New patients

Your first visit, explained.

No hidden fees. No pressure. No fourteen-page intake forms to wonder about. Here is exactly what to expect — step by step — when you walk through our door for the first time.

"Your initial consultation with Dr. Salas is completely free — no examination fee, no imaging charge, no obligation to proceed. We believe you should be able to make an informed decision about treatment before you spend a single dollar."

— West U Orthodontics office policy
Your first appointment

What happens, step by step.

1

Complimentary examination

Dr. Salas conducts a full clinical evaluation — examining your teeth, bite, jaw alignment, and any concerns you brought with you. No meter is running. She takes the time to understand your case properly before saying anything about treatment.

2

CBCT imaging & digital records (if needed)

For cases that require it, Dr. Salas uses Carestream CBCT cone beam imaging — a 3D scan that shows teeth, roots, bone, and airway in full detail. This is how she plans treatment precisely, not approximately. If your case does not require CBCT, she will tell you that too.

3

Your personalized treatment options

Dr. Salas presents your options clearly: what she recommends, why, what the alternatives are, how long treatment will take, and what the total investment looks like. She answers every question until you actually understand the plan — not until you stop asking.

4

Begin treatment — when you are ready

There is no high-pressure close at West U Orthodontics. Take the information home if you need to. When you are ready to proceed, Dr. Salas takes final diagnostic records and treatment begins — often on the same day if scheduling allows.

5

Regular check visits (every 6–8 weeks)

During active treatment, you will see Dr. Salas approximately every 6–8 weeks for adjustments. West U appointments run on time — a 30-minute adjustment should not take your entire morning. And it will always be Dr. Salas — not a tech.

6

Final records & retainer fitting

When your treatment is complete, Dr. Salas takes final photographs, digital scans, and any necessary X-rays. She fits you for retainers and walks you through the retention protocol — because finishing well is as important as treating well.

Before you come in

What to bring to your first visit.

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Insurance card

Any dental or orthodontic insurance you carry. We will verify your benefits before the appointment if you call us in advance.

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Photo ID

For adult patients and parents booking for a child. A driver's license or state ID is fine.

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Medical & dental history

Any prior orthodontic records, X-rays, or dental work summary — especially if you are a transfer patient.

Your questions

Write them down. Dr. Salas expects patients to come in with a list — and she will answer every single one.

For children & teens

When should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That does not mean your 7-year-old needs braces — it means Dr. Salas can catch developing jaw problems, eruption irregularities, and bite patterns that are far easier to manage while bones are still forming.

The first evaluation for children is always complimentary. If everything looks fine, we monitor at no charge. If something needs early attention, Dr. Salas will explain exactly what, why, and at what cost.

Book a child's evaluation →
For adults

Is it too late for me to start treatment?

No. Dr. Salas treats adults of all ages — including patients in their 50s and 60s. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. In fact, adults are often ideal Invisalign candidates: highly compliant, motivated by outcome, and unbothered by the discipline of wearing aligners consistently.

If you have been putting off treatment because you thought you missed the window — you did not. Book a free consultation and Dr. Salas will show you what is actually possible for your case.

Book adult consultation →
Before you book

Questions new patients always ask.

Call (713) 481-4885 if yours is not here.

Is the consultation really free?

Yes — completely. No exam fee, no imaging fee, no deposit. Dr. Salas's initial clinical evaluation and treatment recommendation are complimentary. If specialized imaging (CBCT) is recommended, she will tell you in advance what that costs before proceeding.

Can I start treatment the same day as my consultation?

Often yes. If you decide to move forward and Dr. Salas has all the records she needs, treatment can frequently begin at the same appointment. This is especially common for Invisalign starts once digital scans are taken. She will let you know at your consultation.

What if I am a transfer patient from another orthodontist?

Dr. Salas accepts transfer patients and welcomes patients in mid-treatment. Bring any prior records — X-rays, photographs, treatment charts — from your previous orthodontist. Dr. Salas will review everything and continue your care without starting over unless clinically necessary.

Do you see patients on Fridays or weekends?

The office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Friday and weekend appointments are not available. Emergency contact, however, is available 24/7 for established patients with urgent issues (broken appliance, pain, etc.).

How do I verify my insurance benefits?

Call the office at (713) 481-4885 and provide your insurance details. We will contact your carrier and confirm your orthodontic benefit — the lifetime maximum, percentage covered, and whether any waiting period applies — before your consultation so there are no surprises.

Ready when you are.
First visit is free.

Book online and we will call you back the same business day. Or just call — we answer.