ABO Diplomate · Board-certified orthodontist

West U's only solo board-certified orthodontist. Since 2006.

Dr. Anna Maria Salas DDS MS has transformed smiles at 3642 University Blvd for nearly twenty years — one doctor, one location, every patient treated like family. Braces, Invisalign, early treatment, and surgical orthodontics.

Dr. Anna Maria Salas DDS MS, board-certified orthodontist at West U Orthodontics in Houston TX 3642 University Blvd · Suite 102 · Houston TX 77005
5.0★Average · 340+ reviews
ABODiplomate · board-certified
20+Years at West U
1 DoctorDr. Salas at every appointment
FreeInitial consultation
ABO DiplomateAmerican Board of Orthodontics — board-certified
AAO MemberAmerican Association of Orthodontists
Clinical ProfessorUT School of Dentistry, Houston
24/7 EmergencyEmergency access available after hours
Meet your orthodontist

One doctor.
Every single appointment.

Dr. Anna Maria Salas chose to keep West U Orthodontics as a single-doctor practice because she believes the relationship between orthodontist and patient matters to the result. When you book, you see her — not a rotating associate you have never met.

Founder · since 2006 Dr. Anna Maria Salas DDS MS, founder and sole orthodontist at West U Orthodontics in Houston

Dr. Anna Maria Salas DDS MS

Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics · Volunteer Clinical Associate Professor, UT School of Dentistry

"I love watching the transformation that happens in a person who begins treatment feeling self-conscious of their crooked teeth," Dr. Salas says. A native of Caracas, Venezuela, she completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Universidad Central de Venezuela and her Master of Science in Orthodontics at UT Houston Dental Branch. She has been practicing in Houston since 1996 and has run West U Orthodontics independently since July 2006.

Credentials
DDS · Universidad Central de Venezuela  |  MS Orthodontics · UT Houston Dental Branch  |  ABO Diplomate
Specialties
  • Empower® self-ligating & clear braces
  • Invisalign® for teens and adults
  • Two-phase early interceptive treatment
  • Surgical orthodontics & dentofacial orthopedics
Why patients choose us

The West U difference.

One doctor — always Dr. Salas
You will see Dr. Salas at every single appointment. No "the associate is in today." No hand-offs. The person who makes your treatment plan is the person adjusting your wire at every visit.
Board-certified precision
Dr. Salas is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics — a voluntary certification only a fraction of orthodontists pursue. It requires case submissions, written and clinical exams, and ongoing review.
30 years of clinical experience
Practicing oral healthcare since 1996, Dr. Salas combines deep clinical depth with the latest technology: Carestream CBCT cone beam imaging, Empower® self-ligating brackets, and Invisalign. You get both.
Emergency access, 24/7
Broken wire at 9 PM before your kid's school photos? We offer after-hours emergency contact. No maze of voicemail prompts — just Dr. Salas's practice, accountable to you.
What we offer

Every treatment, for every smile.

From the first baby-teeth check to full adult Invisalign, Dr. Salas treats patients across every age and case complexity. Here is the full treatment menu.

Treatment · 01

Metal braces

The most powerful and versatile option for complex cases. Modern metal brackets are smaller and more comfortable than anything from a decade ago.

Treatment · 02

Clear ceramic braces

Same effectiveness as metal, in a tooth-colored bracket that blends with your smile — a popular choice for teens and style-conscious adults.

Treatment · 03

Empower® self-ligating

Dr. Salas is experienced with Empower® self-ligating brackets — no elastic ties, less friction, and often fewer adjustment appointments needed.

Treatment · 04

Invisalign® clear aligners

Custom-fabricated clear aligner trays for teens and adults. Removable, nearly invisible, and effective for mild-to-moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues.

Treatment · 05

Invisalign Teen®

Designed specifically for teen patients with erupting teeth and compliance indicators built in. Freedom for social life; same clinical results.

Treatment · 06

Two-phase / early treatment

Phase 1 interceptive orthodontics for children aged 7–10. Addressing jaw development and bite problems early can simplify or eliminate later full-treatment needs.

Treatment · 07

Surgical orthodontics

For patients whose bite problems involve the jaw bones themselves. Dr. Salas coordinates with oral surgeons for dentofacial orthopedic cases with complex skeletal involvement.

Treatment · 08

Palatal expanders & TADs

Palatal expanders widen the upper arch when the jaws are still developing. TADs (temporary anchorage devices) provide precise anchorage for complex tooth movements.

Explore all treatments Book a free consultation
Inside West U Orthodontics — treatment area at 3642 University Blvd Houston
West U Orthodontics office tour
West U Orthodontics reception and waiting area
First visit

No surprise fees. No pressure.

Dr. Salas offers a complimentary initial consultation — no fee, no obligation, no upsell. Here is exactly what happens when you walk in.

  1. 1

    Complimentary consultation

    Your first appointment is completely free. Dr. Salas examines your teeth, bite, and jaw — and takes the time to actually answer your questions.

  2. 2

    CBCT imaging & digital records

    If needed, Dr. Salas will take Carestream CBCT cone beam images — a full 3D view that helps her plan treatment with precision, not guesswork.

