Introduction

“mewing before and after teeth” is a common search for people who want to know how tongue posture and orofacial exercises affect dental alignment and facial shape. The phrase captures two concerns: will mewing change how my teeth sit, and can changes in teeth change the visible before-and-after facial results?

This article explains what mewing is, what it realistically affects, and how teeth position and orthodontics interact with mewing. It covers practical step-by-step tongue posture techniques, jawline exercises, realistic timelines, checklists for tracking progress, direct comparisons with orthodontic options, and pricing ranges for common interventions. The goal is to help readers decide when to self-manage with posture and exercises, when to add devices or apps, and when to consult a dentist or orthodontist.

Read on for concrete examples, numbers, and action plans you can start today. This is for adults and teens who want facial improvement while keeping dental health safe and evidence-aware.

Overview:

how mewing interacts with dental alignment

Mewing is the practice of maintaining correct tongue posture: the tongue resting on the palate (roof of mouth), lips closed, teeth lightly together or slightly apart depending on guidance, and breathing through the nose. The theoretical chain of effect is: tongue pressure and nasal breathing support palatal shaping, which can influence maxillary (upper jaw) position and facial posture over time.

What mewing can affect:

Soft-tissue contours: cheek fullness, nasolabial angle, and apparent jawline definition can show subtle change in 3-12 months with consistent posture and weight control.
Posture and airway: improved nasal breathing and head posture affect how the face and neck present.
Palatal pressure: in growing individuals (children and teens), sustained palatal pressure can influence how the palate develops; changes in dental arch width sometimes follow.

What mewing is unlikely to produce alone:

Major tooth movement in adults without orthodontic intervention, because adult bone remodeling and tooth anchorage resist small external pressures.
Dramatic skeletal changes in fully mature adults within months. Skeletal remodeling generally needs years or orthodontic/surgical intervention.

Examples and numbers:

Soft tissue change timeframe: 3-12 months for visible improvements in cheek and lower face contour with consistent mewing plus nasal breathing and 1-3 kg weight loss. This is a commonly reported range among users and clinicians for soft-tissue repositioning.
Skeletal/dental change timeframe: in adolescents, palatal expansion protocols can show arch width increases in months with targeted appliances. In adults, predictable tooth movement requires orthodontics with clear aligners or braces and typically costs $3,000 to $8,000.

Practical takeaway: Treat mewing as a low-cost posture and breathing practice that can improve facial appearance and airway function, but do not expect it to replace orthodontic treatment for significant tooth alignment changes.

Mewing Before and After Teeth

This section examines documented scenarios and practical before-and-after outcomes when mewing is combined with dental realities. The exact phrase “mewing before and after teeth” highlights two comparisons: the facial change before and after mewing when teeth are unchanged, and how teeth change before-and-after when mewing is attempted with or without orthodontic treatment.

Case-style examples with timelines:

Example A - Adult, 28, no orthodontics: Started daily mewing practice (palate tongue posture 20-30 minutes active training plus passive posture all day) and nasal breathing exercises. After 6 months the person reported slightly fuller midface and improved jawline visibility when body fat decreased by 1.5 kg. No tooth movement detected on dental checkup. Outcome: soft-tissue improvement only.
Example B - Teen, 14, in mixed dentition: Combined myofunctional therapy (tongue posture exercises) with a Myobrace pre-orthodontic appliance. After 12 months, dental arch width increased by 2-3 mm and incisor alignment improved, reducing the need for more invasive expansion later. Outcome: combined approach aided dental development.
Example C - Adult, 34, using mewing plus clear aligners (Invisalign): Patient used mewing to stabilize tongue posture while Invisalign corrected malocclusion over 12 months. The aligners produced the tooth movement; consistent tongue posture reduced relapse risk after treatment. Outcome: best results when orthodontic work handled tooth movement.

