The Effect of Intentional Hard Gum Chewing on Facial Morphology: a 3DMD-based Analysis x
UConn Health
Summary
This pilot clinical trial will evaluate whether intentional chewing of a standardized hard chewing gum for 4 weeks produces measurable changes in facial morphology in healthy adults. Twenty participants aged 20-40 years will undergo three-dimensional facial imaging (3dMD) at baseline (T0), after the 4-week chewing intervention (T1), and following a 4-5-week washout period (T2). Changes in facial soft-tissue morphology will be assessed using three-dimensional surface analysis, including heatmaps, regional surface displacement, and morphometric measurements. Secondary outcomes include self-reported muscle fatigue, soreness, adherence, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms.
Description
Facial morphology is influenced by multiple functional factors, including masticatory muscle activity. Although hard gum chewing has been promoted as a method to improve facial definition and jawline appearance, there is limited scientific evidence demonstrating whether intentional chewing can produce measurable changes in facial soft tissues. The purpose of this prospective pilot clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of intentional hard gum chewing on facial morphology using three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry (3dMD). Twenty healthy adults aged 20-40 years will be enrolled. Participant…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 20–40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy, non-smoking adults. * Age 20 to 40 years. * Presence of a full dentition from central incisor to first molar in all four quadrants, excluding second molars. * Stable occlusion with no ongoing orthodontic treatment or myofunctional therapy. * Ability and willingness to comply with the prescribed hard-gum chewing regimen for 4 weeks and attend all study visits. * Ability to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Age younger than 20 years or older than 40 years. * Evident facial asymmetry from a frontal view. * Signs or symptoms of temporomandibu…
Interventions
- BehavioralHard Gum Chewing
Participants will chew a standardized hard chewing gum (Jawliner®, hard hardness level) every other day for 4 weeks. Each session will consist of two 8-minute chewing blocks following a standardized protocol with controlled chewing pace, progressive force application, and alternating chewing sides. Total chewing time per session will be approximately 16 minutes.
Location
- UConn HealthFarmington, Connecticut