Does Mewing Actually Reshape Your Jaw?
In recent years, you may have come across a trending topic online known as “mewing,” a non-medical term describing a do-it-yourself facial restructuring method. Although tongue posture undoubtedly plays a role in facial development, it’s important to note that the promises of mewing may be as distorted as some Instagram filters. Therefore, let’s delve into the science behind the hype, explore the potential pitfalls, and ultimately understand why consulting an American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) orthodontist is always the safest bet for achieving a smile you’ll truly love.
How Mewing Claims to Work
Firstly, mewing, a technique that has gone “viral” online, involves flattening your tongue against the roof of your mouth in an attempt to define your jawline. Moreover, proponents claim it can even realign teeth and improve overall facial aesthetics. However, this may sound too good to be true, and for good reason.
The Reality Check
Unfortunately, scientific evidence supporting mewing’s jawline-sculpting claims is as thin as dental floss. In fact, a complex interplay of genetics, bone growth, and muscle development influences facial structure. Consequently, simply changing tongue placement isn’t enough to magically correct misaligned teeth, reshape your jawline, and prevent the need for orthodontic treatment.
How Facial Restructuring Actually Works
Facial restructuring involves moving jaw bones, facial bones, and soft tissue, often corrected with Effective facial restructuring involves moving jaw bones, facial bones, and soft tissue, often addressed through orthodontic treatment. While mewing has gained social media attention, current research does not support its benefits for jawline enhancement or oral health.
Your tongue, one of the strongest muscles in your body, plays a significant role in the alignment of your mouth’s structural elements, including teeth and bones. Forcing your tongue into unnatural positions can lead to:
- Disrupted tooth alignment
- Worsened bite problems and speech issues
- Complicated treatment to resolve these issues
DIY methods like mewing fail to account for these underlying complexities. The AAO advises against unsupervised attempts to move teeth or align jaws, as they are unlikely to produce the desired outcomes.
Can You Fix Your Tongue’s Resting Position?
On a more positive note, a trained orthodontist can help evaluate your tongue’s resting position and, if necessary, work with other professionals to guide your tongue into a more favorable position. Additionally, AAO orthodontists understand the structure of your teeth, jaw, and facial bones. They can also correctly evaluate how changing one part of the mouth may impact other parts—for example, how the natural resting position of your tongue may be affecting your speech or causing bite problems.
Before contemplating any DIY treatment, it’s essential to weigh the potential for irreversible and costly damage that may result if not executed correctly. Hence, seeking guidance from an AAO orthodontist in advance can ensure proper bite alignment without negative consequences.
See an AAO Orthodontist for Safe and Effective Jaw Positioning
An orthodontist can safely and effectively correct issues with jaw positioning or teeth alignment. With postdoctoral degrees specializing in aligning teeth and bites and years of experience, AAO orthodontists focus exclusively on the movement of teeth, jawbones, facial bones, and soft tissue, providing specialized care.