Can Mewing Fix an Underbite?
An underbite, also called a negative overjet, refers to when the lower row of teeth sits in front of the upper row. This misalignment not only affects facial appearance but can also impair chewing and speech.
Recently, an orthotropic technique called “mewing” has circulated online as a way to remedy underbites and other bite issues by altering oral posture. But is there any science backing these viral claims? Can mewing actually shift jaw position and fix underbites over time?
In this comprehensive guide, we analyze the plausibility of mewing improving an underbite through natural realignment. We also provide actionable tips to maximize results if attempting this postural therapy approach.
What is Mewing?
Mewing refers to proper oral posture techniques pioneered by British orthodontist Dr. John Mew. The methodology trains correct tongue placement to widen the upper palate over time. Proper tongue position then facilitates ideal growth of the maxilla bone to improve alignment of teeth and jaws.
By holding the whole tongue up on the roof of the mouth, frequent pressure slowly widens the palatal space. This allows the maxilla to shift forward into ideal positioning in relation to the mandible. The concept aims to remedy poor oral development contributing to malocclusion issues like overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth through tongue posture habits and facial muscle engagement.
The Theory Behind Mewing for Underbites
Advocates theorize mewing can physically shift an underdeveloped maxilla bone forward through continual upward tongue pressure on the palate. This gradual advancement simultaneously corrects the comparative protrusion of the lower mandible bone eliminating the underbite.
Mewing technique combines suction hold of the whole tongue against the mouth’s ceiling to prompt maxillary adaptation through incremental growth modification over months and years. This natural stimulation from mewing posturing seeks to guide the still-developing maxilla bone forward into its genetically intended position without dental intervention like braces.
Does the Science Support Using Mewing for Underbites?
Currently, little high-level research exists investigating mewing methodology for bite correction or jaw realignment. However, some preliminary findings and expert inferences support the rationale behind using mewing for underbites:
- Studies confirm craniofacial development continues well beyond childhood and adolescence, implying physical adaptation remains possible into adulthood.
- Orthodontic medical devices like palatal expanders demonstrate extended palate width enables forward maxillary growth.
- Orofacial myology therapy uses similar tongue positioning to prompt favorable structural changes long-term.
- Esteemed orthotropic specialists globally endorse mewing as a cost-effective, non-invasive way to guide ideal jaw development.
This early supporting evidence hints at the promise of mewing, yet more research is still needed to confirm effectiveness for resolving diagnosed malocclusions like underbites.
Who Can Benefit from Mewing?
Mewing focuses on gradually redirecting ongoing craniofacial growth to foster proper anatomical alignment. Therefore, the technique holds the most potential for the following demographics:
Children & Adolescents
Younger populations still undergoing rapid developmental changes may benefit most from mewing. Early intervention guides ideal positioning of the still highly adaptive jaw bones before closure of growth plates in early adulthood.
Young Adults
Research now indicates jaw growth continues, albeit modestly, beyond previously assumed timelines. 19-35 year olds could feasibly see small improvements through mewing since their craniofacial structures retain some malleability.
Those with Tongue Tie or Posture Issues
Individuals unable to rest the tongue properly on the palate due to restrictive frenulum or habitual mouth breathing may gain especially from mewing therapy. Reestablishing proper tongue mobility and position through this training creates opportunity to expand constricted anatomy over time.
People Wanting to Avoid Braces
Patients diagnosed with malocclusion who hope to evade dental intervention may want to try mewing first for mild bite/alignment issues. Mewing poses little downside if embraced early alongside dietary habits conducive to favorable growth.
Maximizing Mewing Results for Underbites
Simply pressing the tongue upward often proves insufficient to elicit structural improvements on its own. Integrating certain lifestyle factors potentiates mewing progress for underbites:
Chewing
Regularly chewing tough foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, jerky or gum provides opus for the jaw muscles to strengthen. This increased activity and pressure complements mewing’s growth influence through exertion of light force on the maxilla.
