Can Mewing Reduce Gonial Angle
Can Mewing Reduce Gonial Angle?
Hey there! If you're here, chances are you've stumbled upon the world of mewing and are curious about its potential to change your facial structure, specifically asking, "can mewing reduce gonial angle?" It's a fascinating topic that has gained a lot of traction online, promising remarkable changes to your jawline.
But does this simple tongue posture technique really hold the key to a more defined gonial angle? Let's dive deep into what the gonial angle is, what mewing entails, and whether the claims actually stand up to scrutiny.
Understanding the Gonial Angle
First off, what exactly is the gonial angle? This is the angle formed by the intersection of the lower edge of the jaw (mandible) with its back edge, near your ear. Essentially, it's that prominent corner of your jawbone that contributes significantly to your overall jawline appearance.
Some people naturally have a sharper, more defined gonial angle, while others have a wider one. It's largely determined by genetics, but habits and development can also play a role over time.
What is Mewing, Really?
Mewing, popularized by Dr. John Mew and his son Dr. Mike Mew, is essentially the practice of maintaining proper tongue posture. This means resting your entire tongue, including the back third, on the roof of your mouth, while keeping your lips sealed and teeth gently touching.
The core idea behind mewing is that this correct tongue position, combined with proper swallowing and breathing through your nose, can influence the growth and development of your facial bones over time. Proponents believe it can lead to a more forward growth of the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw).
Can Mewing Actually Change Your Gonial Angle? The Science (or Lack Thereof)
Now, for the big question: can mewing reduce gonial angle effectively? While there's a huge community online advocating for mewing's dramatic effects, robust scientific evidence directly supporting its ability to significantly alter the gonial angle in adults is currently very limited, if not entirely absent.
Most of the claims you see are anecdotal, based on personal experiences and before-and-after photos. While these can be inspiring, they don't replace rigorous clinical trials or peer-reviewed studies.
Why Some Believe It Works
The theory behind mewing suggests that consistent pressure from the tongue on the palate can stimulate bone remodeling. Proponents argue that this can lead to a more upward and forward growth of the maxilla and mandible, which in turn could potentially make the gonial angle appear sharper or more defined.
Many believe that incorrect oral posture contributes to downward and backward facial growth, leading to a less defined jawline and a wider gonial angle. Mewing aims to reverse or prevent this.
The Role of Growth and Development
It's important to distinguish between children and adults when discussing facial changes. For children and adolescents whose bones are still developing, orthodontic interventions and possibly proper oral posture might have a more significant impact on facial growth patterns.
However, for adults whose facial bones are fully formed, bone remodeling is a much slower and less dramatic process. While some subtle changes might occur over a very long period, expecting drastic reductions in your gonial angle purely from mewing as an adult might be unrealistic.
Limitations and Skepticism
The primary limitation is the lack of clinical studies. While the concept seems plausible on a theoretical level, without scientific evidence, it remains largely speculative. Genetics also play a huge role in determining your inherent facial structure, including your gonial angle.
It's also worth noting that changes in weight, body fat percentage, and muscle development (e.g., masseter muscles) can greatly influence the appearance of your jawline, sometimes giving the impression of a reduced gonial angle, even if the bone structure itself hasn't changed dramatically.
Is Mewing Harmful?
Generally speaking, practicing proper tongue posture (mewing) in a relaxed way isn't inherently harmful. It's essentially what your tongue should be doing naturally. However, some people can develop issues if they approach it with excessive force or obsession.
Potential considerations include:
- TMJ Pain: If you clench your jaw or apply excessive upward pressure, it could strain your temporomandibular joint.
- Dental Issues: Forcing teeth together or misaligning them can lead to wear or bite problems.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Focusing too much on drastic changes can lead to frustration or body image issues.
If you're unsure, it's always best to consult with an orthodontist or an orofacial myofunctional therapist who can guide you on proper tongue and jaw posture.
What Else Can Affect Your Jawline?
While you're exploring if "can mewing reduce gonial angle" is possible, remember there are other factors contributing to your jawline's appearance:
- Body Fat Percentage: Lower body fat often reveals more underlying bone structure.
- Masseter Muscle Development: Chewing tough foods or gum can strengthen these jaw muscles, making the angle appear squarer.
- Genetics: This is a primary determinant of your innate facial bone structure.
- Hydration and Diet: Overall health impacts skin elasticity and puffiness.
- Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, professional orthodontic work can improve jaw alignment and facial symmetry.
Conclusion
So, can mewing reduce gonial angle significantly? While proper tongue posture (mewing) is certainly beneficial for overall oral health, breathing, and potentially subtle facial development, especially in younger individuals, the scientific community currently lacks strong evidence to support dramatic changes to the gonial angle in adults. Most evidence is anecdotal.
Adopting correct tongue posture is a healthy habit, but it's important to manage expectations and understand that genetic predisposition and overall facial development play much larger roles. If you're looking for significant changes, consulting with dental or medical professionals is always the best approach.
FAQ About Mewing and Gonial Angle
- Can adults reduce their gonial angle with mewing?
- Significant reduction of the gonial angle in adults through mewing lacks strong scientific evidence. Bone remodeling in adults is slow, and any changes are likely to be very subtle, not dramatic.
- How long does it take to see results from mewing?
- Anecdotal reports vary widely, from months to years. However, without scientific studies, it's hard to give a definitive timeline, and visible changes, especially for gonial angle, are often attributed to other factors or are highly subjective.
- Is mewing supported by orthodontists?
- Many orthodontists acknowledge the importance of proper tongue posture and nasal breathing for overall oral health and facial development, particularly in children. However, the specific claims of mewing dramatically altering adult facial bones, including the gonial angle, are not widely accepted or proven in mainstream orthodontics.
- Can I get a sharper jawline without mewing?
- Yes, factors like reducing body fat, strengthening masseter muscles through proper chewing, and sometimes orthodontic treatment can contribute to a more defined jawline appearance. Genetics also play a huge role.
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