From at home whitening treatments to glass-skin routines, beauty trends never stop evolving. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with quick fix promises of a more sculpted, youthful or “snatched” appearance. But while some trends may be harmless, others can leave a lasting mark on your health.
The latest craze? Shapewear for the face.
The seamless sculpt face wrap, designed to contour the jawline and reduce puffiness, has gone viral since its launch. Many people are tempted by the idea of a non-invasive alternative to cosmetic treatments, but we caught up with Dr Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer here at mydentist, to get her guidance on the risks of wearing these products, especially overnight.
Dentist weighs in on "viral” seamless sculpt face wrap
While beauty trends often promise quick results, it’s important to consider what’s happening beneath the surface. Your teeth and jaw are more delicate than you might think, and even small changes in pressure or posture can have long-term consequences. That’s why expert advice is key before trying products like face wraps.
When asked for her thoughts on overnight face wrapping, Nyree commented: “Sleeping in face wraps may be beneficial to some people looking to reduce the look of puffiness around the neck and jawline, but this will not be a long-term solution. Sleeping with a face wrap may result in weakened jaw muscles from prolonged pressure or even altered resting jaw posture.”
Nyree also explained: “Women are generally more prone to TMJ disorders and jaw tension problems possibly due to hormonal fluctuations making joint tissues more lax or sensitive. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint which connects your skull to your lower jaw and sits just in front of your ear. It’s the joint which allows you to move your jaw side to side, up and down and forward and back, so plays an important role in your oral health.”
The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body, working constantly as we chew, speak and even yawn. When it becomes strained or misaligned, it can cause pain, headaches, difficulty opening the mouth and even damage to the teeth. That’s why protecting it is so important.
Wearing face wraps overnight could also increase your risk of developing jaw strain – clenching or grinding with the mouth held shut can lead to bruxism, jaw pain or dental damage.
Top tips to maintain your oral health
If you’re worried about jaw pain or simply want to protect your oral health, here are some simple steps you can take every day:
Building confidence in your smile
Face shapewear may be the newest viral product, but it’s not the only trend raising concerns. On TikTok, looksmaxxing, the idea of “maximising” your appearance, has become increasingly popular, particularly among young men and boys.
It often starts with positive habits like better hygiene, skincare and teeth brushing, but can escalate to worrying extremes, from severe dieting to steroid use or even breaking facial bones to achieve a more “masculine” look. At its most dangerous, looksmaxxing is tied to harmful online communities that exploit insecurities and encourage unhealthy, sometimes violent behaviours.
Both face wraps and looksmaxxing highlight the same issue: the pressure to constantly change the way we look, often in ways that put our health at risk.
Quick fixes may sound appealing, but true confidence doesn’t come from overnight hacks or extreme trends. It comes from looking after your health and feeling good in your own skin. That means maintaining a good oral health routine and attending regular dental check-ups to ensure your smile is in tip top shape.
What to do next
At mydentist, we’re here to help you feel confident in your smile without compromising your health. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, stiffness or dental issues linked to new beauty trends, or you simply want expert advice tailored to you, your local mydentist team is here to support you every step of the way.
With appointments available at practices across the UK and finance options to spread the cost, there’s never been a better time to start your smile journey. If you're new to mydentist and looking for a practice, find your local mydentist practice today. Or browse our comprehensive treatment offering or find more information about mydentist at www.mydentist.co.uk.