Mewing is a technique centered on proper tongue posture to reshape the face and improve aesthetics. This non-invasive habit is claimed to lead to a more defined jawline and improved facial structure. As this trend has gained traction, a common question arises regarding its specific effect on facial dimensions. This article will examine the underlying mechanisms of this technique and evaluate the scientific basis for the claim that mewing can make your face wider.
Understanding the Core Mewing Technique
Mewing involves maintaining a specific resting posture for the tongue to influence facial structures. The core instruction is to position the entire tongue flat against the roof of the mouth, or palate. The tip rests just behind the front teeth without touching them, applying a gentle, consistent force across the palate.
The practice also emphasizes two related habits: achieving and maintaining a lip seal (keeping the lips closed without strain) and consistent nasal breathing. Nasal breathing is considered essential for supporting the correct oral and tongue posture. Proponents believe this combination of habits can guide facial development, a concept rooted in orthotropics.
Facial Remodeling: The Biological Limitations
Altering facial structure is governed by bone remodeling. This process, often described by Wolff’s Law, suggests that bone tissue adapts to the loads or stresses placed upon it. The sustained pressure from the tongue is hypothesized to stimulate the maxilla, or upper jaw, which is connected to the palate.
However, the capacity for significant skeletal change is highly dependent on age. The facial skeleton is more malleable during childhood and adolescence. By the time a person reaches adulthood, typically after age 25, the growth plates have fused, and the facial bones have largely solidified.
While some minor bone preservation or subtle adaptation may continue into adulthood, the forces generated by the tongue are substantially less than those used in traditional orthodontic appliances. Orthodontic tools apply forces ranging from 100 to 500 grams, whereas tongue pressure averages only 10 to 20 grams. Therefore, large-scale structural changes, such as skeletal widening, are unlikely once skeletal maturity is reached.
Evaluating the Claim: Does Mewing Increase Facial Width?
The claim that mewing increases facial width relates more to soft tissue and visual perception than to significant bone change in adults. Mewing is often associated with the goal of “forward growth,” meaning the projection of the maxilla and mandible, rather than a lateral increase in width. Increased facial width is attributed to two distinct effects.
The first mechanism involves the hypertrophy, or enlargement, of the masseter muscles, the primary chewing muscles. The constant effort to maintain the correct tongue posture, or associated clenching, can lead to increased muscle tone and size in the masseters. This increase in muscle bulk along the lower jaw creates the appearance of a squarer and wider face.
The second effect is a change in visual geometry resulting from successful forward projection of the jawline. If the jaw angle (gonial angle) becomes more defined or the lower face becomes less recessed, it creates a visual illusion of greater width. Even if the underlying bone structure has not widened laterally, a more prominent jawline that projects forward can make the face appear more structured and broader when viewed from the front.
Unintended Consequences and Potential Side Effects
Aggressive or incorrect application of the technique can lead to unintended consequences. One frequently reported issue is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain or dysfunction. Excessive or forced tongue pressure, or the habit of tensing the jaw muscles while attempting to mew, can place undue strain on the joint connecting the jaw to the skull.
Another potential risk is the misalignment of teeth, especially if the tongue applies inconsistent or excessive pressure against the teeth rather than the palate. This pressure can cause unintended tooth movement, leading to misalignment, bite issues, or gum recession. Furthermore, a strong focus on maintaining pressure can inadvertently lead to excessive clenching or bruxism, which may result in increased wear on the tooth enamel.