Bone Growth, Nutrition, and Orthodontic Appliances During Puberty: A Structural Looksmaxxing Guide

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user18341341043718

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This guide was created in order to debunk some common myths on Looksmaxxing and be a guide for community members.


Unfortunately, nowadays many myths dominate the looksmaxxing scene.
Distorted information, half-truths, and advice without anatomical basis confuse those who truly want to improve structure, not just superficial appearance.

This guide combines in one place:

Principles of real bone growth,

Nutrients that make bone respond to stimuli,

How puberty defines final facial aesthetics,

And finally, orthodontic appliances that can actually change facial structure.

How Bone Actually Grows (And Why It Matters for Aesthetics)

When we talk about the face, we are mainly referring to:
Maxilla, Mandible, Zygomatic bones, Nasal base, Sutures and Condyles.

I will teach you how to maximize the development of these bones and structures mentioned above.

Bone Is Not Rigid, it’s Living Tissue

Bone consists of two main components:

1) Organic Matrix (Collagen Type I, Osteocalcin, Structural Proteins)

About ~40% of bone

The flexible “scaffold” that gives shape

Depends on: protein, glycine, proline, lysine, vitamin C, zinc

2) Mineralization (Hydroxyapatite: Calcium + Phosphorus + Magnesium)

Responsible for rigidity

Depends on: vitamin D, vitamin K2, magnesium, boron

Without a strong matrix → minerals cannot attach.
Without minerals → bone remains soft.
It’s a combination, not just “calcium alone.”

Protein: The Most Important Nutrient for Facial Growth

During puberty, protein is not just for muscles — it’s fuel for bone growth.

Bone requires:

lysine

proline

glycine

alanine

leucine (activates IGF-1)

Protein deficiency reduces:

bone density

mandibular growth

maxillary projection

response to orthodontic appliances

matrix quality

That’s why protein is more important than calcium.

Best Protein Sources for Bone Development
Complete Proteins

Red meat

Eggs

Fish

Raw Milk and dairy

Chicken

Natural Collagen Sources

Bone broth

Cuts with tendons

Muscle cuts / chuck / breast

Unflavored gelatin

Vegetables with Complementary Protein

Lentils + rice

Chickpeas + tahini

Quinoa

Minerals and Vitamins That Determine Bone Aesthetics

The aesthetics of the midface and lower face depend on:

proper mineralization

functional condylar cartilage

calcium and phosphorus metabolism

constant remodeling

This is highly dependent on micronutrients.

Vitamin D

Regulates calcium absorption + IGF-1 production.
Primary source: sunlight.

Vitamin K2 (MK-4 / MK-7)

Directs calcium to bones.
Critical for maxillary base.
Sources: fermented cheeses, natto.

Magnesium

Without magnesium → vitamin D is ineffective.
Sources: cocoa, almonds, spinach.

Zinc

Bone growth + collagen formation.
Sources: meat, oysters, pumpkin seeds.

Phosphorus

Hydroxyapatite = calcium + phosphorus.
Sources: meat, eggs, nuts.

Boron

Supports bone density.
Sources: grapes, plums, avocado.

Foods That Strengthen Facial Structure (Practical Part)
For the Matrix (Collagen)

Bone broth

Cuts with cartilage

Unflavored gelatin + vitamin C

Chicken skin

For Mineralization

Yogurt

Sardines with bones

Broccoli, kale

Tahini

For Bone Density

Eggs

High-quality butter (K2)

Liver

Nuts

For Mechanical Stimulation

Apple

Carrot

Fibrous meats

Foods that require chewing

Puberty: The Phase Where Everything Happens


During puberty:

the maxilla grows in all directions

the mandibular condyle becomes more active

sutures are still open

bone density increases

growth is 3–5× more sensitive to stimuli

That’s why structural looksmaxxing has a limited window.

Biomechanics: How the Face Grows in Vectors

The face does not grow “freely.”
It grows along vectors, which define aesthetics.

Horizontal vector → strong, harmonious face

Vertical vector → long, retrusive face

Posterior vector → retrognathism

Asymmetrical vector → mandibular deviation / facial twist

Nutrition provides material.
Function and posture determine direction.
Appliances correct altered vectors.

Practical Guide Before Considering Appliances

Before choosing a tool, you need to understand the goal:

Identify the vector

Is the face growing forward, downward, or diagonally?

Assess structural needs

Projection?

Width?

Mandibular advancement?

Symmetry?

Remember

Appliances are tools to correct vectors, not to “make the face pretty.”

And don’t forget

Without sufficient protein, vitamin D, and K2 → bone response is limited.

Orthodontic Appliances Most Used During Puberty (And How They Influence Aesthetics)
Palate Expander

(RPE / Haas / Hyrax)

Purpose: expand the palate when narrow.
Mechanism: slowly opens the midpalatal suture, increasing the upper arch width.
Possible aesthetic effects:

Increases smile width

May improve nasal breathing

Reduces appearance of a “long face” in some cases

It has one of the greatest impacts on the midface, especially during puberty.

Facemask (Maxillary Protraction)

Purpose: stimulate anterior growth of the maxilla in retrognathic cases.
Mechanism: applies external traction that activates maxillary and zygomatic sutures.
Possible aesthetic effects:

More midface projection

Less concave profile

Improved infraorbital support

Functional Appliances (Herbst, Twin Block, Bionator)

Purpose: stimulate mandibular growth.
Mechanism: repositions the mandible forward, increasing condylar stimulus.
Possible aesthetic effects:

Mandibular advancement

Reduction of retrognathism

Counterclockwise rotation of the mandible

It is worth mentioning that the use of braces, when accompanied by a professional, does not retract the maxilla. This is a myth. What could retract the maxim is the extraction of teeth unnecessarily.

(Sorry for the errors in the text. It's my first post. )

That's all, may God bless you!
 

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