What causes a wide jaw?

Jawline Slimming, West Malling, Kent

A well-defined jawline is often considered a symbol of beauty and strength. However, not everyone is satisfied with the shape of their jaw. Some individuals may have a wide or square jaw that they find less appealing. Fortunately, there are a variety of non-surgical methods to improve the appearance of a wide jaw. In this blog, we’ll explore the various causes of a wide jaw and discuss some of the most effective solutions to address this concern.

What causes a wide jaw?

Most of time, a wide jaw is down to genetics. Genetics play a significant role in determining the shape of your face and jawline, so if your family has a history of wide jaws, it’s likely that you’ve inherited this trait. Though, sometimes, overdeveloped masseter muscles can contribute to a wide jaw. The masseter muscle is one of four muscles that affects the opening and closing of the mouth, and runs from the back of the jaw to in front of the ear on both sides of the face. Just like other muscles in the body, the masseter muscle can grow in size when you ‘work it out’. This can be the result of clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism) or habitual chewing of gum.

What is jawline slimming?

The shape of your jawline significantly influences your facial appearance. Those with a strong, square jaw can look chiselled and broad-faced, which can be very attractive. However, if you have delicate features, or want a more feminine appearance, then a broad and wide-set jawline can work against this.

Jawline slimming techniques come into play to harmonise your facial proportions, creating the illusion of a softer, more rounded lower face. This adjustment contributes to framing your features in a more aesthetically pleasing manner, making it possible for a single subtle alteration to entirely transform your facial appearance.

Slimming the jaw with Botox

Those who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) tend to put extra strain on their masseter muscles. Like any muscle subjected to increased use, it tends to grow in size. This often leads to a more pronounced jawline that can appear broader and more angular.

Bruxism comes with other uncomfortable side effects such as headaches, jaw pain, and flattened teeth. Jawline slimming treatment can also alleviate these symptoms, making it one of the most effective solutions for addressing the condition.

During the treatment, anti-wrinkle injections are employed to relax the masseter muscle. These injections contain a solution derived from botulinum toxin, commonly used to smooth out wrinkles and lines.

The botulinum toxin hinders the communication between your nerves and your brain, preventing the muscle from contracting. This is why it is so effective in treating wrinkles—your efforts to furrow your brow, for example, become physically impossible.

With jawline slimming, the masseter muscles receive injections of botulinum toxin, which curtails unintentional teeth clenching and grinding. As you stop unintentionally working this muscle, over a few weeks, you’ll begin to notice your jawline slimming down and taking on a softer appearance.

This effect also highlights your cheekbones, lending a more youthful appearance (high cheekbones are often associated with youth).

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, you’ll also discover that your face feels more relaxed, and your headaches tend to lessen. Importantly, the treatment doesn’t interfere with your ability to chew or make facial expressions—it solely targets the area involved in teeth grinding.

Slimming the face with fillers

If your wide jaw is down to genetics, Botox cannot be used to treat the problem as it targets the muscle, not the jawbone. In this case, other treatment options may be required. One way of achieving a slimmer face with fillers, is using dermal fillers to enhance your cheekbones to give you a more oval face shape. This helps give the illusion of a slimmer jawline. Fillers can also be used in the chin, jawline and temples to contour and refine your face.

If you’re ready to talk through the jawline slimming procedure, or if you have any questions about facial sculpting as a whole, then we’d be delighted to invite you for a consultation. Click here to book or to enquire.