Orthodontic FAQs in Mount Laurel, NJ

Both, honestly — and that’s not a dodge. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which can lower the risk of cavities and gum irritation around crowded spots, and a properly aligned bite tends to wear more evenly over time. That said, we’ll never tell you treatment is medically required if it isn’t; during your free consultation, we explain what’s cosmetic preference versus what genuinely affects function, so you can make an informed choice either way.

Start with credentials — look for an orthodontic specialist, not just a general dentist offering braces on the side. Beyond that, pay attention to how the practice communicates: do they explain things clearly, answer questions without rushing you, and offer a free consultation before asking you to commit? Reviews matter too — Ellis Orthodontics holds a 5.0-star average across 250 Google reviews from real Mount Laurel-area patients, which is a fair signal of how a practice actually treats people.

Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-fit aligners that gradually shift teeth into place, typically swapped out for a new set every one to two weeks. Most patients wear them 20–22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. Compared to metal braces, there are no wires or brackets to irritate your cheeks, and far fewer food restrictions — though your orthodontist will still check progress with periodic visits.

Most patients describe pressure and mild soreness for a few days after braces go on or are adjusted, not sharp pain. It’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods for the first day or two, and it fades as your mouth adjusts. If something feels genuinely painful rather than just achy — a poking wire, for example — that’s worth a quick call to our office rather than waiting it out.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by around age 7, even before all baby teeth are gone. That doesn’t mean treatment starts that early — often it doesn’t — but it lets us catch developing bite or jaw issues while there’s still room to guide growth, and to reassure you if everything’s tracking normally. See how we care for young patients.

Cost depends on the treatment type and complexity, which is why we start with a free evaluation rather than a generic price list. Most dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment only partially, if at all, so we also offer flexible in-house payment plans and check your specific insurance benefits before you commit to anything.

No — orthodontic treatment works at essentially any age, as long as teeth and gums are healthy enough to support tooth movement. A growing number of our patients are adults who either never had treatment as kids or are revisiting orthodontics after their teeth shifted with age.

It varies by case, but many patients complete treatment somewhere in the range of one to three years, depending on the complexity of the correction and how consistently aligners or elastics are worn as directed. We’ll give you a more specific estimate for your own smile at your consultation, since generic timelines rarely apply cleanly to a real mouth.

No referral is required — you’re welcome to schedule a free consultation directly with Ellis Orthodontics whenever you’re ready. That said, many patients do come to us after their family dentist flags something during a routine cleaning, and we’re always happy to coordinate with your dentist on care.

A general dentist handles overall oral health — cleanings, fillings, checkups. An orthodontist is a dentist who completes additional years of specialized training focused specifically on tooth movement, bite alignment, and jaw development. Dr. Ellis and Dr. Lekht are both orthodontic specialists, meaning orthodontics is their focused specialty, not a side offering.