Mewing is a technique that has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential to transform facial appearance, particularly the jawline.
This comprehensive article will explore the concept of mewing, its benefits, and whether it can move the lower jaw forward.
What is Mewing?
Mewing is a technique developed by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist, that involves maintaining proper tongue posture to improve facial structure and promote forward facial growth.
The technique entails placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth, applying gentle pressure, and maintaining this position throughout the day.
This promotes oral and facial development, potentially leading to a more attractive and functional facial structure.
Proper Tongue Posture
The key to mewing is adopting the correct tongue posture. This involves:
- Keeping the lips gently closed
- Lightly touching the upper teeth with the tip of the tongue
- Placing the middle and back of the tongue on the roof of the mouth, applying gentle pressure
- Breathing through the nose, ensuring the airway remains unobstructed
By consistently practicing proper tongue posture, individuals can experience significant facial changes over time.
Benefits of Mewing
Mewing offers several benefits, including improved facial appearance, better oral health, and enhanced breathing function. Some of the main advantages include:
Forward Facial Growth
By promoting forward facial growth, mewing can lead to a more attractive and balanced facial structure. This can result in a more defined jawline, higher cheekbones, and a more prominent chin.
Improved Oral Health
Mewing can help align the teeth, potentially reducing the need for orthodontic treatment. Proper tongue posture can also prevent teeth grinding and clenching, leading to tooth wear and damage.
Enhanced Breathing Function
By encouraging nasal breathing and maintaining an open airway, mewing can improve overall respiratory function. This can lead to better sleep quality, increased energy levels, and a reduced risk of sleep apnea.
Can Mewing Move the Lower Jaw Forward?
The primary focus of mewing is to promote forward growth of the maxilla (upper jaw) by applying gentle pressure with the tongue. However, many wonder if mewing can also move the lower jaw forward.
The answer is both yes and no, as it depends on the individual’s specific facial structure and the extent of their jaw misalignment.
Cases Where Mewing Can Help
Mewing can help move the lower jaw forward in some instances, particularly when the individual has a recessed maxilla.
By stimulating forward growth of the maxilla, mewing can create more space for the mandible (lower jaw) to move forward, leading to better jaw alignment and improved facial balance.
Furthermore, mewing can help improve the function of the masseter and hyoid muscles, which can indirectly contribute to the forward movement of the lower jaw.
Cases Where Mewing May Not Be Effective
Mewing may not be effective in moving the lower jaw forward in cases of severe jaw misalignment or when the individual has stopped growing.
In these situations, orthodontic treatment or surgical intervention may be necessary to achieve significant jaw movement.
Techniques & Appliances to Move the Jaw Forward
While mewing can help move the lower jaw forward in some cases, other techniques and appliances can also effectively promote jaw alignment.
Some of these methods include:
Face-Pulling
Face-pulling is a technique similar to mewing that involves applying force to the palate to encourage the maxilla to move upward and forward.
This can be done using the thumbs, an intraoral device, or orthodontic headgear.
MSE with a Protraction Facemask
A maxillary skeletal expander (MSE) can be used with a protraction facemask to expand the maxilla and move it forward, creating more space for the lower jaw to move into proper alignment.
Frankel Appliance
The Frankel appliance, a functional removable appliance, can correct open bites and overbites by moving the lower jaw forward.
Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance (MARA)
The MARA appliance is designed to correct severe overbites by moving the lower jaw forward and the upper jaw and teeth backward.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Mandibular advancement devices primarily treat sleep apnea by moving the lower jaw forward. However, they can also improve facial aesthetics and correct overbites.
Factors Affecting Mewing Results
The effectiveness of mewing in moving the lower jaw forward can be influenced by several factors, including:
Age
Younger individuals, particularly children and teenagers, are more likely to experience significant changes in facial structure due to mewing. This is because their bones are still growing and are more malleable. Adults may still experience changes, but at a slower rate and to a lesser extent.
Consistency
Consistently practicing proper tongue posture is crucial for achieving desired mewing results. Inconsistent mewing may lead to minimal or no changes in facial structure.
Technique
Applying the correct amount of pressure with the tongue and maintaining proper tongue posture throughout the day is essential for effective mewing.
Conclusion: Does Mewing Move Your Lower Jaw Forward?
Mewing can sometimes move the lower jaw forward, particularly when the individual has a recessed maxilla and is still growing.
However, the extent of jaw movement may vary depending on age, consistency, and technique.
In severe jaw misalignment or when growth has stopped, other techniques or appliances may be necessary to achieve significant jaw movement.
Mewing can offer numerous benefits, including improved facial appearance, better oral health, and enhanced breathing function.