Multi-loop Edgewise Archwire Q&A
What is multiloop edgewise archwire (MEAW)?
MEAW is a nonsurgical orthodontic treatment for patients who would usually require surgery to realign their jaws. With this procedure, Dr. Wafelbakker and Dr. Anderson can help 80-90% of patients with jaw problems avoid surgical intervention.
What is jaw surgery?
Braces are normally used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. When your jaw misalignment is severe, braces will straighten your teeth, but they may not be sufficient to move your jaw.
Your treatment options are limited when braces cannot correct a bite problem. That’s when parents are often told their child needs jaw surgery to fix the problem. Jaw surgery, called orthognathic surgery, involves moving the bones of your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. It also means a long recovery period. MEAW treatment helps eight out of 10 patients avoid surgery.
What does the MEAW procedure involve?
The first step is to straighten your teeth, so the MEAW procedure begins with regular braces and wires. When your teeth are in their proper position, Dr. Wafelbakker and Dr. Anderson make a scan of your mouth and use that to create the crucial part of MEAW: specialized multiloop wires produced on-site by Dr. Wafelbakker and Dr. Anderson.
The same brace brackets stay on your teeth, but Dr. Wafelbakker and Dr. Anderson replace the regular wire with multiloop wires, then gives instructions regarding specific rubber band wear. The unique multiloop and rubber band combination gently guides your jaw to move into its proper position.
It typically only takes six months for the multiloop wires and rubber bands to correct your bite. Then Dr. Wafelbakker and Dr. Anderson remove the multiloop wires and put regular wires back on your braces. On average, the total treatment time is 18-24 months.
