Dr. Mike Mew: A Pioneer in Orthotropics and Mewing Technique
Dr. Mike Mew, a renowned orthodontist and orthotropist, has gained significant attention for his unconventional approach to facial development through the practice of mewing. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Mew has dedicated his career to exploring the influence of oral posture on facial structure, gaining both praise and controversy in the process. This article delves into his background, the technique of mewing, and the impact Dr. Mew has had on modern orthodontics.
Who is Dr. Mike Mew?
Dr. Mike Mew, BDS, MSc Orth., is an orthodontist, lecturer, and orthotropist based in London. His career spans over 23 years, primarily focusing on the field of facial orthotropics. As the lead clinician and a lecturer at the London School of Facial Orthotropics, Dr. Mew has become a prominent figure in the study of facial growth and development.
Having received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree in 1993, Dr. Mew also pursued further qualifications in orthodontics, earning a Master’s degree in the discipline. Over the years, he has built a reputation for his research and application of mewing, a technique he believes can shape the face and improve overall oral health by practicing proper oral posture.
The Mewing Technique
Mewing is a concept that revolves around the positioning of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. It’s a practice advocated by Dr. Mew and his father, Professor John Mew, a pioneer of the orthotropics movement. The technique involves consciously maintaining the tongue in contact with the upper palate while keeping the lips closed and breathing through the nose. Dr. Mew claims that such a practice can lead to significant changes in the shape of one’s face, including a more defined jawline, improved cheekbones, and better overall facial symmetry.
How Mewing Works
Mewing is not a quick-fix technique. It requires consistent practice and patience, with proponents suggesting that noticeable changes could take months or even years. The idea is that by positioning the tongue in the correct manner, the bones in the face can be guided to grow in a more optimal direction. Dr. Mike Mew’s teachings emphasize that this method can potentially reverse some of the effects of improper oral posture, such as a recessed jaw or improper bite.
While mewing has gained popularity in online forums and social media, it remains a controversial subject within the professional orthodontic community. Despite its growing following, many experts argue that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the claims made by Dr. Mew regarding the long-term effects of mewing on facial structure.
Dr. Mike Mew’s Career Path
Dr. Mew’s career began in the mid-1990s when he first worked as a Senior House Officer in Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. His early exposure to various aspects of surgery and orthodontics helped shape his approach to facial development and the idea that oral posture plays a significant role in shaping one’s facial features.
In 2002, Dr. Mew began his tenure as a lecturer and orthodontist at the London School of Facial Orthotropics, where he continues to teach and practice today. His role at the school has allowed him to delve deeper into his research on facial orthotropics and to guide future orthodontists in his approach to treatment.
The Role of Orthotropics in Facial Development
Orthotropics, a field established by Dr. Mew’s father, Professor John Mew, focuses on the development of the face by guiding proper oral posture. The premise is that by positioning the teeth, jaw, and tongue in specific ways, one can influence the growth of the facial bones. Dr. Mew has taken this concept further by integrating modern orthodontic techniques with his father’s principles, creating a unique approach to orthodontics that does not rely heavily on traditional braces or surgical intervention.
Dr. Mike Mew’s orthotropic philosophy involves reshaping the growth of the face in a natural and non-invasive manner, relying on techniques such as mewing and the use of functional appliances. Unlike conventional orthodontics, which often relies on braces to align teeth, orthotropics focuses on guiding the entire facial structure to develop properly from an early age.
The Impact of Dr. Mew’s Work
Dr. Mew’s work has sparked a global movement, with thousands of people trying mewing in hopes of improving their facial structure. Many individuals claim that they have seen positive changes in their jawline, cheekbones, and overall facial appearance after practicing mewing for several months. This has made Dr. Mew a popular figure on social media, where he shares his knowledge and guides individuals on how to practice proper tongue posture.
Despite its popularity, Dr. Mew’s methods have not been without controversy. In 2019, he was expelled from the British Orthodontic Society for continuing to advocate his unorthodox approach to orthodontics. He faced criticism from other professionals who argued that mewing was not based on scientific evidence and could potentially lead to harm. Nevertheless, Dr. Mew’s commitment to his beliefs has remained steadfast, and he continues to promote his teachings through online platforms, including his YouTube channel and the Mewing App.
Controversies and Legal Issues
The controversies surrounding Dr. Mew’s career escalated in 2024 when he was struck off the dental register in the UK following a misconduct hearing. The General Dental Council (GDC) found that Dr. Mew’s treatments had posed harm to children, leading to his removal from the official dental register. This decision was a significant setback for Dr. Mew, as it cast a shadow over his reputation and raised concerns about the safety of his techniques.
While Dr. Mew has faced significant professional challenges, he maintains that his methods are safe when practiced correctly. However, the lack of scientific backing for mewing and the legal repercussions he has faced suggest that his approach remains highly contentious within the medical and dental communities.
The Scientific Reception of Mewing
The scientific community remains highly sceptical of mewing, with many orthodontists and researchers asserting that there is little to no evidence supporting its effectiveness in altering facial structure. Studies on facial development have yet to show that mewing can deliver the promised results, and the technique is generally not considered a viable alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments like braces or surgical interventions.
Most orthodontists argue that facial growth is largely influenced by genetics and that there is limited potential for significant changes through oral posture alone. As a result, the practice of mewing is seen as an unproven and potentially misleading technique that may not deliver the desired results.
Conclusion
Dr. Mike Mew has had a significant influence on the world of orthodontics, both through his innovative approach to facial development and his controversial views on mewing. While his methods have garnered widespread attention, they remain highly disputed within the medical community.
For individuals considering mewing, it is essential to approach the technique with caution and consult with a qualified orthodontist or dental professional before beginning any new oral health practices. Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting the claims, Dr. Mew’s passion for his work and his dedication to exploring alternative methods in orthodontics continue to inspire both followers and critics alike.
