The Multiloop Edgewise Archwire Technique (MEAW) is a fixed brace technique which was invented by Y. H. Kim in Korea. The Multiloop Technique was further spread and propagated by S. Sato in Japan. This is the reason why it’s sometimes called Sato Technique.
Unlike the brackets of a fixed brace which are normally joined by a straight, arch-shaped wire with which the teeth are moved, the Multiloop involves inserting additional so-called wire loops between the posterior teeth. In the past, orthodontists often had to bend these loops because, for a long time, only very stiff steel wire was used. The loops were necessary in order to reduce the pressure on the teeth.
But since the introduction of new wire materials such as NiTi or TMA, it is generally no longer necessary today to bend loops. And this is an advantage because bending loops involves a lot of work that ultimately has to be paid for (in case of doubt, it is always the patient who pays), and loops significantly increase the amount of discomfort and hygiene problems usually associated with fixed braces.
Kim and Sato often present spectacular cases of overbite and open bite treatment which are very impressive but are actually always treated with conventional means such as elastic or sweep-arm bending that every orthodontist is familiar with. Unfortunately, these authors claim that such treatment effects are the result of these – mechanically completely superfluous – loops.
Since many orthodontists do not have a good knowledge of basic mechanical principles, Sato has been able to build up a certain following in many countries. However, Sato has so far failed to provide evidence for a special effect of the multi-loop technique, so that the technique has been denied scientific recognition. Nevertheless, a separate “scientific” society has been founded for the followers of the MEAW technique, which is mainly active in East Asia.