Comparisons and what to expect:

No orthodontics, adult: Expect soft tissue and postural benefits; measurable tooth movement is unlikely. Expect subjective facial change in 3-12 months; objective dental shift is rare.
Orthodontics plus mewing: Orthodontic devices (Invisalign, traditional braces) move teeth reliably in months to years; mewing can complement by supporting proper tongue posture to reduce relapse. Invisalign costs range roughly $3,000 to $7,000 in the US; braces $4,000 to $7,500 depending on type and location.
Myofunctional devices in growing patients: Myobrace kits cost about $300 to $1,000 per stage. Appliances and guided protocols show stronger dental and skeletal modification in growing patients within 6-18 months.

Key metrics to track before and after:

Photographs: standardized front and side photos monthly.
Dental records: impressions or intraoral scans baseline and every 6-12 months.
Measurements: intermolar width, overbite/overjet in mm, and body weight.
Subjective metrics: nasal breathing quality on a 1-10 scale, sleep quality.

Practical note: If you want tooth movement, plan for orthodontic consultation. If you want facial toning, start mewing plus general facial and neck strengthening.

Steps to Practice Mewing with Dental Considerations

This section gives a step-by-step routine that aligns mewing practice with dental safety and outcomes. Each step contains specifics, frequency, and modifications for common dental scenarios.

Step 1 - baseline assessment (day 0)

Do a dental checkup and get intraoral photos or scans if possible. Expect a dental consult fee of $100 to $300 in many US clinics; some providers offer free consults.
Measure baseline: take standardized frontal and profile images, note any current orthodontic appliances, and record overbite/overjet if you know them.

Step 2 - learn correct tongue posture (days 1-7)

Instructions: lips together, teeth lightly touching or slightly apart (light contact is okay but avoid clenching), entire tongue flat against the palate with the tip just behind the upper front teeth but not pressing teeth, swallow with the tongue on the palate.
Practice schedule: 5 minutes of focused training 3 times daily for the first 2 weeks, then increase to 20-30 minutes active cueing per day and passive posture all day.
Tools: tongue depressor or clean spoon for tactile feedback. A simple app timer or posture reminder app (e.g., “Wearable Posture Reminder” or smartphone timers).

Step 3 - integrate nasal breathing and posture (weeks 1-12)

Nasal breathing: perform nasal breathing drills and use saline rinses if congestion is an issue. Nasal breathing supports palatal suction and correct tongue placement.
Head and neck posture: practice chin tucks and cervical retractions 2 sets of 10 reps daily to align the jawline and help tongue posture.

Step 4 - adjunct exercises and devices (months 1-12)

Jawline resistance exercises: 3 sets of 10 chin lifts with isometric resistance daily. Use devices like “Jawzrsize” cautiously and for short sessions (1-2 minutes) to avoid TMJ stress.
Myofunctional therapy: consider guided programs from myofunctional therapists (MAFFS - myofunctional appliances). Myobrace systems provide staged appliances for children and cost roughly $300-$1,000 per stage.
Orthodontic coordination: if you have braces or aligners, inform your orthodontist about mewing practice. Aligners move teeth; tongue posture helps retention.

Step 5 - monitoring and adjustment (every 3 months)

Re-take photos monthly; intraoral scans or dental follow-ups every 6-12 months.
If any tooth mobility, bite change, or TMJ pain occurs, pause mewing intensity and consult your dentist or orthodontist immediately.

Modifications for dental scenarios:

Crowded teeth: mewing alone will not reliably create space; consult an orthodontist. Clear aligners or braces typically required.
Missing teeth or implants: altered mechanics may require tailored tongue posture; get professional advice.
TMJ or jaw pain: reduce intensity, avoid aggressive jaw exercises, and consult a clinician.

Practical metrics for progress:

Soft tissue: photo change noted at 3, 6, 12 months.
Dental: measurable tooth movement generally requires professional orthodontics; expect standardized treatment timelines 6-24 months for typical alignment cases.

Best Practices and When to Seek Professional Care

Follow these evidence-aware best practices to maximize benefits and avoid harm. This section explains red flags, professional roles, and a recommended timeline for escalation.

Daily best practices

Consistency: aim for passive tongue posture all day with 20-30 minutes of active practice and targeted drills twice daily.
Combine interventions: nasal breathing training, posture correction, and light jaw exercises amplify mewing effects.
Hydration and nasal hygiene: saline rinses and humidifiers improve nasal breathing and therefore tongue posture.

Safety precautions

Avoid clenching: teeth should be lightly together or slightly apart without force. Clenching risks TMJ (temporomandibular joint) strain and tooth wear.
Watch for pain: any persistent jaw pain, tooth mobility, or new bite changes should prompt immediate dental evaluation.
Devices caution: non-clinical “mewing devices” marketed online are unregulated and can cause harm. Prefer clinician-guided appliances like Myobrace for children, or professional orthodontic options.

When to see professionals

Dental or orthodontic consultation if you have moderate to severe crowding, crossbite, major overbite/underbite, or prior orthodontic relapse.
Myofunctional therapist or speech-language pathologist for guided tongue posture programs; many offer telehealth sessions at $50-$150 per session.
ENT (ear nose and throat) specialist if nasal obstruction prevents nasal breathing; sleep medicine referral if you have apnea symptoms.

Timeline for escalation

0-3 months: self-practice, nasal hygiene, and monitoring.
3-6 months: if no soft-tissue improvement and you expect dental change, schedule orthodontic consult.
6-12 months: if you have worsening bite or pain, seek urgent dental care.

Examples of professional options and typical pricing

Orthodontist consultation: $100-$300. Braces: $4,000-$7,500. Invisalign: $3,000-$7,000.
Myobrace kits (children): $300-$1,000 per stage.
Vivos Therapeutics airway-focused treatment for adults: typical ranges $6,000-$15,000 depending on complexity.
Myofunctional therapist telehealth session: $50-$150.

Practical rule: use mewing as a supportive habit, not a substitute for professional care when tooth movement, bite correction, or airway obstruction is involved.

Tools and Resources

This section lists specific products, services, apps, and approximate pricing so you can act immediately.

Dental and orthodontic services

Invisalign (Align Technology): clear aligners for moderate to complex tooth movement. Typical full treatment $3,000-$7,000 in the US. Provider consult required.
Traditional braces: metal or ceramic brackets. Typical cost $4,000-$7,500.
Orthodontic consultation: many clinics charge $100-$300; some offer free consults.

Myofunctional devices and therapy

Myobrace (Companies: Myofunctional Research Co.): staged pre-orthodontic appliances for growing patients. Kits start at about $300 and vary by stage and practitioner.
Myofunctional therapy providers: telehealth sessions $50-$150 per session; packages often $300-$1,200 for multi-month programs.
Tongue trainers: generic silicone trainers sold online $20-$60. Use cautiously and consult professionals for pediatric use.

Jaw exercise and posture devices

Jawzrsize: resistance jaw exerciser sold for $30-$60. Use short sessions and avoid if TMJ issues exist.
Posture wearables and reminders: Upright Go posture trainer $60-$120 to cue head and neck alignment.

Apps and digital tracking

Photo monitoring: use smartphone photo templates or apps like “ProgressPic” (free/paid tiers) to standardize monthly photos.
Reminders: use Apple/Android timers or habit apps such as “Habitica” or “Loop Habit Tracker” for daily mewing reminders.

Diagnostic and monitoring tools

Intraoral scanners: clinics use 3D scanners; consumer handheld scanners exist but are expensive ($1,000+). Prefer professional scans.
Sleep and breathing: home sleep tests for sleep apnea via sleep clinics often $150-$400.

Resources for education

Peer-reviewed literature: search PubMed for tongue posture, myofunctional therapy, and orthodontic relapse for clinical evidence.
Myofunctional associations: International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) directories to find certified therapists.

Comparison snapshot

Self-practice mewing: free, low risk if done correctly, soft tissue benefits in months.
Myofunctional therapy + Myobrace (kids): $300-$1,000 per stage, stronger dental influence during growth.
Orthodontics (adults/teens): $3,000-$8,000, predictable tooth movement, faster dental results.

Common Mistakes

Expecting fast skeletal or major tooth movement in adults

Many people expect visible skeletal changes in a few months. Realistic outcomes: soft-tissue changes may be noticeable in 3-12 months; skeletal/dental changes in adults usually require orthodontic appliances.

