Most parents assume orthodontic treatment is something to consider during the teenage years, when all permanent teeth have emerged. But the American Association of Orthodontists actually recommends children receive their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7—and that timing isn't arbitrary.
At Laredo Orthodontics, Dr. Catalina Zambrano has seen firsthand how early screenings can change the trajectory of a child's dental development. As a board-certified orthodontist and active member of the AAO, Dr. Zambrano follows this evidence-based guideline because early detection means simpler, more effective treatment—and sometimes, avoiding braces altogether.
What Makes Age 7 the Ideal Time for Evaluation
By age 7, most children have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This "mixed dentition" stage provides orthodontists with valuable diagnostic opportunities that aren't available earlier or later in development.
The first permanent molars have typically erupted by this age, establishing the back bite and allowing orthodontists to evaluate how upper and lower teeth relate to each other. The front permanent incisors are usually emerging or already in place, revealing potential crowding, spacing, or alignment concerns.
Dr. Zambrano earned her Master of Science and Certificate of Orthodontics from UT Health San Antonio after completing a rigorous internship at the same institution. Her advanced training allows her to identify subtle developmental issues that general dentists may not catch during routine checkups. During early screenings, she can assess:
- Jaw Growth Patterns: whether upper and lower jaws are developing symmetrically and in proper proportion
- Bite Relationships: overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites that affect chewing and facial balance
- Tooth Eruption: permanent teeth emerging in correct positions or at risk of impaction
- Crowding Indicators: whether adequate space exists for incoming adult teeth
- Oral Habits: thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing that may affect development
Identifying these issues while children are still growing allows orthodontists to guide jaw and tooth development before bones are fully formed—often reducing or eliminating the need for more extensive treatment later.
Common Issues Detected During Early Screenings
Children's jaws and facial bones are still malleable during the elementary school years, making certain orthodontic problems easier to address at age 7 than at age 12 or 14. Dr. Zambrano, who grew up in a family of dental professionals in Monterrey, Mexico—her father is an orthodontist and her mother a periodontist—brings generational expertise to recognizing conditions that benefit from early intervention.
Crossbites occur when upper teeth fit inside lower teeth rather than outside them. Left untreated, crossbites can cause uneven jaw growth and affect facial symmetry. Early correction guides the jaw into proper alignment while bones are still developing.
Crowding happens when there isn't enough space in the jaw for permanent teeth to emerge properly. Early treatment can create room for incoming teeth, potentially eliminating the need for extractions during adolescent orthodontic care.
Protruding Front Teeth not only affect appearance but increase injury risk during play and sports. Children with protruding teeth are significantly more likely to experience dental trauma. Early intervention can reposition these teeth before accidents happen.
Jaw Discrepancies between upper and lower jaws can affect facial appearance, chewing function, and even breathing. When addressed during growth spurts, these imbalances often respond to treatment more readily than they would in teenagers or adults.
Abnormal Tooth Loss Patterns—whether teeth are lost too early or retained too long—can signal eruption problems that benefit from monitoring or intervention.
What Happens During Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit
At Laredo Orthodontics, located in Central Laredo just off I-35, initial consultations are designed to be comfortable and informative for both children and parents. The process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and involves no discomfort.
Dr. Zambrano begins with a visual examination of your child's teeth, gums, and bite. She evaluates how teeth come together when your child bites down and observes jaw movement and facial symmetry.
Digital imaging provides a comprehensive view of what's happening beneath the surface. Panoramic X-rays reveal the position of developing permanent teeth, identify any missing or extra teeth, and show how roots are positioned within the jaw. Our iTero scanner creates detailed 3D images of your child's mouth, allowing Dr. Zambrano to demonstrate exactly what she's seeing and even simulate potential treatment outcomes.
Following the examination, you'll receive a clear explanation of findings and personalized recommendations. Many children examined at age 7 don't need immediate treatment. In these cases, Dr. Zambrano establishes a monitoring schedule to track development and ensure intervention happens at the optimal time if it becomes necessary.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Even when treatment isn't immediately required, early screening provides advantages that extend throughout your child's dental development.
Prevention of Complex Problems: Issues identified early can often be addressed with simpler interventions. What might require jaw surgery in a teenager may be correctable with a palatal expander in a 7-year-old.
Guided Growth: During childhood, orthodontists can influence how facial bones develop. This window closes as growth slows in adolescence, making certain corrections more difficult.
Reduced Treatment Time: Children who receive early intervention when needed often require shorter treatment with braces or aligners during their teenage years—and some may not need comprehensive treatment at all.
Lower Risk of Dental Injury: Correcting protruding teeth early protects children during sports and playground activities. Young athletes across Laredo participate in basketball, soccer, and football, and properly aligned teeth are less vulnerable to impact injuries.
Improved Confidence: Children notice their smiles. Addressing visible concerns early helps kids feel comfortable with their appearance during critical social development years.
For young athletes, Laredo Orthodontics also provides custom athletic mouthguards designed to protect growing smiles during competition—another way early orthodontic relationships benefit families.
Why Laredo Families Trust Laredo Orthodontics
Founded in 1985, Laredo Orthodontics holds the distinction of being the first orthodontic practice established in Laredo. For nearly four decades, the practice has served families throughout Central Laredo, La Presa, Los Arcos, and surrounding communities.
Dr. Zambrano represents part of only 6% of dentists in America who are specialized orthodontists. After graduating at the top of her class from Tecnologico de Monterrey, she completed extensive specialty training at UT Health San Antonio, one of the nation's leading orthodontic residency programs. Her memberships in the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Texas Association of Orthodontists, and Southwestern Association of Orthodontists reflect her commitment to staying current with advances in orthodontic care.
The diverse, multilingual team at Laredo Orthodontics reflects the rich cultural heritage of the community it serves. From the front office staff to orthodontic assistants, every team member is dedicated to making families feel welcome and informed.
Community involvement extends beyond the office walls. Laredo Orthodontics sponsors local sports teams, participates in health fairs, conducts educational visits at area schools—including Alma Elementary, Clark Elementary, Clark Middle School, Triumph High School, and several Harmony Schools—and partners with local nonprofits to promote dental health awareness throughout the region.
Making Orthodontic Care Accessible for Every Family
Understanding that quality orthodontic care should be within reach for all families, Laredo Orthodontics offers multiple financial options. In-house financing plans spread treatment costs over manageable monthly payments. A cash discount rewards families who pay upfront, and CareCredit provides additional flexibility for those who prefer healthcare-specific financing.
Most importantly, initial consultations are completely free. Your child's first visit includes panoramic X-rays, photographs, a full 3D scan using iTero technology, a before-and-after simulation, and a personalized treatment plan from Dr. Zambrano—all at no cost to your family.
Schedule Your Child's Orthodontic Screening Today
An early orthodontic evaluation gives your child the best foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Even if no treatment is needed now, you'll gain peace of mind knowing their development is on track—and you'll have a trusted orthodontic partner ready to act if intervention becomes necessary.
Laredo Orthodontics welcomes families from throughout Webb County and is conveniently located near Texas A&M International University. Whether your child attends school in Central Laredo or you're traveling from La Presa or Los Arcos, our office on E Calton Rd provides easy access just off I-35.
Call (956) 724-8391 or email info@laredoorthodontics.com to schedule your child's complimentary consultation. Visit us at 802 E Calton Rd, Laredo, TX 78041. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
