What Is Mewing?
Mewing is a technique developed by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist, which involves proper tongue posture on the roof of the mouth.
The concept behind this technique is that by applying the right pressure on the palate, one can stimulate the growth and remodeling of the maxilla (upper jaw).
This, in turn, can lead to improved facial aesthetics, better breathing, and improved dental health.
What is Orthotropics?
Orthodontics, on the other hand, is a specialized field in dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting malpositioned teeth and jaws.
Orthodontists utilize various appliances like braces, aligners, and retainers to gradually move teeth into their ideal position.
Both mewing and orthodontics aim to improve dental health and facial aesthetics. However, the approaches they take to achieve these goals are fundamentally different.
One could say that mewing is a more natural approach, while orthodontics employs artificial appliances to bring about changes.
How Orthodontics affects Dental Health
Orthodontic treatment can greatly improve dental health. Crooked or overcrowded teeth can be challenging to clean, which can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases.
By aligning the teeth correctly, orthodontics can make it easier for patients to maintain good oral hygiene.
Moreover, orthodontic treatment can also correct bite issues. An improper bite can cause problems not only to your teeth but also to your jaw and facial muscles.
Over time, this could lead to pain and discomfort in the jaw, headaches, and even sleeping problems.
Orthodontics can help correct these issues, improving not just dental health but overall well-being as well.
However, orthodontics is not without its drawbacks. The use of braces and other appliances can cause discomfort and sometimes even pain.
It also requires regular visits to the orthodontist, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Comparing Mewing and Dental Health
Mewing, on the other hand, is a free, non-invasive, and natural method that claims to improve dental health and facial aesthetics.
It involves maintaining proper tongue posture, which can potentially lead to the growth and remodeling of the maxilla, resulting in a well-defined jawline and improved facial symmetry.
Aside from its aesthetic benefits, mewing can also positively impact dental health.
By promoting proper tongue posture, mewing can help prevent the tongue from resting on the lower teeth, which can lead to tooth wear and malocclusion.
However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of mewing largely depends on the consistency and correctness of the technique.
It also takes a long time to see noticeable changes, and the results can vary from person to person.
Can Mewing and Orthodontics Work Together?
Given the different approaches of mewing and orthodontics, one might wonder if these two can work together. The answer is not straightforward, as it largely depends on the individual case.
In some cases, practicing mewing alongside orthodontic treatment can be beneficial.
Mewing promotes good oral posture, which can potentially enhance the effects of orthodontic treatment. It can also help maintain the results after the orthodontic treatment is completed.
However, in some instances, mewing might interfere with orthodontic treatment.
For example, the pressure exerted by the tongue in mewing might counteract the force applied by the braces, leading to slower progress or even unwanted changes.
How Mewing Might Hinder Orthodontics
As mentioned, while mewing can complement orthodontic treatment in some cases, it can also cause conflicts.
One of the main points of contention is the different philosophies behind mewing and orthodontics.
Orthodontics generally focuses on straightening the teeth and correcting the bite with the use of appliances.
Mewing, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of the tongue and facial muscles in shaping the face and the dental arch.
Moreover, the force applied by the tongue in mewing might conflict with the force exerted by the orthodontic appliances.
This can potentially lead to slower progress or even unwanted changes, which can be frustrating for both the patient and the orthodontist.
Benefits Of Combining Mewing and Orthodontics
Despite potential conflicts, there are also advantages in combining mewing and orthodontics.
By integrating mewing into orthodontic treatment, patients can potentially enhance their results and maintain them in the long term.
Mewing can help promote proper oral posture, which can contribute to optimal facial growth and development.
This can potentially enhance the aesthetic results of orthodontic treatment, leading to a well-defined jawline and improved facial symmetry.
Moreover, by practicing mewing, patients can help maintain their orthodontic results after their treatment is completed.
This is important as teeth have a tendency to move back to their original position after orthodontic treatment, a phenomenon known as relapse.
Mewing in orthodontic practice: Case studies
Several case studies suggest that mewing can be beneficial in orthodontic practice.
For instance, a case study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics reported that a patient who practiced mewing alongside orthodontic treatment experienced significant improvements in facial aesthetics and dental health.
Another case study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery reported similar findings.
In this case, a patient who incorporated mewing into his orthodontic treatment exhibited improved facial symmetry and a well-defined jawline.
However, it’s important to note that these are individual cases, and more research is needed to definitively establish the effectiveness of combining mewing and orthodontics.
Expert opinions on mewing and orthodontics
Experts have mixed opinions on combining mewing and orthodontics. Some believe that mewing can complement orthodontic treatment, while others argue that the two can conflict.
Dr. John Mew, the creator of mewing, believes that orthodontics and mewing can work together.
He argues that by promoting proper oral posture, mewing can enhance the effects of orthodontic treatment and help maintain the results in the long term.
However, other experts disagree. For instance, Dr. William Proffit, a renowned orthodontist, argues that the force exerted by the tongue in mewing can potentially interfere with the force applied by orthodontic appliances, leading to slower progress or even unwanted changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mewing and orthodontics are two different approaches aimed at improving dental health and facial aesthetics.
Despite potential conflicts, the integration of mewing into orthodontic practice shows promise.
Several case studies suggest that mewing can enhance the results of orthodontic treatment and help maintain them in the long term.
However, more research is needed to definitively establish the effectiveness of this approach.
In the end, it all comes down to the individual’s goals and preferences. It’s important to have a thorough discussion with your orthodontist before deciding to incorporate mewing into your orthodontic treatment.
By doing so, you can ensure that you make the best decision for your dental health and facial aesthetics.