Dr. Anna Maria Salas, D.D.S., M.S.

Expert Publications

• A longitudinal study of incremental expansion using a mandibular lip bumper.
• The KPG index--a novel 3D classification system for maxillary canine impactions.

Media Releases

Get to know Orthodontist Dr. Anna Maria Salas, who serves patients in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Salas is a board-certified orthodontist who believes in delivering personalized care to each person, which means she puts them, their smile dreams, and their unique needs at the forefront when deciding on treatment. She is the owner and operator of West U Orthodontics in Houston, Texas.

There, she and her team deliver professional, gentle orthodontic care that creates beautiful and healthy smiles, all while earning patients’ smiles. They believe that each patient should be knowledgeable about orthodontics prior to starting treatment and that they should be treated in their care as a member of the dental family. 

“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” as stated by Dr. Salas.

Among her professional affiliations with dental associations and societies, she is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southwestern Society of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association, the Greater Houston Dental Society, and the Texas Dental Association.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Salas earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela, followed by her Master of Science (MS) degree in Orthodontics from The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston.

Each year, she takes continuing education courses in orthodontics and other oral healthcare topics, so that she is able to ensure her patients receive the highest level of care possible. In addition to attendance at meetings and lectures, she stays up-to-date with the current relevant literature. She also continues to be active in educating and training the next generation of orthodontists, holding a Clinical Associate Professor title at The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston.

Among her most notable achievements, Dr. Salas holds the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, which signifies her pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.

“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” she expressed.

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. It can also focus on modifying facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontists are dental specialists who are University-trained in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. They provide a wide range of treatment options to straighten crooked teeth, fix bad bites, and align the jaws correctly.

Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Dr. Salas now considers Houston her home, having moved there in 1992. Her family includes her husband, Dr. Alberto Lopez, and their beautiful daughter, Estefania Lopez-Salas. When she is not at the office, she spends as much time as she can with her husband and daughter. The family love to travel and share their family time together.

Recommended Articles

• Dental Sealants May Present BPA in Saliva

  Dental fillings for children were worrisome because of the presence of mercury in the amalgam. The latest addition to this fear is the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) in dental sealants and white fillings. BPA is a resin used in plastics, including water bottles and metal food can liners. Many studies...

• Evidence for Gum Disease Causing Heart Disease is Dwindling

  The American Heart Association released a new statement stating that there is no conclusive evidence to support the relationship between gum disease and heart problems, and that treating gum disease can improve heart conditions. Gum disease is a major contributor to tooth loss and decay in adults....

• Get a Better Smile with Licorice Root

  According to a new study published in the Journal of Natural Products, licorice, the main ingredient in candy, may help to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. Teeth protection is provided by the compounds found in the dried root of licorice plant. Chinese licorice, found in northern mainland...

• What Are the Causes of Receding Gums?

  As the margin of teeth recede, the roots of the teeth are exposed. Receding gums are a very common oral problem and are of concern as it may be the warning signs of many gum diseases. Gum deterioration occurs gradually with time and creates small pockets or gaps between the tooth and the gum, which...

• Severe Stress and Depression May Cause Gum Disease

  According to a review published in the Journal of Periodontology, studies show a strong link between stress and gum disease. About 57% of the studies conducted displayed an accurate association between gum disease and stress-related symptoms, including distress, anxiety, depression, and...

• Why Do I Have a Toothache?

  Toothaches refers to the pain in and around one's mouth and jaw. This pain can be very mild or throbbing, and differs in intensity from one person to another. The pain may start suddenly. In some cases, the pain may become worse with time or just disappear after some time.Some of the common causes...