Many people wonder if a night guard can actually change their jaw shape. The short answer is: no, a night guard will not fundamentally reshape your jawbone. However, it can indirectly influence the appearance of your jawline by addressing related issues. Let's delve into the specifics.
Understanding Jaw Shape and its Determinants
Your jaw shape is primarily determined by genetics and bone structure. These factors are established during development and aren't altered by external devices like night guards. While some facial exercises claim to reshape the jaw, scientific evidence supporting these claims is largely lacking.
What Night Guards Can Do
Night guards, also known as mouthguards or occlusal splints, are primarily designed to protect teeth and alleviate symptoms related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding). Their impact on jaw shape is indirect and limited to these areas:
1. Reducing TMJ Pain and Muscle Tension:
TMJ disorders can cause facial pain, headaches, and jaw muscle tension. This tension can sometimes lead to a perceived change in jaw appearance, often manifesting as a more square or wider jaw due to muscle hypertrophy (enlargement). By reducing this tension, a night guard can alleviate the associated muscle swelling, potentially leading to a slightly more refined jawline appearance. However, this is not a reshaping of the bone itself.
2. Addressing Bruxism:
Bruxism, the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, can also contribute to muscle tension and jaw pain. Similar to TMJ disorders, reducing bruxism with a night guard can alleviate muscle swelling and improve jawline aesthetics, but this is only a secondary effect.
3. Preventing or Correcting Malocclusion (Misaligned Teeth):
In some cases, severe malocclusion can affect the overall facial structure and jaw alignment. While a night guard is not a primary treatment for severe malocclusion, it can be a part of a broader orthodontic plan to address minor misalignments, potentially contributing to a subtle change in the perceived jaw shape. This is usually accompanied by braces or other orthodontic interventions.
What Night Guards Cannot Do
It's crucial to manage expectations. Night guards are not a magic bullet for jaw reshaping. They cannot:
- Change bone structure: The underlying bone structure of your jaw remains unchanged.
- Significantly alter jawline definition: Any changes observed are minor and related to muscle tension and swelling.
- Replace orthodontic treatment: For significant jaw misalignments, orthodontic intervention is necessary.
Conclusion
While a night guard won't magically reshape your jaw, it can indirectly influence the appearance of your jawline by addressing underlying issues like TMJ disorders and bruxism. Any changes are subtle and primarily related to reduced muscle tension and swelling. For significant jaw shape alterations, consider consulting an orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon. If you're concerned about your jawline or experiencing TMJ pain, consulting a dentist is always recommended.
