
TMJD TREATMENT
Comprehensive Care & Long-Term Relief From Our Highly Experienced Provider

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMJD, develops when uneven stress or strain puts excessive pressure on the joints of your jaw, causing your muscles and joints to become irritated and inflamed. If you suspect you’re suffering from TMJD in Coralville, North Liberty and Iowa City area, our expert orthodontist and his team can help.
How TMJD Occurs
With TMJD, the teeth on your upper and lower jaws typically work in pairs, so when you chew or bite down, the pressure on your joints should be distributed evenly. TMJD can occur when this pressure becomes uneven, for example, if crooked or missing teeth cause you to have an uneven bite balance. Chronic tooth grinding (bruxism) can also cause or contribute to TMJD.
Symptoms of TMJD
TMJD rarely resolves on its own, and unless it gets properly treated, its symptoms can grow much more severe over time. So, it’s important to see our orthodontist sooner rather than later.
As your jaw joints become more inflamed and irritated, you may develop persistent jaw pain and chronic headaches. You could also experience clicking or “popping” noises when you chew, as well as muscle spasms, facial or neck pain, and hearing difficulties such as ringing sensations or “stuffiness” in your ears. Sometimes, your jaw can temporarily “lock” in an open position after you’ve yawned or opened your mouth very wide.
Treatment for TMJD
When treating a temporomandibular joint disorder, Dr. Mergen will focus on finding ways to realign and re-balance your teeth and bite in order to reduce uneven strain on the jaw joints. The proper orthodontic diagnosis and treatment can provide a stable bite relationship that in turn reduces and many times eliminates the TMJD symptoms. Correcting the underlying problem is the key to eliminate the symptoms, providing long-term relief and allows you to get rid of nightguards and medications. You do not have to continue to suffer!
Schedule Your Complementary Complete Orthodontic Exam Today:
To learn more about our 5-star-rated orthodontic treatment, schedule your Mergen Smile Assessment today by calling or clicking below to use our convenient online form. Your 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 will love their experience at Mergen Orthodontics, we back it up with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you 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!
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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 TMJ 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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