What's the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Cohanim started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Cohanim decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a complete dental expert here at Cohanim Smileworks to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Why do you love Seattle in the summer?

Cohanim Smileworks, your Seattle orthodontist, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Robert Cohanim and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Seattle? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite getaway in Washington?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Seattle, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods” in Washington.
If you need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call! Have a great week!

Dr. Cohanim and team, wishing you a relaxing and memorable Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend is a time when Americans everywhere stop and remember all those men and women who bravely gave their lives for our country.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer 2011, and for many folks in Seattle, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the office or in the classroom means sweet, sweet relief. At Cohanim Smileworks, we also know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s a season of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting the great open roads or hanging out in your backyard this weekend, we want to know about it!

Have a nice and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Robert Cohanim has been practicing orthodontics since 1990. He attended University of Washington before transferring to UCLA to study Bioengineering. He studied dentistry at USC and went on to finish his orthodontic residency at USC in 1990, and a Masters of Science degree in Craniofacial Biology in 1991.

Dr. Cohanim has been serving as a part-time clinical associate professor in the Orthodontic Department at the University of Washington Dental School since 1996. Through his affiliation with the university, participation in professional study clubs, and regularly attending continuing education courses, he is able to treat his patients with the most advanced techniques available.

Dr. Cohanim was among the first orthodontists in the Seattle area to start offering the breakthrough technique of Invisalign in 1999. He has been an Invisalign Premier Provider since 2005, and is the founder of the Greater Seattle Invisalign Study Club. Dr. Cohanim is an active member of local, state, national and international dental and orthodontic organizations including the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association.

When not working, Dr. Cohanim, enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, and traveling, as well as giving back to the community by donating his time and services.