Siomka Orthodontics

Doug Harvey

I probably won't come here again or bring my children here. I got braces here when I was in highschool. Seemed like the average braces experience. However, after I was done and the braces were removed, Dr Siomka put a cemented permanent retainer behind my lower front teeth. It was very very difficult for me to floss, and on the follow up appointments it was even difficult for their hygienists to floss due to the retainer cement, but no one said anything so I assumed that's normal. I moved out west, and after several years of dentists commenting on extreme difficulty of cleaning around that retainer cement, and friends with permanent retainers saying it was easy for them to floss between the cement, I decided to get a second opinion from another orthodontist office out where I lived, since traveling to Michigan for that was out of my college student budget. They affirmed that there was too much cement making it difficult to clean around it properly, and recommended that I go back to the original orthodontist and have them grind back the cement and make it right, since to go elsewhere they would charge me because they didn't do the initial retainer.

Since I now live back in Michigan, I scheduled an appointment in February and went in. Unfortunately, it didn't feel like they listened to or acknowledged any of my concerns, and Dr Siomka didn't acknowledge the cement issue or the consequential receding gums from the years of difficult oral hygiene, he just said the retainer isn't even necessary anymore, that permanent retainers are outdated or something like that, and not even used much anymore (which would have been great to know years ago). I agreed to have them take the retainer out and fit me for new plastic retainers. When it came time to pay, I asked if they could give me some sort of discount on the removal of the retainer due to the error or miscommunication, and the secretary laughed and said no because it had been several years since they had done my work. They charged me full price to take the old permanent retainer off, and still never an apology, even after 3 visits to get the retainer off and get fitted for new retainers. There was no dispute over the cost of the retainers, since I understand that process is outsourced to another company. Edit: They have since replied to my review with their justifications and said they're willing to review my case again with me, which I do appreciate the sentiment.

However, I'm uncomfortable that they felt it necessary to share some of my private patient information in their public response about the buildup present behind my teeth at the appointment. Yes, there was a significant amount of buildup around the retainer after they removed it, which was a little embarrassing for me, as I've tried my best to take care of my teeth despite the retainer, and I had to go to my primary dentist for a teeth cleaning before they would/could fit me for a retainer. Edit 2. 0: after seeing that I called them out for sharing my personal patient info on a public forum, they edited their reply and removed that bit from their response. . .

March 15, 2025

Jen Chapel

Excellent service! One child out of braces, one still going. They’re always friendly, professional, and quick to fix anything same day!

June 11, 2025