Mergen Orthodontics

Just had my final visit today after 18 months! Mergen and staff have always been friendly and professional, and I haven't had a bad experience in my time with them. The facility in Iowa City is always so clean. You can trust that they are thorough in their work and that they actually care about the service they provide.

My twin daughters established care with Dr. Mergen at age 9. Their permanent teeth were coming in and were very crowded. I honestly wasn't sure what kind of results he would be able to get because their mouths were so small, but I trusted his process and the outcome was amazing! Our dentist had been concerned that one of the girls was missing a permanent tooth, but Dr. Mergen made space for all the teeth to come it properly. I can't recommend Mergen Orthodontics highly enough.

Dr. Mergen and staff are great! Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable. In and out of visits quickly, and they are flexible with two great locations to choose from.

This has been the most AMAZING experience for my daughter who started this journey with a twisted tooth! Her smile is amazing and her confidence is too. I can't thank Dr Mergen and his staff enough!

Had really good, healthy, strong teeth before going to Mergen Orthodontics for Invisalign. Just wanted to close some small gaps in between a few of my teeth. The service was really unlike any I have received anywhere and seen given in healthcare (I’m a nurse at U of Iowa and my dad a retired family doctor). They acted at the beginning like their world revolved around you (to get you to agree and sign up for the treatment). The hygienists all seemed friendly, but they really weren’t involved in my treatment other than greeting me. The 5 stars online drew me in…. Then each time I went in for an appointment it seemed like I was a big inconvenience specifically to Dr Mergen. He spends maybe 5-10 seconds looking in your mouth then hands you the next trays for the next weeks until you come to see him again for another 10 seconds. It really seemed like such a waste of time even showing up for the appointments. Like on a conveyor belt, just a number. On one of the last appointments he used a tool/burr to remove the “buttons” that are to help align the teeth better. It was excruciating pain, and afterwards I have had a LOT of sensitivity as they took a TON of my enamel in this process. (I never had a bit of sensitivity before) and also noticed that there was a big chip (also sensitive) in one of my bottom teeth where the tool/burr was carelessly used. My gaps were closed but my teeth were SO much worse: unhealthy, sensitive, chipped, less white (yellowish) due to less enamel, and I now had an overbite which was never there before. And ice cream and hot coffee are hardly enjoyable anymore. I could barely go in to collect my final retainer trays after this. I thought (and hoped) the sensitivity would get better and so it’s been some time coming to share my story. Honestly I wouldn’t wish this care on anybody. And the only reason he has so many 5 star reviews is they pay you via $25 gift card to review the business before you leave the office nearing the end of your treatment. You feel obligated to leave a good review as you still have another appointment later on. Also the way he charges is a bit suspect in my opinion, charging more to the insurance company than what the paper you sign says will be charged (meaning you will be paying more out-of-pocket than you should need). My suggestion, save yourself some agony and find a better provider.
Best in health. -A

Out of all of the business I've visited throughout my life, Mergen Orthodontics has been the best experience yet. Dr. Mergen is wonderful! He's kind, understanding, great with children, and a fantastic orthodontist. The staff is also phenomenal. They are all very welcoming, knowledgeable, and accommodating. Oh, and they're incredibly efficient. We've never waited more than a minute or two. Having Invisalign as a young child is a big responsibility. Our daughter did pretty well. However, whenever an issue did arise, everyone was immediately there to help. They all made this a wonderful experience, and I would highly recommend them to everyone!!

Came here to get my crooked teeth fix, and they did just that. I never once had a problem or compliant.Everyone was nice, helpful, and making sure everything was going well with the alignment of teeth. I'd recommend them to friends and family.

Great people here very knowledgeable and helpful for what I needed. Got in a bike accident and needed some realignment with missing and chipped teeth. Work side by side with my oral surgeon. Would recommend to anyone wanting a better smile.

Dr Mergen and his staff are professional, friendly, and make the whole experience wonderful. If you feel you have horrible teeth and embarrassed, there is no shaming here. I even lost a tooth due to chemo and they were very professional and even provide next step and contacted my dentist for me. The visits are fast and they are very accommodating to fit your schedule. I would recommend and know you are in good hands with a very experienced staff.P.S. Not to mention my teeth are beautiful again. It's never too late, I'm in my 60's!

Wouldn't go anywhere else for my girls! Everyone is wonderful and they made my kids teeth beautiful without pokey wires.