Despite the popularity of mewing in YouTube and TikTok videos, there is limited empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness. Mewing is a facial remodeling method that entails maintaining {health.com} the position of your tongue on the upper surface of your mouth in order to alter the contour of your jawline.
Advocates argue that mewing can alter the structure of one’s face to achieve a more distinct jawline, so alleviating jaw discomfort, improving ventilation, and addressing orthodontic concerns. However, specialists caution against attempting mewing for individuals with jaw problems requiring surgery or orthodontic treatment.
What is the origin of Mewing?
Mewing does not fall under the category of medical terminology. The procedure was named after Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist who gained popularity in the 1970s for his alternative orthodontic practice called orthotropics.
Orthotropics employs facial and oral posture exercises, as well as some tools, to modify the structure of the jawline and facial contours.Two Originally designed for children, its purpose was to promote jaw development and align teeth for improved aesthetics. Nevertheless, the London School of Facial Orthotropics, an institution established and endorsed by John Mew, currently advocates for the application of this technique in adult patients as well.
The Mews argued that environmental and lifestyle variables, such as consuming soft food {health.com} and breathing via the mouth, are responsible for the reduction in size of human jaws, rather than the commonly acknowledged hereditary link. It is postulated that narrower jaws can lead to dental crowding and alter facial morphology. Mewing is purported to be a remedy that can enhance jaw size and strength, realign teeth, and provide a more angular jawline.
Guide to Mewing
According to the London School of Facial Orthotropics, the fundamental principles of mewing entail maintaining a closed mouth while employing:https://www.health.com/mewing-7098082
- Placing the tongue against the roof of the mouth
- Bringing the lips into contact with each other
- Ensuring that the upper and lower teeth are in close proximity or touching
Acquiring the ability to instinctively revert to this posture will require self-training, a process that may necessitate a considerable amount of time and effort, possibly spanning from 14 months to 2 years.5 The core principle of the mewing ideology is that consistently maintaining this posture can aid in aligning teeth and enhancing face structure.
Is Mewing effective?
There is currently no reliable scientific evidence to support the claim that mewing can permanently modify the shape of your jaw. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of mewing in treating health conditions such as sinusitis, breathing difficulties, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), or sleep apnea.
The majority of the claims originate from John and Mike Mew, or the London School of Facial Orthotropics, which is supported by the Mews. The credibility of internet before and after mewing photographs is questionable due to the potential for misleading photo angles and lighting. During a photo shoot, attempting mewing may result in a transient contoured appearance at best.
Scientific research has shown evidence that human jaws are undergoing a reduction in size, which is consistent with John Mew’s theory. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that oral posture, which refers to the positioning of the teeth and tongue, might impact the growth of the jaw in youngsters.{health.com} A limited study involving 50 youngsters revealed that those who mostly used mouth breathing saw slight alterations in their face characteristics.
Proper alignment of the tongue can alter the configuration of your facial features. The natural resting position of your tongue can provide valuable information to orthodontists regarding potential oral disorders, such as tongue thrusting, which can lead to the forward movement of teeth and result in problems with bite, speech, or swallowing.
There are potential risks.
Although the effectiveness of mewing in altering one’s jawline or teeth is doubtful, attempting to modify your jaw shape without the direction of a healthcare professional might be hazardous. Utilizing mewing as a method to alter the alignment of your teeth or the contour of your jawline {health.com} is not recommended. Instead, seek the assistance of a healthcare professional if you have concerns regarding jaw structure abnormalities.8 They possess the ability to accurately assess the intricacies of your facial anatomy and formulate a comprehensive course of action.
Facial remodeling is a highly intricate procedure that entails modifying the jaw, facial bones, and soft tissue. Attempting to modify your jawline without professional supervision may result in long-term harm to these interconnected components. Nevertheless, due to little evidence supporting the effectiveness of mewing, it is improbable that this practice would result in any adverse consequences.
Alternative treatment options to mewing
If you are experiencing jaw shape abnormalities, pain, or dental problems that are caused by a misaligned jaw, also known as malocclusion, it is highly recommended that you seek the expertise of an orthodontist. Possible treatments for a misaligned jaw vary depending on the underlying cause.
- Surgery: Orthognathic surgery to facilitate {health.com} the repositioning of the maxilla and mandible
- Dental restoration: Altering the shape or covering uneven teeth that result in overcrowding
- Orthodontics: This involves the use of braces or metal bands attached to bonds on the teeth to facilitate the adjustment of dental alignment.
- dental removal: This procedure involves the extraction of teeth that contribute to overcrowding.
If you desire to alter your facial structure or jawline for aesthetic purposes, cosmetic surgery and treatments are alternative possibilities to consider. Nevertheless, these aesthetic interventions can be rather expensive and have inherent hazards.
Several techniques that might modify the appearance of your jawline include:
Facial contouring refers to a surgical procedure that alters the shape of your chin, cheekbones, and jawline by either removing excess fat or inserting implants.
• Dermal fillers (jawline contour treatment): A gel is injected into the skin surrounding the jaw in order to enhance or correct the shape and balance of the jawline.
Radiofrequency (RF) therapy involves the use of energy waves that penetrate the skin {health.com} to generate heat. This heat can either encourage the synthesis of collagen or remove fat, resulting in the contouring of the facial skin.
