About
Dr. Shari Mae Borsuk is a Orthodontist. Practicing at Ottawa West Orthodontics in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Borsuk is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Borsuk is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. As a certified specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Borsuk focuses exclusively on the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and comprehensive treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), misaligned teeth, and jaw irregularities using a full range of orthodontic appliances including braces, clear aligners, and retainers for children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Borsuk serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Ottawa West Orthodontics.
Dr. Shari Mae Borsuk earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 2002. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Orthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania in 2007. With over 22 years of practice since 2003, Dr. Borsuk's extensive clinical experience is complemented by a dedication to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures Dr. Borsuk remains at the forefront of orthodontic advancements, consistently refining their skills and knowledge to deliver the best possible care to their patients.
Key aspects of Dr. Borsuk's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Borsuk provides consultations in English.
As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Shari Mae Borsuk addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:
Crowding Spacing Teeth
- Crowded, Overlapped, or Excessively Spaced Teeth: Teeth that are too close together, rotated, or overlapping, making them difficult to clean and potentially affecting aesthetics and gum health. Or, teeth that have noticeable gaps or spacing between them.
Preventative Oral Health Topics
- Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
- Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
Overbite Underbite Crossbite
- Specific Bite Problems: Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Open Bite: Seeking orthodontic correction for these specific bite discrepancies that can affect chewing, speech, tooth wear, and facial aesthetics.
Malocclusion Orthodontic Issues
- Misaligned Teeth & Jaws Requiring Specialist Orthodontic Correction: Seeking advanced orthodontic treatment, typically involving fixed braces (metal or ceramic) or comprehensive clear aligner therapy (e.g., Invisalign® Full), from a specialist to achieve optimal dental alignment, bite function, and facial aesthetics.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Borsuk. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Comprehensive Orthodontic Diagnosis & Treatment Planning: Developing individualized orthodontic treatment plans to correct malocclusions and achieve optimal dental and facial aesthetics.
- Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
- Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging: Utilizing Cone Beam CT technology for comprehensive three-dimensional views of your oral and maxillofacial structures when indicated.
- Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
- Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Borsuk. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.
All dental services by Dr. Shari Mae Borsuk adhere to scope of practice for Orthodontists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Borsuk is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Ottawa West Orthodontics, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:
- Dr. Borsuk's comprehensive care for feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals is meticulously designed to result in gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day without dental worries.
- It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Borsuk to see patients who were troubled by needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain successfully achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain.
- For those affected by a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them, Dr. Borsuk provides solutions that lead to feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.
- A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Borsuk about their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities is to attain their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Borsuk, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Borsuk is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.
Ottawa West Orthodontics, where Dr. Borsuk practices, is situated in the Highland Park, Carlingwood West neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Parliament Buildings and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Borsuk?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Borsuk for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Ottawa West Orthodontics.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Borsuk for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Borsuk will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Borsuk's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.
- Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). You should verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Ottawa West Orthodontics.
- Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?
- Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are also used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Borsuk will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Borsuk at Ottawa West Orthodontics?
- Your first visit with Dr. Borsuk will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Borsuk will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.
Ottawa West Orthodontics
1800 Carling Ave
Ottawa, ON, K2A 1E2
Phone: (613) 820-2660
Dr. Shari Mae Borsuk is a licensed Orthodontist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).
License Number: 59085
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=59085
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Borsuk and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.