Meet the Doctor | COCO Smiles Orthodontics

Dr. Sibel Eljach at COCO Smiles Orthodontics

Dr. Sibel Eljach, DMD, MS — Orthodontist

Dr. Eljach has treated thousands of malocclusions across Greater Miami and Chicago, where she is from. After honing her skills for so long at others' successful practices, she is proud to operate COCO Smiles Orthodontics where she provides families—children, teens, and adults—her own personal touch.

Hers is not a too busy, one-size-fits all approach! Deeply passionate about the art and science of straightening teeth and aligning the jaw, Dr. Eljach takes immense pride in providing a highly individualized treatment path for every smile she sees, and remains personally involved from the very first consultation, through debonding, and even into retention.

Education

Dr. Eljach's exceptional formation has proven invaluable case after case and she is so thankful to her legendary professors who trained her and who carry on the rich orthodontics legacy of her alma-mater.

She graduated from “The Chicago School of Orthodontics” of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), and subsequently underwent her rigorous three-year Certificate and Master of Science (MS) Advanced Orthodontics Specialty Residency.

Her dedication to her program was recognized with numerous academic, research and clinical honors, including:

The Dr. Robert Savage Memorial Award for her admirable concern for her patients
The American Institute of Orthodontic Research Award for her exceptional output in orthodontic research
The Best Resident Award for her class alongside her induction into the academically prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honors Society—testament to her graduating at the top of her class

Continuing Education

COCO Smiles Orthodontics is equipped with the latest technology and Dr. Eljach consistently stays at the forefront of industry through professional conferences internationally and advanced training focused not only on regular but also lingual braces, aligner technology, digital scanning, CBCT-based diagnosis, advances in treatment planning, and precision in-house 3D printing. She has completed the world-famous Tweed Study Course in Advanced Edgewise Mechanics and Diagnosis, as well as The Advanced Invisalign Training in Complex Treatment Planning and for Best Case Finishing.

Outside The Office

Dr. Eljach and her husband, Mr. Salomon ‘Sal’ Eljach are avid members of the Coconut Grove community of Greater Miami where COCO Smiles Orthodontics is located and where they also call home. In her downtime, Dr. Eljach enjoys a coastal lifestyle on her husband's boat, Sea-Belle, up and down our beautiful Biscayne Bay.

A conscientious neighbor, Dr. Eljach is incredibly grateful to opportunities to serve community. One participation Dr. Eljach and crew have found rewarding is with The Miami Waterkeeper's Annual Back-To-School Cleanup of the shores of Coconut Grove.

Meet Dr. Eljach's Team:

Salomon Eljach with his family at COCO Smiles Orthodontics

Salomon "Sal" Eljach

Salomon is the director of COCO Smiles Orthodontics. As practice director, Sal works primarily behind the scenes, managing operations and marketing so Dr. Eljach and the clinical team can remain focused on patient care. His professional background in development, construction, and healthcare spaces made him a natural fit to lead the creation of the office.

For Sal, COCO Smiles Orthodontics is deeply personal. Every detail of the office was designed with patient comfort in mind, and one of the most rewarding parts of his role is seeing families walk through the doors and immediately feel at home. He takes pride in knowing that the environment supports the care Dr. Eljach provides and contributes to a comfortable, welcoming, and positive orthodontic experience.

Sal previously served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the University of Miami College of Engineering, where he taught graduate courses in Hospital and Healthcare Design and Construction. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Miami and a Master of Science in Real Estate and Construction Management from the University of Denver.

Outside the practice, Sal is a hands-on car enthusiast who enjoys maintaining vehicles himself, often alongside friends. Patients may also spot his HUMVEE featuring COCO Smiles Orthodontics branding around the Grove.

Sal is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and is currently learning Turkish to connect more closely with his in-laws. For him, building COCO Smiles Orthodontics has been the project of a lifetime, bringing together his professional passion for creating exceptional healthcare spaces and his personal commitment to his family.

Dr. Sibel Eljach and orthodontic assistant Alix together at COCO Smiles Orthodontics

Alix Hernandez — Main Assistant

An internationally trained dentist and orthodontist, Alix brings more than 12 years of international experience and an advanced clinical background to every appointment.

Alix values the practice's collaborative environment and enjoys working alongside Dr. Eljach and the rest of the team. Her orthodontic training helps her anticipate clinical needs, support smooth and safe procedures, and ensure that patients feel comfortable and well cared for throughout their visits. She also appreciates having access to the latest orthodontic technology and being part of a skilled team committed to providing excellent care to the community.

Alix earned her dental degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela in 2010 and completed advanced specialty training in orthodontics at CPO Uninga in Bauru, Brazil, in 2013. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, she enjoys connecting personally with the practice's diverse patient families and helping create positive, stress-free experiences.

Originally from Venezuela, Alix is proud of her Venezuelan roots. She is happily married, and although her mother, sister, and nephews live in Venezuela, their love and support continue to inspire her passion for helping others. Outside the office, fitness is an important part of her life. She enjoys lifting weights, running, rollerblading, staying active outdoors with her husband, and spending time together at the beach.

Alicha Sarrazin, orthodontic assistant at COCO Smiles Orthodontics

Alicha Sarrazin — Assistant

Alicha has been an orthodontist assistant in South Florida for nearly 10 years and is passionate about straightening teeth.

Outside of our practice, she is also completing her studies to become a police officer like her dad.