MEAW is a less-invasive alternative to jaw surgery, offering less risk and less downtime for patients.
At Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics, we offer a pioneering technique—known as Multiloop Edgewise Archwire (MEAW)—which omits the need for jaw surgery or the permanent extraction of teeth in most cases. The process is simple and involves the use of special wires that are applied in addition to braces (typically for four to six months during the midpoint of braces treatment). These wires are adjusted usually every four weeks so that the patient’s jaw responds quickly to treatment.
Open bite correction with MEAW has a 90 percent success rate versus jaw surgery, which has a 70 percent success rate. However, it is critical that patients wear their rubber bands during MEAW treatment to ensure that the jaw is adjusting properly. After treatment, it is also important for patients to wear their retainers. While the MEAW technique requires responsibility on the part of the patient, it is far more comfortable than jaw surgery, offering less risk and less downtime.
While MEAW is highly effective at treating jaw misalignments, the practice is not common because it is difficult to learn how to perform. Dr. Wafelbakker traveled to Japan multiple times—and for long stretches of time—to learn the technique directly from the foremost expert, Dr. Sadao Sato. Over the years, he has furthered his education in the MEAW technique; has taught his partner, Dr. Anderson, how to perform MEAW; and has also trained nearly 20 other orthodontists around the country in the technique.
We are experts in the field, and our patients are in safe and capable hands at Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics.