There’s no embarrassment in desiring a well-defined jawline and a contoured chin and cheeks. However, apart from using a good bronzer and receiving a pleasant face massage, there isn’t a permanent method to achieve significant changes to your face without resorting to cosmetic surgery or Kybella. That’s why there’s a growing market for tools like Jawzrsize, a circular silicone device that asserts it can provide you with a stronger and more distinct jawline.

But does Jawzrsize truly work, and is it even necessary to exercise your jaw in the first place? Here’s what experts have to say.

The Fundamentals of Jawzrsize

Jawzrsize is designed to engage your jaw muscles in a complete range of motion with varying degrees of resistance, as mentioned on the company’s website. With resistance ranging from 20 to 50 pounds, increasing in increments of five to 10 pounds, Jawzrsize claims to activate over 57 muscles in the face and enhance blood circulation in the area. This not only helps define your jawline but also promotes healthy skin, according to the brand.

To use Jawzrsize, the user places it between their top and bottom front teeth, then bites down and releases, similar to using a stress ball for your face. The brand recommends performing 15 to 30 repetitions for three to four sets every other day or daily, starting with 20 pounds of resistance and gradually progressing to 50 pounds.

Does Jawzrsize Work?

Unfortunately, experts suggest that using Jawzrsize might have the opposite effect of what it claims to achieve.

“Jawzrsize asserts that it can exercise your jaw muscles and, in turn, slim down your face. While these devices can certainly target your jaw muscles, the idea that they can make your face slimmer is completely unsubstantiated,” explains Samantha Rawdin, D.M.D., a prosthodontist specializing in cosmetic dental work and restorative procedures. “These devices stimulate the masseter muscle, which is the large muscle on the side of your cheek that aids in chewing. While they may assist in burning calories, they actually cause hypertrophy, leading to an increase in muscle size rather than slimming down the face,” she clarifies.

To be frank, if you desire a more distinct jawline, it is recommended to engage in regular physical activity and adhere to a nutritious diet — or consult with a plastic surgeon, advises Rawdin. Similar to other parts of the body, it is not possible to specifically train the jaw to reduce fat and achieve jawline definition. In order to eliminate fat from any area, it is necessary to reduce overall body fat through a combination of diet and exercise, which ultimately alters body composition. (For instance, doing 100 abdominal exercises every day — and nothing else — will not result in a six-pack.)

Courtesy of Jawzrsize

To be impartial, the Jawzrsize company acknowledges all of this on its website: In its frequently asked questions (FAQs), the company highlights the masseter muscle as the primary target for growth (due to “exercise” and “nourishing your body”). The company does concede that “Jawzrsize will not enable you to reduce fat specifically on your face. That is impossible. However, with a balanced and healthy diet combined with exercise, you can reduce overall body fat.” Instead, the company explains that the main factor contributing to visual improvement is building the muscle beneath the skin, which leads to tighter skin and a more aesthetically pleasing facial appearance.

Naturally, genetics play a significant role in determining the degree of definition in your jawline — strengthening the muscle may not necessarily alter this. Jawlines come in various shapes and sizes, and there isn’t a universally accepted ideal jaw shape, according to Charles Sutera, D.D.S., a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a renowned dentist specializing in complex TMJ treatment, as well as cosmetic and sedation dentistry.

In other words, it is not necessary to excessively worry about the appearance of your jaw — instead, focus on enhancing your lifestyle by making changes such as maintaining a balanced diet, following a regular exercise routine, and reducing stress. Practicing these habits will contribute to your overall perception of yourself.

Potential Dangers of Using Jawzrsize

In addition to the potential enlargement of jaw muscles, there is also a risk that using Jawzrsize and similar devices may lead to teeth and jaw alignment issues, as well as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, as highlighted by Sutera.

Jawzrsize, however, asserts that “by fortifying your jaw muscles, it alleviates the discomfort connected with this disorder and maintains the robustness of your jaws, thereby lessening the risk of misalignment.

The primary concern associated with the idea of enhancing the muscles in the jaw is that it necessitates the application of non-chewing force on the teeth,” states Sutera. “When force is exerted on the teeth at different angles, it can unintentionally act as orthodontics. Over time, applying force to the mouth can result in teeth shifting or changes in the bite position, which increases the risk of alignment issues or TMJ disorder,” he explains.

FYI, the TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull, and there is one on each side of your jaw, according to the Mayo Clinic. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles responsible for jaw movement (other symptoms may include soreness during chewing, headaches, and clicking and popping of the jaw, according to Sutera). Various factors contribute to TMJ disorders, such as arthritis, jaw injuries, bruxism (teeth grinding), and genetics. Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth can harm the shock-absorbing disk that separates the bones that interact with the TMJ, leading to erosion or displacement from its normal alignment — and having extremely strong jaw muscles might potentially exacerbate this.

Courtesy of Jawzrsize

Is it Advisable to Exercise Your Jaw Muscles at All?

It may seem logical to train your jaw muscles if you wish to strengthen them — and perhaps it could even result in a more defined jawline if you develop the muscle sufficiently, as suggested by Jawzrsize. However, the truth is that everyday actions such as talking, smiling, eating, clenching, and grinding already heavily engage the jaw muscles, according to Sutera. “Just as you don’t consciously exercise your heart muscle, the same applies to your jaw muscle. You exercise your jaw throughout the day without even realizing it — in fact, arguably more than any other muscle,” he states.

Most jaw issues are actually the result of having excessively developed jaw muscles rather than weak or inadequate muscles, asserts Sutera. In fact, having excessive power in the jaw muscles is what can lead to clenching and TMJ pain. “Imagine the lower jaw as a hammock: If you gently swing a hammock with light force, it is easy to control. But if you swing a hammock with excessive power, the hinges start to click and pop due to the strain,” he explains. “The hammock can only handle as much force as the weakest link. The same applies to the jaw,” Sutera adds.

“In most cases, there should be no need to strengthen the jaw,” agrees Rawdin. “Mother Nature has done a remarkable job of enabling your jaw and the supporting muscles to withstand the daily activities of chewing and speaking. If you experience pain in the TMJ, it is most likely not due to a lack of strength. Instead, it is advisable to consult a dentist for an evaluation,” she recommends.

How to Unwind the Jaw and Reduce Swelling Without Jawzrsize

While utilizing Jawzrsize may not be completely efficient or secure, there are certain non-intrusive self-care techniques you can utilize to assist in diminishing swelling in the jawline and alleviating pressure. In fact, if you’re experiencing either of those symptoms, the culprit is typically muscular tension rather than drooping skin, says Madalaina Conti, a certified esthetician based in New York City. “Muscle tension produces obstacles and the accumulation of fascia (tissue) and fluid that can contribute to additional swelling and drooping,” she says. “Addressing this tension and stagnancy facilitates improved circulation, allows the skin and muscles to receive proper nutrients, and develops muscle memory, leading to a more sculpted, contoured, and de-puffed appearance,” explains Conti.

The positive news: You can relieve tension and reduce swelling easily (and for free) at home with a simple facial massage. A research review in the Journal of Headache and Pain demonstrates that conservative treatments such as massage therapy and exercises are preferred for treating TMJ pain due to their low risk of side effects, and that massage can help decrease swelling and pain.

While jade rollers and gua sha — an Eastern Chinese medicine technique that entails rubbing and stimulating the skin with tools to enhance blood circulation in the muscles and deep tissues — will achieve the desired result, your fingers can be equally impactful, says Conti. Utilize your preferred facial oil to massage your face and concentrate on areas of concern, she says. (If you need more guidance, FaceGym has free YouTube videos and the Kaiser Permanente Medical Group also provides instructions for a quick self-massage to alleviate pain and tension.)

While massage and other alternative treatments may help alleviate TMJ pain, it’s crucial to address other lifestyle issues (such as teeth grinding from stress) that might be contributing to it; it’s always a wise decision to consult a doctor or physical therapist for the best treatment for you.

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