For the Reporter

Haeger Orthodontics is giving smiles back to teens.

The Kent and Maple Valley practice recently banded new braces to three needy youth in the South King County area. They received their new braces as part of Haeger Orthodontics’ participation in the national nonprofit Smile for a Lifetime Foundation.

A year ago, Dr. Robert Haeger and his team initiated the first “Smile” program in the area.

“Bianka is so giddy, this morning is like Christmas,” said Rich Gallager of Covington, foster-to-adopt dad of the youngest of the new braces candidates, 13-year-old Bianka Anderson. “She can be really self-conscious, and I think braces will be life-changing for her.”

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the practice’s initiation of the campaign, Haeger invited the first eight recipients to come in at the same time for their six- and 12-month adjustments. Recipients represented Kent, Auburn and other nearby cities.

Haeger credits a number of other professionals in the area who have donated dental, periodontal and surgical support to the less fortunate youth.

“These candidates have disfiguring teeth,” Haeger said. “Our goal is to help them achieve a smile that will benefit them their entire lives.”

Haeger Orthodontics is looking for more Smile candidates who would benefit from the miracle of braces.

Haeger’s goal is to donate complimentary, full orthodontic treatment for eight youth every year for the foreseeable future.

Please contact the office to apply at www.mybraces.net; 253-850-7043 or drhaeger@mybraces.net.

To learn more about the campaign, visit www.S4L.org.