Dr. Emily Yu has devoted her career, focused on developing excellent clinical skills and providing personalized care with a fun and family-oriented private practice setting, for over 20 years. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine. She completed her Orthodontic Residency at Temple University and obtained a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics along with a Master of Science in Dentistry (M.S.D.). She is also a trained and certified provider for Invisalign.

Dr. Yu as been actively involved with the American Cancer Society and gives back to the community with her annual sponsorship for Makes Strides Against Breast Cancer and Relay for Life. She has served as a committee member for the Somerset County Asian American Heritage Month Celebration (SCAAMC) since 2007. She also supports the Smile Train, which performs cleft palate surgeries for children in extremely underprivileged areas.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive an evaluation by age 7. An early examination allows the orthodontist to monitor the jaws and teeth development. Children under the age of 7 may also benefit from early treatment to correct habits, such as thumb or finger sucking, or tongue thrusting with abnormal swallowing habits.

An early treatment is to take advantage of a child's growth and to move jaw bones and muscles (also know as Dentofacial orthopedics) into the proper position. It can significantly minimize the need for removal of permanent teeth and future jaw surgery. By starting early, you have given your child the best chance for the best result.

The average time a patient wears braces is approximately 12 to 30 months. However, each patient is unique and the actual treatment time depends on patient's specific orthodontic problems. A few factors come into play for the treatment time: the amount of correction needed, the rate of the patients growth, the maintenance of proper oral hygiene, and the cooperation of the patient.

Generally, braces do not hurt. Advances in orthodontic technology have reduced the discomfort associated with braces. When the braces are first applied and after certain adjustments, patients may feel some soreness and tenderness in the teeth and gums. These discomfort situations can be treated with an OTC pain-reliever such as Advil or Tylenol. After you get used to your braces, you probably won't even notice you have them.

The new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures. The extraction of teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment. In some cases, removing teeth is required to achieve the best orthodontic result. If you have teeth removed your braces will close up the spaces.

Yes, In some cases an early intervention is necessary to correct some specific problems (ie. tooth size and jaw size discrepancy, crossbite, thumb sucking and tongue thrust). This early treatment does not mean children will not require braces once all their permanent teeth are present. This early treatment can however improve the overall outcome and can lead to a shorter Phase II phase treatment ( full braces).