A Family Orthodontist for Kids and Adults
Whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult, Ellis Orthodontics provides orthodontics for all ages Mount Laurel NJ families can count on — without breaking the bank. As your orthodontist for the whole family Mount Laurel NJ trusts, we tailor every plan to the stage of life you’re in.
Age-appropriate orthodontic care South Jersey parents and adults both search for starts with one simple idea: teeth, jaws, and treatment goals change as we grow, so the right plan looks different at every stage. Dr. Len Ellis and Dr. Simona Lekht see patients from age 7 through adulthood at our single Mount Laurel office — pick your stage below to see what treatment typically looks like.
Orthodontic Treatment for Every Age: Which Stage Are You In?
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Roughly ages 7–10
Also called Phase I treatment, this catches bite and jaw-development issues while a child’s mouth is still growing.
Learn About early orthodontic treatmentChildren’s Orthodontics
School-age
Ongoing monitoring and, when needed, kids braces or appliances to guide healthy tooth eruption.
Learn About children's orthodonticsTeen Orthodontics
Phase II
Comprehensive braces for teens and clear aligners once most permanent teeth are in, focused on alignment, bite, and facial symmetry.
Learn About teen orthodonticsAdult Orthodontics
Adults
A second chance at the smile you want, plus treatment for teeth that have shifted since your teens.
Learn About adult orthodontics
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7, even if treatment doesn’t start right away — and notes that roughly 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today are adults, so it’s never too late to start either.
Why Does Age Change the Treatment Plan?
In younger children, the jaws are still growing, so treatment can guide that growth and make room for permanent teeth. In teens, most permanent teeth are in, which makes it the most common time for braces or aligners. In adults, growth is complete, so treatment focuses on moving teeth, often teeth that have shifted over the years. The goal is the same at every stage: a healthy bite and a smile you’re comfortable with.
Orthodontics for All Ages FAQs
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The AAO recommends a first check-up by age 7, even if your child isn’t ready for treatment yet.
Is it too late to get braces or Invisalign as an adult?
Not at all — a growing share of our patients are adults.
Do you treat every age group at one Mount Laurel office?
Yes — Dr. Ellis and Dr. Lekht see patients from early childhood through adulthood at our single Mount Laurel, NJ location.
What happens at a first orthodontic visit?
The first visit is a free consultation. Dr. Ellis or Dr. Lekht examines the teeth, bite and jaw, takes any images needed, and explains what they see in plain language. You’ll leave knowing whether treatment makes sense now, later, or not at all.
Does my child need a referral from a dentist?
No. You can book a free consultation directly with our Mount Laurel office. Many families come in after a dentist mentions crowding or a bite concern, but a referral isn’t required.
What is the difference between Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early treatment, guides jaw growth and corrects developing problems while a child still has baby teeth. Phase II usually happens in the early teen years and aligns the permanent teeth once most have come in. Not every child needs both phases.
Can parents and kids be in treatment at the same time?
Yes. Because we treat every age group at one office, we can often schedule a parent’s and a child’s visits together. Treatment plans are still built separately, since adult teeth and growing jaws respond differently.
Which treatments do you offer for each age group?
Younger children may need an expander or another growth-guiding appliance. Kids and teens are most often treated with metal braces, clear braces or Invisalign. Adults usually choose Invisalign or clear braces, though metal braces remain an option. Your doctor recommends what fits your bite and your goals.
How do I know which stage my family member is in?
Age is only a rough guide. What matters is which teeth are in and whether the jaws are still growing. A consultation answers that quickly, and there’s no cost to find out.
Reviewed by Dr. Len Ellis, orthodontist. Last updated October 2026.
Serving Families Across South Jersey
From early treatment to adult orthodontics, families visit our Mount Laurel office from these nearby towns:
Marlton, NJ
Marlton families can meet our orthodontist Marlton NJ team.
Moorestown, NJ
Moorestown families are a short drive away. Visit our orthodontist Moorestown NJ page.
Medford, NJ
Medford families can learn more on our orthodontist Medford NJ page.
Cherry Hill, NJ
Cherry Hill families can find details on our orthodontist Cherry Hill NJ page.
Voorhees, NJ
Voorhees families can plan a first visit on our orthodontist Voorhees NJ page.
Start your family’s journey today
Schedule a free consultation for any age, from your child’s first check-up to your own smile goals.