  3. 3

    Your personalized plan

    Dr. Salas presents your options, timeline, and total investment clearly. You leave knowing exactly what treatment involves and why she is recommending it.

  4. 4

    Begin treatment — when you are ready

    There is no high-pressure close. When you decide to proceed, records are taken and treatment begins. Same-day starts are often possible.

  5. 5

    Regular visits & check-ins

    Adjustment appointments are typically every 6–8 weeks. Dr. Salas keeps visits on time — a West University appointment should not take your whole morning.

  6. 6

    Retention & final records

    When your smile is right, final photographs and digital scans are taken. Retainers are fitted and Dr. Salas walks you through the retention protocol.

Full new-patient guide Book free consultation
West U Orthodontics office at 3642 University Blvd Suite 102, Houston TX 77005
Insurance & fees

Transparent pricing before you ever commit.

Dr. Salas believes you should know the full investment before treatment starts — not after. No surprises, no hidden fees, no bait-and-switch treatment plans.

Complimentary consultation

Your first exam with Dr. Salas is always free. She will examine your teeth, answer every question you bring, and present your treatment options and total cost upfront.

Flexible payment plans

Orthodontic investment can be spread over the length of treatment with no-interest payment arrangements. Dr. Salas's team will help you find a plan that fits your budget — ask at your consultation.

Insurance accepted

  • Aetna
  • BlueCross BlueShield
  • Cigna
  • Delta Dental
  • Guardian
  • Humana
  • MetLife
  • United Healthcare
  • Ameritas
  • Most major PPO plans

List current to 2026. Not all plans cover orthodontics equally — call us at (713) 481-4885 and we will verify your benefits before your first appointment.

From our patients

5.0 stars · 340+ reviews.

A perfect 5.0 average across 340+ Google reviews. Testimonials below are verbatim excerpts from verified patient reviews.

"

Dr. Salas was incredibly professional and had a fantastic manner. She explained everything super well — I knew exactly what to expect at every stage.

Larisa B.
"

Dr. Salas and her team are extremely kind and professional, very easy to work with, great quality of care. I would not go anywhere else in Houston.

Goran J.
"

Expert care, great with my kid. They were able to handle the necessary and long-term care of a complex condition — and I always felt Dr. Salas was genuinely invested.

Daniel L. · Parent
"

Dr. Salas and all of the staff are so amazing! They always make sure to explain every part of the process so well. Appointments are on time, every time.

Devin M.
"

Amazing ortho office. The doctor and team genuinely care about the patients — not just about moving on to the next appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Salas.

Juliet P.
"

She is phenomenal at her craft. I highly recommend Dr. Salas to anyone looking for the best orthodontist in the Houston area. Truly excellent in every way.

Nadia B.
Common questions

What new patients usually ask first.

If your question is not here, just call — we would rather answer it now.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment length depends on case complexity. Most straightforward cases with braces or Invisalign run 12–24 months. Complex bite issues or surgical cases take longer. Dr. Salas gives you an honest time estimate — not an overpromised quick-fix — at your free consultation.

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Most children will not need treatment that early, but it lets Dr. Salas spot developing jaw or bite issues that are much easier to address while bones are still growing.

Am I too old for braces or Invisalign?

Absolutely not. Dr. Salas treats adults of all ages, including patients in their 50s and 60s. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Invisalign is particularly popular with professional adults who want discretion.

What is the difference between braces and Invisalign?

Braces (metal or ceramic) are bonded to your teeth and work continuously — better for complex rotations and severe crowding. Invisalign uses removable clear trays changed every 1–2 weeks — excellent for mild to moderate cases, and more convenient for adults. Dr. Salas will recommend the right option for your specific bite, not the most expensive one.

Is the initial consultation really free?

Yes. Dr. Salas's initial exam, clinical evaluation, and treatment recommendation are completely complimentary — no obligation, no pressure. Imaging (CBCT or photos) may be needed depending on your case and could have a separate fee; Dr. Salas will tell you upfront.

Does my dental insurance cover orthodontics?

Many PPO dental plans include an orthodontic lifetime maximum — typically $1,000–$2,500. Our team will verify your benefits before your first appointment so you know your out-of-pocket cost before committing to anything. We accept most major plans and offer in-house financing.

What happens after braces come off?

Retention. Teeth have a memory and will drift if not held in place. Dr. Salas fits every patient with retainers — usually a fixed lower wire and removable upper — and explains exactly how long and how often to wear them. This is part of treatment, not an add-on.

Book online

Request a free consultation.

Fill out the form and Dr. Salas's team will call you back the same business day to confirm a time. Prefer to call?

Call the office(713) 481-4885
Privacy: this form is not encrypted. Please do not include detailed medical or dental history — we will collect that securely on your first visit.
Visit us

University Blvd · the heart of West U.

Address
3642 University Blvd
Suite 102
Houston, TX 77005Corner of University Blvd & Kirby Dr · easy street parking
Phone
(713) 481-4885Front desk answers Mon–Thu 8 AM – 5 PM
Hours
  • Mon · Tue · Wed · Thu8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • FridayClosed
  • Saturday – SundayClosed

The smile you have wanted. One free consultation away.

No pressure, no fees for the first visit. Just Dr. Salas, your records, and a clear plan for what treatment looks like for you.