.
Our team takes the time other practices don't: explaining what's happening in words your child understands, moving at their pace, and treating every question from a nervous parent as a good one. We're not just treating teeth. We're building the kind of trust that makes going to the dentist something your child doesn't dread.
Our Services
Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Care, All in One Place
From routine checkups to specialized procedures, we provide complete dental care for infants, children, and teens.
Restorative dentistry
Repairing and preserving the health and function of teeth with kid-friendly care.
Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings to restore function and comfort when a cavity does appear.
Meet the doctors
Two pediatric dentists, one philosophy
Our philosophy fits in one sentence: children who feel safe at the dentist grow into adults who take care of their teeth.
Everything in our Howell office follows from that — how we greet a child, how we explain a tool before we use it, how we talk with parents about options instead of handing down instructions, and how we choose technology, like dental lasers, that makes treatment quieter and gentler.
Unlike a general dentist, a pediatric dentist completes 2 years of additional specialty training after dental school, focused only on infants, children, and teens. Both of our dentists completed that training, and our practice is active in the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Gail Czarnecki
Dr. Gail Czarnecki is a board-certified pediatric dentist with experience in private practice and university teaching. Her focus on early oral health education, cavity prevention, and infant oral health helps families build a strong foundation for lifelong healthy smiles.
Dr. Kelsey Wilkin
Dr. Kelsey is a pediatric dentist who completed her specialty training and master’s degree at the University of Michigan. She focuses on preventive care and family education, helping children build healthy habits and feel comfortable with dental care from an early age.
Our Specialty
A regional leader in laser frenectomy care
LifeSmiles offers laser frenectomy for tongue-tie and lip-tie. It's a quick, virtually painless alternative to traditional procedures, with no anesthesia and a fast recovery. If your baby or child is struggling with feeding, speech, or tongue mobility, we're here to help you understand your options with clear answers and zero pressure.
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A laser frenectomy is a short procedure that releases a too-tight frenum under the tongue or upper lip using a precise dental laser. The laser cuts and seals tissue at the same time, the procedure typically taking less than a minute, and bleeding is minimal. It is used to treat tongue-tie and lip-tie when the tightness is causing feeding, eating, or speech problems.
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You know a frenectomy is worth evaluating when a tight frenum is causing a functional problem — painful or ineffective breastfeeding, poor weight gain, gagging on foods, or speech concerns — not simply because a tie can be seen. Book an evaluation and we will assess movement and function, then recommend treatment or honest watchful waiting.
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A laser seals tissue as it releases it, which means minimal bleeding, a very short procedure, less than a minute, and typically straightforward healing. A traditional release with scissors or a scalpel can also be effective, but does not seal as it cuts.
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LifeSmiles accepts Delta Dental; coverage for a frenectomy depends on your specific plan, so confirm with us before treatment. Out-of-network patients pay up front, and LifeSmiles will submit to their insurance for reimbursement. We will explain your exact process and expected cost before the procedure is scheduled — never after.
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Start with our Frenectomy Care page and the Frenectomy FAQ, which answers the questions parents ask most.
Located in Howell, Serving Families in Livingston County & Surrounding Areas
Families throughout Howell, Brighton, Fowlerville, and the surrounding Livingston County communities trust LifeSmiles Pediatric Dentistry for one simple reason: we only do pediatric dentistry. It's the entire practice, built by dentists who trained specifically to care for children's developing teeth, comfort, and confidence at every age and stage.