Dr. Carol Eisenstat, a board-certified physician and founder of Line Eraser MD, was recently featured in Daily Mail in an article investigating the growing popularity of “jaw shapers.”
These resistance devices are placed between the teeth and repeatedly bitten or chewed. They are commonly promoted through social media as an easy way to create a sharper or more defined jawline.
Why Jaw Shapers May Cause Problems
Jaw shapers repeatedly load the masseter muscles and temporomandibular joints. Increasing the workload placed on these structures is not necessarily the same as creating a slimmer or better-defined lower face.
Temporomandibular disorders are a group of conditions affecting the jaw joints and muscles that control jaw movement. Symptoms can include jaw pain, stiffness, limited movement, locking and painful clicking or popping. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research also advises reducing habits that place unnecessary strain on the jaw, including clenching and excessive chewing.
Anyone who develops pain, headaches, clicking, locking or difficulty opening the mouth after using a jaw exerciser should stop using the device and seek an appropriate medical or dental evaluation.
Jaw Definition Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
The appearance of the jawline can be influenced by several factors, including facial anatomy, muscle size, bone structure, skin laxity, volume distribution and fullness beneath the chin.
A resistance device cannot determine which of these factors is responsible for a patient’s concern. Repeatedly exercising the masseter may therefore fail to produce the expected cosmetic result while placing additional pressure on the jaw.
A professional assessment can help determine whether someone may benefit from options such as jawline filler, a skin-tightening treatment or treatment of enlarged masseter muscles.
A Physician-Led Approach to Jaw Treatments
Line Eraser MD offers individualized facial assessments and established treatments for jawline definition and muscle-related concerns. Botox may be used in carefully selected patients to reduce excessive masseter activity, support jaw slimming or help manage certain symptoms associated with jaw tension.
Treatment should be based on a patient’s anatomy and symptoms rather than a social-media trend. Learn more about Dr. Carol Eisenstat and her physician-led approach to facial aesthetics.
Read the Full Feature
Read the complete article on Daily Mail.
