Free for Kids Ages 7+
Haeger Hedgehogs
Kids Club
Not every child is ready for braces right away — and that’s perfectly okay. Our Hedgehogs Club is a free, fun growth-monitoring program that keeps a close eye on your child’s smile until the time is just right.
What Is the Hedgehogs Club?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child see an orthodontist by age 7 — even if their teeth look fine. The Hedgehogs Club is our answer to that recommendation.
Expert Monitoring
Dr. Haeger tracks your child’s jaw development, tooth eruption, and bite at every visit — catching the exact right moment to begin treatment.
A Membership Experience
Members receive a welcome kit, a stamp card, prizes at each visit, and special recognition at graduation — making every appointment something to look forward to.
Completely Complimentary
All monitoring visits are 100% free. No hidden fees, no pressure — just expert care and a warm relationship built long before treatment begins.
Why Does It Start at Age 7?
By age 7, enough permanent teeth have erupted that an orthodontist can evaluate jaw relationships, bite development, and potential concerns with real precision. That doesn’t mean treatment starts at 7 — in fact, only about 10–15% of children actually need early (Phase 1) treatment.
The Hedgehogs Club is designed for the majority — the kids who don’t need treatment yet, but benefit enormously from being watched by an expert. When the moment is exactly right, we’re already there.
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Crossbites and underbites caught early
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Severe crowding identified before it worsens
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Jaw discrepancies monitored during growth window
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Harmful oral habits addressed proactively
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Future comprehensive treatment often shorter and easier
7+
AAO Recommended Starting Age
Initial Screening
Free complimentary exam & enrollment
Regular Monitoring
Every 6–12 months based on your child
Graduation Day
Certificate, prize & your smile journey begins!
Perks of Being a Hedgehog
We believe orthodontic visits should be something kids actually look forward to. Here’s what every member gets.
Welcome Kit
Every new member gets a kit packed with goodies at their very first visit:
Personalized Hedgehogs Club membership card
Haeger-branded sticker sheet
Toothbrush with Haeger branding
A hedgehog plushie to take home
Stamp card to track visit milestones
"What to Expect" guide for parents
Stamp Card Milestones
Earn a stamp at every visit and unlock bigger prizes along the way:
Visit 1
Welcome Stamp
Sticker pack, temp tattoo, or bouncy ball
Visit 3
Halfway Hero
Gift card, small LEGO set, or art supplies
Visit 5
Level Up!
Haeger swag bag or $10–15 gift card
Graduate!
Graduate!
Certificate, special prize & practice wall photo
What Happens at Each Monitoring Visit?
Visits are short, friendly, and focused. Here’s what to expect every time you come in.
STEP 01
Expert Monitoring
Staff greet your child by name. Hedgehogs Club members are always acknowledged when they arrive.
STEP 01
Clinical Check
Dr. Haeger reviews photos, measurements, and eruption patterns. Panoramic X-rays as needed — always complimentary.
STEP 01
Parent Update
We explain exactly what we observed in plain language and confirm your child’s next monitoring interval.
STEP 01
Stamp & Prize
Your child gets a stamp on their card and picks a prize from our reward station. Then you schedule the next visit before you leave.
Is My Child a Good Fit?
Most children referred by their dentist or pediatric dentist are great candidates. Your child may be eligible if they:
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Personalized Hedgehogs Club membership card
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Have been told "not yet" by a dentist or orthodontist
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Have no significant untreated decay
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Live in or regularly visit the Kent or Maple Valley area
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Have a parent or guardian who can attend the initial exam
Children who are immediately ready to begin Phase 1 or comprehensive treatment transition directly to our treatment workflow — not the Hedgehogs Club.
How Do Families Join?
1
Schedule a Complimentary Exam
Call either office or book online. Mention you heard about the Hedgehogs Club — a referral from your dentist, a sibling already in the practice, or your own research all work.
2
Meet Dr. Haeger
At the initial exam, Dr. Haeger evaluates your child's development and determines whether monitoring is the right next step.
3
Sign Up & Get the Welcome Kit
If enrollment is recommended, our Treatment Coordinator walks you through the program. Your child gets their welcome kit and their first stamp right there.
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Come Back When It's Time
We schedule the next appointment before you leave. You'll receive a reminder 48 hours in advance. That's it.
Monitoring Interval — What to Expect
Dr. Haeger sets the monitoring interval based on your child’s individual situation. There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule.
Active Watch
Every 6 Months
Active concern being monitored or dentition changing quickly
Regular Check-In
Every 8–10 Months
Moderate concern with growth generally in an expected range
Annual Check
Every 6 Months
Minimal concern — monitoring as a precaution while things develop
Available at Both Locations
The Hedgehogs Club runs at both Haeger Orthodontics offices. Attend whichever is most convenient — your child’s complete record is shared across both locations.
Kent, WA
Our Kent location serves families throughout the greater Kent area and nearby communities.
Maple Valley, WA
Our Maple Valley location is convenient for families in Maple Valley, Covington, and Black Diamond.
Ready to Join the Smile Team?
Your child’s smile journey starts with one complimentary visit. We’re not in a hurry — we just want to be ready when the moment is right.