Swallowing
Frequently performing proper “tongue swallows” with mewing technique engages key muscles responsible for favorable development. This habitual motor pattern retrains the tongue to exert upward pressure while ingesting food and liquid instead of just pressing while at rest.
Body and Neck Posture
Spine alignment and head positioning influence tension and loading angles on the jaws and neck. Ensure good posture while mewing so surrounding musculoskeletal strain does not counteract tongue guidance. Consider pillow props, posture reminders, and yoga.
Nutrition
A nutrient-rich whole food diet low in processed content optimizes the raw materials available for ideal bone growth. Vitamins A, D and K as well as bioavailable calcium sources prove particularly valuable for maxillary adaptation from mewing stimulus.
Incorporating Mewing into Daily Life
Like any skill, mastering proper tongue posture and muscle engagement requires conscious effort upfront. Over time, mewing can become automatic. Helpfulness tips for habit formation include:
Set Reminders
Place sticky note cues saying “Mew!” around your home, office or school study areas to prompt awareness multiple times per day. Smart phone alerts or timers can also remind you to check-in.
Learn the Technique
Watch online tutorials from reputable myofunctional therapists detailing ideal tongue placement and muscle engagement. Use fingers to detect how far back and wide the tongue should extend to perceive the correct suction-hold sensation.
Practice Daily
Set aside specific periods to perform mewing properly, even just 5-10 minutes daily. Purposeful repetition cements neural pathways regarding ideal oral carriage and swallowing until it becomes subconscious habit.
Get Supportive Devices
Enlist dental orthotropic appliances like ALF appliances, palatal expanders, or orthodontic braces to assist keeping tongue posture upright. These tools provide helpful physical reminding cues at night or while going about daytime routines.
Risks and Limitations
As a non-invasive natural therapy, mewing possesses few risks if practiced gently and patiently. However, take care to avoid these potential downsides:
Unrealistic Expectations
People hoping mewing offers a “quick fix” for longstanding bite issues often feel disappointed at the incremental pace. Remain realistic about the months to years timeline expected for noticeable change.
Overzealous Effort
Pressing the tongue fiercely upwards against resistance risks muscle strain and ligament damage. Allow natural mewing pressure to accumulate without Bearing down forcibly to avoid excess tissue stress.
Underlying Alignment Issues
In some cases, hereditary facial anatomy, dense gum tissue or established occlusion may limit mewing progress. Mild to moderate cases gain more while severely protruding underbites likely necessitate orthodontics or surgery.
Consult an orthotropist or orofacial myologist to assess if mewing can help your unique malocclusion or if additional intervention proves necessary.
Complementary Treatments
While mewing centers on tongue carriage, certain complementary therapies also aim to remedy poor jaw alignment contributing to underbites and other occlusion abnormalities. Combination treatments to consider include:
Physical Therapy
Orofacial physical therapists offer rehabilitative exercises and neuromuscular re-education to establish proper lip, cheek and throat positional habits. This facilitates tissue accommodation to emerging maxillary placement from mewing.
Speech Therapy
Training optimal tongue movement patterns through specific sounds and swallowing techniques synergizes with mewing goals. Speech therapists restructure poor oral motor pathways developed from initial malocclusion.
Orthodontic Appliances
As mewing guides development, orthodontic devices like palate expanders, ALF appliances, lip bumpers and braces work alongside as physical guides. Combination therapy expedites improvement more rapidly.
Botox
In some adults, Botox injection into overactive mentalis muscles loosening this area can help unclench strain impeding favorable maxillary trajectory from mewing techniques.
The Bottom Line
Mewing theory holds intriguing possibility for guiding natural development to remedy bite issues like underbites. While more research still proves necessary, preliminary outcomes and clinical extrapolation suggest mewing, when begun early alongside growth-optimizing habits, may help lessen underbite severity without braces or surgery in mild to moderate cases.
Yet for longstanding pronounced malocclusion, mewing likely serves best as complementary therapy. Starting oral myofunctional training still benefits adults managing severe underbites by facilitating better chewing, protection from wear, and integration of traditional interventions like orthodontics or double jaw surgery.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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