How to avoid: set a 6-12 month soft-tissue timeline and consult an orthodontist if you want tooth movement.

Tongue tip pressing on the front teeth

Placing the tongue tip directly on the front teeth or pushing on the incisors causes unwanted tooth pressure.

How to avoid: aim tongue tip to rest just behind the upper front teeth on the alveolar ridge or slightly posterior on the palate, not pushing teeth.

Clenching or overworking the jaw

Aggressive jaw exercises or clenching while mewing causes temporomandibular joint strain, headaches, and tooth wear.

How to avoid: use low-resistance exercises, limit jaw device sessions to 1-2 minutes initially, and stop if you experience pain.

Ignoring nasal obstruction

Mewing assumes nasal breathing. Constant mouth breathing due to septal deviation, allergies, or enlarged adenoids will undermine mewing and may harm dental posture.

How to avoid: address nasal issues with ENT consultation, allergy management, or saline irrigation.

Using unregulated “mewing devices” without guidance

Many products online promise accelerated results but lack clinical oversight and can do harm.

How to avoid: prefer clinician-recommended devices (Myobrace for kids) and consult a dentist or myofunctional therapist before using devices.

FAQ

Will Mewing Move My Teeth?

Mewing alone rarely causes significant tooth movement in adults. Minor tipping or tooth position change is possible over long periods, but reliable tooth movement requires orthodontic intervention like braces or clear aligners.

Can Mewing Fix Crooked Teeth?

Crooked teeth usually require orthodontics. In growing children, myofunctional therapy plus appliances like Myobrace can reduce severity and support arch development; adults should plan for braces or clear aligners.

How Long Before I See Mewing Before and After Teeth Results?

Soft-tissue facial changes may appear in 3-12 months with consistent practice. Dental changes in growing patients can show in 6-18 months when combined with appliances. Adult dental movement generally requires 6-24 months of orthodontic treatment.

Is Mewing Safe If I Have TMJ Pain?

Proceed cautiously. If you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, reduce mewing intensity and stop jaw exercises that cause pain. See a dentist or TMJ specialist before continuing.

Do I Need a Dentist Before Starting Mewing?

If you have existing dental problems, orthodontic issues, implants, or missing teeth, consult a dentist or orthodontist before intensive mewing practice. For otherwise healthy mouths, basic self-practice is low risk.

Can Mewing Prevent Orthodontic Relapse?

Mewing and correct tongue posture can help reduce relapse risk by improving muscular forces on teeth, but professional retention (fixed retainers or removable retainers) remains the most reliable method.

Next Steps

Baseline kit: schedule a dental or orthodontic checkup, take standardized front and side photos, and record your weight and breathing quality score today.
Start a 12-week routine: practice tongue placement 5 minutes three times daily for two weeks, then increase to 20-30 minutes daily plus passive posture all day; pair with nasal breathing drills.
Monitor and document: take monthly photos, and if you have concerns about tooth crowding or bite, book an orthodontic consult at month 3 to evaluate if aligners or appliances are needed.
If under 16 or showing airway issues: seek a pediatric myofunctional therapist or ENT within 1-3 months to coordinate growth-friendly appliances like Myobrace or consider rapid palatal expansion options.

Checklist to print and use

Dental consult scheduled: yes / no
Baseline photos taken: yes / no
Daily active mewing time: target 20-30 minutes
Nasal breathing practiced daily: yes / no
Monthly photo check-ins: planned

Comparison quick guide

Goal: soft tissue improvement only — self-mewing + nasal breathing, low cost, timeline 3-12 months.
Goal: dental alignment in growing child — myofunctional therapy + Myobrace, $300-$1,000 per stage, timeline 6-18 months.
Goal: adult tooth movement — orthodontics (Invisalign or braces), $3,000-$8,000, timeline 6-24 months; mewing as adjunct.

Immediate action item: set a phone reminder for 3 daily mewing sessions and book a dental checkup within 30 days.

Mewing Before and After Teeth Guide