The pursuit of weight loss has led to various methods, some more conventional than others. Among the more extreme approaches is the wired jaw diet, also known as inter-maxillary fixation, which involves wiring the upper and lower teeth together. While this method can lead to weight loss, it also carries significant risks and requires careful consideration. This article explores the benefits and risks of the wired jaw diet, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering this option.
What is Jaw Wiring?
Jaw wiring, or maxillomandibular fixation, is a procedure that involves connecting the upper and lower jaw bones together using wires, elastic bands, or metal devices. Originally, jaw wiring was used to treat jaw fractures, jaw deformities, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and misaligned jaws that couldn't be corrected with orthodontics. It stabilizes the mouth and prevents jaw joint movement following surgery, aiding in proper healing. In the 1970s and 1980s, doctors experimented with wiring shut the jaws of people for up to a year to help them lose weight.
How Jaw Wiring Works for Weight Loss
The principle behind using jaw wiring for weight loss is simple: by restricting the mouth's ability to open, individuals are limited to a liquid diet. This drastic reduction in food intake typically leads to weight loss. The procedure involves zigzag wiring that follows a chaotic zigzag pattern from top tooth to bottom tooth, effectively locking the jaws together.However, it is essential to note that jaw wiring for weight loss is not a commonly used method today.
Potential Benefits of Jaw Wiring
Weight Loss
The most obvious benefit of jaw wiring is the potential for significant weight loss. By restricting food intake to liquids, individuals are forced to consume fewer calories, leading to a reduction in body weight. Studies from the 1970s and 1980s indicated that jaw wiring was initially effective in reducing a patient’s weight.
Correction of Jaw Problems
Beyond weight loss, jaw wiring can correct painful jaw problems, fix misalignment that prevents proper functioning of your jaw and or teeth, help you close your lips comfortably, adjust your facial appearance by addressing cross bites, underbites, or overbites, improve speech impairment, alleviate conditions related to the jaw, such as teeth grinding or sleep problems.
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Risks and Side Effects of Jaw Wiring
Despite the potential benefits, jaw wiring comes with numerous risks and side effects that must be carefully considered.
Oral Health Issues
One of the most significant drawbacks of jaw wiring is the difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene. With the mouth wired shut, brushing and flossing become challenging, leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. The mouth is already a breeding ground for bacteria, and the wiring creates an environment for infections to thrive. Tiny cuts from the wires can become infected, and the inability to properly clean the mouth can result in gum disease, oral ulcers, and bad breath. In fact, the bracketed teeth often suffered severe, irreversible periodontal damage.
Risk of Choking
Choking is a significant risk associated with jaw wiring, especially in cases of vomiting. With the jaw wired shut, the contents have one way out-your nose. Vomiting with a wired jaw can result in aspiration (inhaling vomit into your lungs), which is dangerous. It is crucial for individuals with wired jaws to carry wire cutters at all times to clip the wires in case of choking.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Restricting food intake to liquids can lead to nutritional deficiencies if the diet is not carefully planned. It is essential to ensure adequate intake of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to maintain overall health and support healing. Meeting nutritional needs is one of the biggest challenges of jaw wiring.
Discomfort and Pain
The wires can cause discomfort and pain, especially when they are first put in place. The zigzag wiring can cause inner lips to shred, and accidental bumps to the face can become torture. Teeth may shift, causing pain in the roots.
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Unsustainable Weight Loss
Even if weight loss is achieved through jaw wiring, it is often not sustainable in the long term. Once the wires are removed and individuals return to their normal eating habits, they often regain the weight they lost. This is because starving yourself is not a sustainable lifestyle choice.
Psychological Impact
The restrictive nature of jaw wiring can also have psychological effects. The inability to eat solid food and the constant awareness of the wires can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even depression.
Unqualified Practitioners
In some cases, individuals may seek jaw wiring from unqualified practitioners to save money. This can lead to shoddy work, unsanitary conditions, and increased risks of complications.
Diet Considerations for Wired Jaw
If jaw wiring is deemed necessary, following a well-planned liquid diet is crucial. Here are some ideas for meals that may be suitable for a wired jaw diet:
- Protein shakes or smoothies: Made with milk, protein powder, and a blend of fruits and vegetables.
- Soups: Pureed vegetable soups, bean and lentil soups, or broth-based soups like chicken noodle or beef and barley.
- Puddings and custards: Made with milk, protein powder, and fruit.
- Pureed fruits and vegetables: Mashed bananas, applesauce, or pureed sweet potatoes.
- Gelatin desserts: Made with sugar-free gelatin and a small amount of fruit.
- Pureed meats: Chicken or turkey mixed with pureed vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Nut butters: Peanut butter or almond butter mixed with milk and a small amount of fruit.
It is important to ensure that the liquid meals are thin enough to pass through the jaw wiring, with large chunks strained out. Cooking foods before blending them can make them easier to puree. Adding milk, broths, or other liquids can help to achieve the desired consistency.
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Sample Meal Plan
Here’s a sample meal plan to provide enough nutrition and keep your food interesting:
- Breakfast: Fruit juices may be a great way to start the morning. Thin Greek yogurt with milk or try Cream of Wheat for an easily drinkable breakfast.
- Lunch: Pureed soup with added protein powder.
- Dinner: A casserole thoroughly pureed with warm broth.
- Snacks: Foods like applesauce, drinkable yogurts, pudding, and custards are soft and easy to thin out with water or milk for a go-to snack.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Diet
- Focus on high protein and high calorie liquid meals that are low in volume because it will take an extended period of time and more effort to consume your meal.
- Spice things up with salt, pepper, paprika, fresh grated ginger, or a squeeze of lemon or lime to brighten up a soup or juice drink.
- Consider supplemental liquid meals: Many baby foods are available in squeezable pouches.
Alternatives to Jaw Wiring for Weight Loss
Given the risks and drawbacks of jaw wiring, it is essential to consider alternative weight loss methods that are safer and more sustainable. These include:
- Healthy eating: Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
- Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to burn calories and improve overall health.
- Behavioral therapy: Work with a therapist to address emotional eating and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Medication: Consider weight loss medications under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Surgery: Bariatric surgery may be an option for individuals with severe obesity who have not been successful with other methods.
Ethical Considerations
The use of jaw wiring for weight loss raises ethical concerns. Some experts have called the procedure "barbaric" and "incredibly concerning." It is essential for healthcare professionals to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of jaw wiring and to ensure that patients are fully informed about the potential complications.
Insurance Coverage
Coverage for jaw wiring may vary depending on the patient’s individual insurance plan. It is essential to check with the insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage before undergoing the procedure.