Mewing vs. Mouth Guards: Which Works Faster for Facial Symmetry?

I’ve tested, researched, and compared both.
 This post breaks it all down—from science and personal stories to what dentists actually say.

What Exactly Is Mewing?

Mewing is the practice of pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
It was popularized by Dr. Mike Mew.
The idea is that correct tongue posture can slowly shift your jaw and improve symmetry.

For more background, see our blog on Orthodontics, Mewing, and Looksmaxxing: DIY Jaw Trends Reviewed.

What Are Mouth Guards for Facial Symmetry?

Mouth guards—especially TMJ or bite-correcting ones—work by repositioning your jaw.
They don’t just protect teeth from grinding.
Some claim they can improve jawline definition, alignment, and even breathing.

See our full guide: What Is a TMJ Mouthguard and How to Fit It Correctly.

The Big Difference Between the Two

• Mewing = no equipment, free, but takes years of consistent effort.
  
  
• Mouth guards = quick results in posture correction, but require a device.
  

Think of it like exercise vs. braces.
 One is slow, one is structured.

Does Mewing Actually Work?

Mewing can work—but the speed depends on age.
Younger people with still-developing bones see faster results.
For adults, it’s more about subtle changes in posture and appearance over years.

For insights on jaw development, see TMJ in Children and Teens: Early Signs, Risks, and Solutions.

Do Mouth Guards Work for Symmetry?

Yes, especially if your misalignment is jaw-related.
Dentists often prescribe stabilization splints, night guards, or orthotic devices.
These can bring visible changes within weeks to months.

Check out Are Mouthguards Effective for Reducing Jaw Tension?.

Which Works Faster: Mewing or Mouth Guards?

If your goal is speed, mouth guards win.
They directly reposition your bite and jaw, which changes muscle tension and facial balance quickly.
Mewing is a lifestyle habit—slow but sustainable.

More here: Mewing vs. Looksmaxxing Mouthguards: What’s More Effective for Your Jawline.

The Science Behind Jaw Changes

• Bones remodel under pressure (Wolff’s Law).
  
  
• Tongue posture (mewing) applies pressure over years.
  
  
• Mouth guards apply constant guided force—faster adaptation.
  

Read the science: How TMJ Mouth Guards Actually Work: The Science and Biomechanics Explained.

The Role of Muscle Memory

Mouth guards train muscles to hold your jaw differently.
Mewing trains your tongue and posture habits.
 Both rely on consistency.

Real-World Results: Stories From People

• Mewing users: subtle changes after 2–5 years.
  
  
• Mouth guard users: noticeable jaw relaxation and symmetry in 3–6 months.
  

See our review: Exclusive Buyer’s Review: Why Reviv TMJ Mouth Guard Is Worth Every Dollar.

Risks of Mewing

• Can lead to neck strain if done wrong.
  
  
• Unrealistic expectations—TikTok exaggerates results.
  

Risks of Mouth Guards

• Ill-fitting guards can worsen asymmetry.
  
  
• Cheap boil-and-bite guards don’t offer therapeutic effects.
  

See why: Custom vs. Over-the-Counter TMJ Mouth Guards: Pros, Cons, and What Actually Works.

Costs: Mewing vs. Mouth Guards

• Mewing: free.
  
  
• Mouth guards: $50–$100 for OTC, $400–$1,000+ for custom dental ones.
  

For a smart buyer’s perspective, read How to Pick the Best TMJ Mouth Guard: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Checklist.

Who Should Try Mewing?

• Teens and young adults.
  
  
• People looking for long-term natural habit correction.
  

Who Should Try Mouth Guards?

• Adults with TMJ pain, clenching, or grinding.
  
  
• Anyone needing faster correction.
  

See: Reviv TMJ Mouth Guard: The Expert’s Guide to Buying the #1 Solution for Jaw Pain.

Combining Both Approaches

Some people use a mouth guard at night and practice mewing during the day.
 This hybrid approach can maximize results.

What Dentists Say

Most dentists are skeptical of mewing.
But they acknowledge that posture matters.
 For mouth guards, dentists recommend custom-fit over store-bought for real results.

My Personal Take

I’ve seen faster symmetry changes with mouth guards.
Mewing is more about long-term discipline.
 Think of mewing as “maintenance” and mouth guards as “treatment.”

How Long Until You See Results?

• Mewing: 2–5 years for visible differences.
  
  
• Mouth guards: 3–12 months, depending on condition.
  

See recovery timelines: TMJ Treatment Timeline: What to Expect When Using Oral Appliances.

Mewing vs. Mouth Guards for TMJ

If you have TMJ pain, mouth guards are not just faster—they’re protective.
Mewing won’t stop the grinding that damages teeth.

See TMJ Relief: Why Traditional Treatments Fail—the Missing Link to Lasting Jaw Pain Relief.

Can Either Replace Surgery?

No.
If you need orthognathic surgery, neither mewing nor mouth guards will fully replace it.
But both can delay or reduce the need.

Final Verdict

For facial symmetry, mouth guards work faster than mewing.
Mewing has benefits, but they’re slow and subtle.
 If you want practical, visible improvements, a therapeutic mouth guard is your best bet.

FAQs

1. Can mewing fix asymmetry?
It may improve posture but won’t drastically fix severe asymmetry.

2. Do night guards change your face shape?
They can subtly change jaw muscle balance, making your face appear more symmetrical.

3. How long does mewing take?
Years, especially for adults.

4. Can I combine mewing and mouth guards?
Yes, many people do both.

5. Is mewing safe?
Generally yes, but poor technique can cause strain.

6. Are cheap night guards effective?
They protect teeth but don’t guide jaw correction well.

7. Do dentists recommend mewing?
Not officially, but they stress good oral posture.

8. Can mouth guards fix double chins?
Not directly, but better jaw posture can improve definition.

9. What’s the fastest way to improve jawline symmetry?
A custom-fit mouth guard.

10. Does mewing improve breathing?
 Yes, correct tongue posture can help airway space.

Conclusion

When it comes to mewing vs. mouth guards, one is slow and free, the other is structured and fast.
If you want quick, noticeable facial symmetry improvements, mouth guards outperform mewing.
For long-term maintenance, combine the two.

👉 Ready to take action? Buy your Reviv Mouthguard or other Reviv products by clicking Here.