Does mewing work? The Truth Behind the Jaw-Sculpting Technique According to What Research Says.

May 7, 2024 | Blog

Can Mewing Reshape Your Face? Everything You Need to Know.

Mewing is a facial restructuring technique that has gained popularity in recent years, especially on platforms like TikTok. Proponents claim that by placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth, or mewing, you can realign your facial bones, define your jawline, and improve facial aesthetics. However, there is a lot of debate surrounding whether or not mewing works. While anecdotal research says that it may be able to help with facial restructuring, others argue that the evidence to suggest that it can change the appearance of the face is lacking. As a treatment, it frequently refers to orthotropics, the method that British orthodontist John Mew and his son Mike Mew developed. However, John Mew recently had his license to practice dentistry revoked.

Those who support it believe that by maintaining a proper tongue posture and engaging the muscles of the face, you can improve facial symmetry and prevent malocclusion that may require orthodontic treatment like braces or orthognathic surgery. However, orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons caution that, without scientifically peer-reviewed studies to back up these claims, mewing should not be seen as a substitute for traditional dental procedures to correct misaligned teeth and jaw structures.

Mewing advocates argue that by realigning the facial bones through proper tongue placement, one can improve their jawline and face shape without the need for cosmetic procedures or orthodontics. They claim that mewing can even take years off your appearance by addressing issues such as skin laxity and teeth alignment that contribute to an aged look. However, there is no evidence to suggest that it has any benefits.

What is sewing, and How Does It Work?

Mewing is a do-it-yourself facial restructuring technique that involves placing the tongue against the roof of your mouth to help realign your oral posture. John Mew and other supporters of it hold the view that it may be able to prevent the need for jaw surgery and maxillofacial deformities despite the fact that it lacks scientific backing. The idea behind it is that by keeping the tongue’s posture correct and ensuring that the mouth is closed at all times, you can alter the shape of your teeth and improve your overall facial appearance.

There is a lack of academic research institutions backing up its claims, and the General Dental Council warns against relying on this method to address posture issues. However, some individuals swear by it and claim that it has helped them change the shape of their faces. While it may sound too good to be true, the theory behind it suggests that maintaining proper oral posture and avoiding mouth breathing can have positive effects on overall facial appearance.

Is sewing supported by research?

When it comes to the controversial practice of “mewing,” there is no scientific research to support its benefits. Dr. John Mew popularized the technique, which focuses on proper tongue position and breathing to help improve jawlines and possibly correct misalignment issues. While some anecdotal evidence suggests that mewing may be effective in improving facial structure, there is a lack of scientifically backed studies to confirm its efficacy. However, proponents of mewing and orthotropics claim that this technique can lead to better alignment of crooked teeth and prevent the need for traditional orthodontic treatments. Critics argue that mewing may not be safe or effective without proper guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. In some cases, extreme mewing practices, such as tongue posture exercises, may even cause harm, leading to potential muscle strain or discomfort.

Expert Opinions on Mewing

By keeping the tongue in its resting position against the roof of the mouth, the mewing method—which John Mew’s research popularized—focuses on improving facial structure and alignment. Some people believe that consistent practice of mewing can help reshape the jawline and prevent dental problems. However, others warn that the benefits of mewing are not scientifically proven and caution against relying solely on this technique for orthodontic treatment. Additionally, some experts suggest that the constant pressure from the tongue may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions. While Botox injections to relax facial muscles and soft foods to promote muscle strengthening are considered safe and effective methods for facial improvement, the jury is still out on the long-term benefits of mewing.

Debunking Myths Surrounding Mewing

Over the years, the practice of “mewing” has gained popularity as a means of improving facial structure and promoting proper tongue posture. However, many misconceptions and myths have surrounded this technique, causing confusion among individuals seeking to incorporate it into their daily routines. In reality, Dr. John Mew, a supporter of “orthotropics,” which concentrates on proper facial and oral development, is the one who coined the term “mewing.” Despite its growing popularity, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of “mewing” in reshaping the face or correcting certain dental issues. It is essential to approach this practice with caution and adhere to strict sourcing guidelines to ensure reliable information and avoid falling prey to myths and misinformation.

Can sewing truly reshape jaw lines and facial structure?

Mewing, the practice of proper tongue posture to help reshape facial structure, has gained popularity in recent years. Advocates of mewing believe that by keeping the tongue on the roof of the mouth, it can lead to improvements in facial symmetry and jawline definition. Some supporters even claim that mewing can potentially reverse the effects of aging on the face. However, skeptics, like Dr. Perry, argue that there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

Orthotropics, a branch of dentistry that focuses on facial growth and development, has also been associated with the concept of mewing. Orthotropists emphasize the importance of proper tongue posture and believe that it can have a significant impact on overall facial structure. Research on the effectiveness of mewing and orthotropics is ongoing, and it remains a controversial topic in the field of facial aesthetics.

TLDR;

At Elite Dental Studio, we’ve determined that mewing has absolutely zero legitimate scientific research as an effective way to reshape the face or jawline. Genetics, bone growth, and muscle structure are what determine the shape of your face. We do not recommend this at all because, at worst, you can damage your teeth and tongue or exacerbate existing speech problems. At best, it’s an absolute waste of time. The doctor from whom the term Mewing came also lost his dental license. If you’re interested in finding ways to effectively and safely enhance your appearance, please schedule a consultation with us.