It is my passion to put my expertise to work, helping my patients improve their lives by giving them a healthy and beautiful smile. I love watching the transformation that happens in a person, someone who is ashamed of their crooked teeth and hides their smile, when they begin orthodontic treatment. They are excited to start and that excitement is contagious. Then, seeing their personality begin to blossom, as their new smile develops, and watching them start to carry themselves more upright, make eye contact more willingly, and, best of all, start to smile without ducking their head or covering their mouth, is amazing.

The best day, though, is when I remove the braces and the person see's their new smile for the first time. They cannot stop smiling and laughing, and Im right there celebrating with them. Theyre going to have a healthier, happier life because of the care weve provided in this office. Even better, that person is someone who has become a friend to me, over the course of treatment, so I am celebrating because I am happy for a friend. That, right there, is why I love being an orthodontist.

Dr. Anna Maria Salas-Lopez received her Dental Degree from the Universidad Central de Venezuela and her Master of Science in Orthodontics from The University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. Dr. Salas-Lopez is board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She stays up-to-date with the latest Orthodontic advancements in order to ensure her patients receive the most current treatments. She also continues to be active in education and training the next generation of Orthodontists. She holds a Clinical Associate Professor title at the University of Texas school of dentistry in Houston.

Being an orthodontist means a commitment to continually learning about new processes, materials, and technologies. I have always been fascinated by the technological advances being made, from the emerging software programs through the digital X-rays that improve diagnostics and intraoral digital scanners that increase accuracy and eliminate the need for uncomfortable impressions, too.

Each year I take continuing education courses in orthodontics and other oral healthcare topics, so I am able to ensure my patients receive the highest level of care possible. In addition to attendance at meetings and lectures, I also stay up-to-date with the current relevant literature. And as a Clinical Associate Professor on the graduate orthodontic faculty at the University of Texas Dental Branch I am constantly learning, too.

I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and now consider Houston my home, having moved here in 1992. My family includes my husband, Dr. Alberto Lopez, and our beautiful daughter, Estefania Lopez-Salas. When Im not at the office, I spend as much time as I can with my husband and daughter. We love to travel and share our family time together.

We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.

Mireya joinedWest U Orthodontic team in 2009. She is the person who will help patients tounderstand the orthodontic treatment process and answer your questions about braces and treatment, explaining the different steps and what happens at each of them. She isalways available to answer patientsquestions and those from parents. In addition to introducing patientsto orthodontics, she alsotakes X-rays, records, and sheprovides clinical and chairside assistance.She shares herlife with her husbandand twobeautiful daughters. Being with them is the highlight of herday, and shealways try to find time to be outside together.

Liliana joinedWest U Orthodontics team in September 2017. As a dentalassistant, hergoal is to always make sure the patient is comfortable. Sheworks chairside with Dr. Salasto follow her instructions when it comes to the patients care. She istrained to answer questions that a patient or parent may have. Her favorite dutyat the office is playing withthe intraoral camera. She also takesX-rays andrecords. Sheworkstogether as a team to provide the best dental care possible.At home, shelikes to spend hertime with her husband and children.As a family, she is anavid sports fanas well as movie watcher.

Ana joined West U Orthodontic team since 2016.As a dentalassistant shebelieves in treating each person with kindness. Herprimary clinical duty is working chairside with Dr. Salas, as she cares for patientsensuring she has everything she needs. She also takes records andx-rays. Away from work, sheloves hanging out with herkidsandhusband.

Welcome to West U Orthodontics, where Dr. Anna Salas and our team believe in treating each person in our care as a member of our family. We deliver professional, gentle orthodontic care that creates beautiful and healthy smiles, all while earning our patients smiles.

Ours is a patient-focused practice, where we will take time to get to know you as an individual, learning about your life, family, and hobbies. We view our patients as members of our family and will treat you the same way wed treat a loved one: compassionately and respectfully, always listening to you and ensuring you know you are welcomed and safe in our care.

Dr. Salas believes in delivering personalized care to each person, which means we put you, your smile dreams, and your unique needs at the forefront when deciding on treatment. Rather than using a one-treatment-fits-all approach to orthodontics, we spend time talking with you about your goals in seeking care, and your concerns, too. Then we assess your clinical needs and develop a treatment plan that takes everything into consideration.

We will then sit down with you and review the steps, explaining what will happen, and the treatment options for each. Its essential you are informed of your choices and you understand them, too, so you can be an educated advocate for your care. This is your smile, after all.

Once treatment has started, we will update you after each visit, explaining what was done and the progress being made. Well check to make sure that youre okay with everything happening and answer any questions you might have.