
CHILDRENS’ PREVENTIVE TREATMENT

Early/Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment for Children
If you’re searching for a pediatric orthodontist in Coralville, North Liberty and Iowa City area, then you’ve come to the right place! Our award-winning office and top-rated doctor provide expert care for children – delivered with a kid-friendly touch. We evaluate malalignments of the teeth that are common in children, offer adjustments to correct any bite issues, and follow through with Invisalign or clear braces options when your child is ready. We also understand that appointments can be stressful for children, so we always use kid-friendly language and ensure children are as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
When Should You Bring Your Child In?
If you think your child has a bite or orthodontic issues, early treatment is important. The younger your child is when you notice these problems, the easier the problem is to correct due to the growing tissues in the mouth.
Ages 6-9 are the ideal years for interceptive treatments to create space for permanent teeth, align the jaws and bite, increase development of the airway. Dr. Mergen is one of the few pediatric orthodontists in Eastern Iowa that offers early evaluation and prevention, which often results in fewer treatments in the future, less time spent in our office, less cost, and better results. Timing is key to prevention, and through early evaluation, you are taking a proactive step to eliminate complicated extensive treatment as well as the costs that go with it. The great thing is Dr. Mergen uses Invisalign the most advanced orthodotnic care for all his patients. He does not use bulky old school treatments such as headgear, expander, metal braces, and functional appliances.
What Types of Pediatric Issues Do We Treat?
When your child comes for their initial visit, we will evaluate their bite and make sure there’s enough room in their mouth for teeth to grow in and for the arch to develop. Frequently, children have alignment issues, such as:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Crooked teeth
- Extra teeth that interfere with bite
- Jaw growth problems or crowded teeth
Invisalign First
Invisalign First is used during interceptive and preventive treatment for children ages 6-10 for conditions such as narrow arches, severe crowding, impacted teeth, posterior crossbite and anterior crossbite (underbite). With Invisalign First, your child will have the advanced technology of the Invisalign system and its aligners, which are designed for patients who have a combination of baby and permanent teeth. LIke regular Invisalign, Invisalign First means no wires or brackets, fewer appointments, no food restrictions, and better results.
Dr. Mergen has advanced training and experience as a Top 1% VIP Invisalign Teen provider to offer Interceptive treatment with Invisalign. You can rest assured that your child will get the very best care in the most comfortable Invisalign option with Dr. Mergen. Watch the video here to learn more:
Schedule a Complimentary Appointment with Our Pediatric Orthodontist Today!
To learn more about 5-star-rated orthodontic treatment for your child, schedule their Mergen Smile Assessment today by calling or clicking below to use our convenient online form. Your child’s appointment includes:
- Office Tour
- Complimentary Snack & Beverage
- Thorough Exam
- Digital X-Rays
- 3D Digital Imaging of Your Teeth
- In-Depth Consultation
- And More!
- A $567 Value – Yours for FREE!
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We’re so confident your child will love their experience at Mergen Orthodontics, we back it up with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you or your child are less than satisfied with the care you receive from our team, simply let us know and we’ll do what it takes to make it right. It’s our promise to you!
Dr. Mergen has advanced training and experience as a VIP Invisalign Teen provider to offer Interceptive treatment with Invisalign. You can rest assured that your child will get the very best care in the most comfortable Invisalign option with Dr. Mergen. Watch the video below to learn more:
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MEET DR. JOHN MERGEN
Coralville, North Liberty and Iowa Citys Top Choice for Invisalign® & Clear Braces

Dr. Mergen is devoted to creating amazing, “Mergen Orthodontic Smiles”. His signature smiles are said to change the life of his patients. He is known for his dedication to providing patients with exceptional service and advanced clear options that always exceed their expectations. Dr. Mergen creates a fun, relaxed environment where patients love to visit. The treatment options that Dr. Mergen offers are less obtrusive (clear) and he operates in an efficient manner in order to make orthodontic treatment short and sweet.
Dr. Mergen has dedicated his career to providing the most advancing orthodontic care and service for his patients. He specializes in Invisalign the most advanced technology in orthodontic care providing it for all ages earning him the Top 1% VIP provider status in North America. Orthodontic treatment for Dr. Mergen is so much more than just straight teeth and a nice smile. Dr. Mergen is dedicated to complete patient care including proper jaw and facial growth, airway development, space for permanent teeth, stable bite, balanced TMJD relationship, aligned teeth and of course an amazing smile.
Background & Education
Dr. Mergen’s interest in orthodontics started in high school when he made retainers in his father’s orthodontic practice. He was so excited about the field of orthodontics, he committed to an accelerated 3-year honor program at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa in 1995, graduated with honors and second in his class of 87 students.
Then, Dr. Mergen accepted 1 of 5 spots into the top orthodontic graduate program in the country at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and earned his Master’s in 1997. Dr. Mergen is dedicated to advancing orthodontic care and service for his patients. His has a specialized interest in Invisalign orthodontics earning him the Top 1% VIP Invisalign Specialist status.
Academic Awards
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Dental Society
- American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award
- American Academy of Prosthodontics Dentistry Student Award
Professional Associations
- American Association of Orthodontics
- Iowa Society of Orthodontics
- Midwest Society of Orthodontics
- American Dental Association
- University Orthodontic Society
Professional Publications
Author:
“Treatment outcomes of growing Class II Division 1 patients with varying degrees of anteroposterior and vertical dysplasias, Part 2. Profile silhouette evaluation.” American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics 125 (4): 457-462, 2004.
Co-Author:
“Evaluation of profile esthetic change with mandibular advancement surgery,” American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics 117(6), 2000.
Case Publication:
“Treatment of a Class III malocclusion with maxillary constriction and an anterior functional shift.”
This case was chosen by the CDABO student case selection committee for publication in the AJO/DO.
(Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1999;116:324-8).
Outside the Office
Dr. Mergen loves having fun and spending time with his wife and two boys. His favorite sports are windsurfing, surfing, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, boating, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
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