It’s no secret that social media decides what is trending in beauty and fashion, and today’s verdict: defined jawlines are IN! The ideal jawline is a symbol of strength, youth, beauty, and confidence. More celebrities and influencers are showing off their jawlines, and others are looking to follow suit.
Subsequently, the popular social media app TikTok is now flooded with users who claim that a tiny device you can repeatedly chew on helped give them a more chiseled jawline. The trend isn’t necessarily brand new, but it has recently picked up steam, namely due to the videos acquiring several million views.
Every aspect of Synergy Plastic Surgery has been created with your total wellbeing in mind. So, this brings us to the most important questions, is it safe? Is it effective?
How does this device work?
The makers of these jaw devices claim that the product “easily works for anyone trying to get that chiseled look” and that the device will help you “get a full facial workout in just a few minutes.” The brand promises that, “whether you want to slim, tone, or tighten… it makes it easy to get the look you’ve always wanted.”
The aim of this approach is to essentially exercise your jawline muscles by chewing on a small device. To use it, you pop a small, ball-like device in your mouth and hold it between your front teeth. Users are urged to start during the first week with the easiest level (there are several balls, each with varying difficulties) and do three to four sets of 15 to 30 reps of biting down on the device and releasing. Users report experiencing soreness from this “exercise.”
Is it safe?
It is important to note that if you suffer from jaw pain (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, dysfunction) or if you grind your teeth, jaw exercises or so-called jaw-strengthening devices may worsen this condition. If any exercises cause clicking or pain outside of expected muscle soreness, stop immediately and speak to a medical or dental professional.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, problems with the TMJ can cause issues including radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck; jaw muscle stiffness; limited movement or locking of the jaw; painful clicking, popping, or grating when opening or closing the mouth; or a change in the way the teeth fit together.
While it may make sense to exercise a muscle to make it stronger, the area in question is quite sensitive and practicing this exercise could even harm your teeth and masseter muscles.
Does it produce the desired results?
Along with the potential consequences of using this product, we must also assess the results it provides. As previously mentioned, the product aims to “exercise” the masseter muscles, causing it to become stronger. But, is that really a good thing?
Because the device will specifically work your masseter muscle—a muscle in the lower jaw area that helps you chew solid foods—that area will bulk up, making it unlikely to get rid of bags on the cheek or create a better contour with the chin. This can lead to unfavorable results and more muscle in the wrong area. It can even give your face a boxier, square shape!
Why you should skip this trend (and where to look instead)
To enhance your jawline, it is important to assess not only the loss of volume in your jaw, but the loss of volume and collagen in other areas as well, such as the cheeks and nasolabial folds—areas that wouldn’t be treated with jaw exercises.
Dermal fillers can add volume to create better contours for the chin and neck, while BOTOX® can be used to reduce an over-developed masseter and create a slimmer facial profile. Curious about other TikTok trends you should avoid? We debunk the face taping trend in our related blog post.
At Synergy Plastic Surgery, our clinics include a state-of-the-art laser center and medspa, equipped with knowledgeable medical staff who work with you to develop the treatment plan that best fits your aesthetic goals and available recovery time!
Please request a complimentary consultation or call us at (512) 244-1439 to get started!
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