
anonp
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Fixing jaw recession through softmaxing
There are multiple methods to fix your recessed jaw, and chin, and in this thread, I'll list my favourite three, and the most effective ones. No BS, backed with sources for both my data and the images.
TL;DR: There are several ways to get this fixed, here are all categories:
There are multiple methods to fix your recessed jaw, and chin, and in this thread, I'll list my favourite three, and the most effective ones. No BS, backed with sources for both my data and the images.
TL;DR: There are several ways to get this fixed, here are all categories:
What is Herbst, and what is MARA?
Herbst and MARA are both appliances which try to help you with jaw forward growth. While Herbst is better in speed, MARA is better in every other aspect, yet I suggest you take a glance at both with the table below to see if you match the requirements. Note that, well, this is for richcels only. They are not invasive, nor really bad for your health. And no, this does not count as frauding. It is not any different than getting braces.
Comparison
In this case, here is a boy who fixed their overbite, recessed chin and jaw, and their face card, through Herbst:
If you want one of those, just go on and ask your dentist. They'll tell you everything you need to know, if I haven't explained enough.
There's way more appliances than just Herbs and MARA, you may take a look at the Wikipedia pages of the Activator appliance, Frankel Appliance, and of course, Twin Block.
Herbst and MARA are both appliances which try to help you with jaw forward growth. While Herbst is better in speed, MARA is better in every other aspect, yet I suggest you take a glance at both with the table below to see if you match the requirements. Note that, well, this is for richcels only. They are not invasive, nor really bad for your health. And no, this does not count as frauding. It is not any different than getting braces.
- Both appliances move your mandible (lower jaw) forward, therefore giving you, well, forward growth
- Require active growth periods for maximum effectiveness, but it is not always needed.
- They will be uncomfortable at first!
- Often they also give you braces
Comparison
Aspects (Age and Financial) | Herbst ![]() | Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance ![]() |
---|---|---|
Ideal age | 11-15 | 10-16 |
Possible age | Up to 20s (with remaining growth potential) | Up to early 20s |
Cost | $3000 to $6000 [USD] | $2500 to $5000 [USD] |
Treatment duration ¹ | 12 months on average | 15 months to 18 months |
⤷ The catch | Additional orthodontic work often needed | You might need follow-up appliances |
Mechanism | Fixed appliance, constant forward positioning (like unremovable elastics, basically shit) | Allows jaw movement, and fully removeable |
Comfort | Restrictive and hard to clean | Way more comfortable and easier hygiene |
Effectiveness | Predictable results | Do what your dentist/orthodontic says, DON'T LIE |
Photos [Sources: Photo 1, Photo 2] |
![]() | ![]() |
In this case, here is a boy who fixed their overbite, recessed chin and jaw, and their face card, through Herbst:

If you want one of those, just go on and ask your dentist. They'll tell you everything you need to know, if I haven't explained enough.
There's way more appliances than just Herbs and MARA, you may take a look at the Wikipedia pages of the Activator appliance, Frankel Appliance, and of course, Twin Block.
You probably already know this, but what is Volufiline, and what is Retinol?
Volufiline - Does it work?
Volufiline is a product, which, is essentially just bottled botox/filler, which you can fully apply yourself! Yes, results are subtle, but they exist.
There is a study, referenced by Dr. Karan Lal, requoted on Who What Wear's entry on Volufiline (written by Valeriya Chupinina), where several people applied Volufiline for 56 days on only one breast, but did not treat the other breast. After the 56 days, the treated breast was approximately 2.2% larger than the untreated one, therefore it is accepted that Volufiline does work.
Is it safe?
"Volufiline is generally considered safe for topical use in skincare products. Although some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions."
- Sheila Malek Kassir, MD, co-founder of Kassir Plastic Surgery and Inside Beauty spa.
Retinol
Retinol works by getting converted into retinoic acid in your skin cells, which then acts like a cellular messenger that tells your skin to do specific things (e.g. Speed up cell turnover, make more collagen).
According to Healthline, collagen is completely safe, as long as it is used correctly, however there may be side effects:
"Those with sensitive or easily irritated skin should approach retinol use with caution"
- Christopher Panzica - licensed aesthetician from Brentwood, Tennessee
You can get both Volufiline and Retinol for cheap online. You may apply Volufiline on the chin and bottom lip, whereas you should apply retinol, on the chin to appear to be more forward grown, but the entire face should work too.
While this does not really affect jaw growth in reality, this can make your chin and lips look more forward grown, making you look more aesthetically attractive, rather than truly changing bone structure unlike Herbst or MARA.
This is not health advice. Always do your own research.
Volufiline - Does it work?
Volufiline is a product, which, is essentially just bottled botox/filler, which you can fully apply yourself! Yes, results are subtle, but they exist.
There is a study, referenced by Dr. Karan Lal, requoted on Who What Wear's entry on Volufiline (written by Valeriya Chupinina), where several people applied Volufiline for 56 days on only one breast, but did not treat the other breast. After the 56 days, the treated breast was approximately 2.2% larger than the untreated one, therefore it is accepted that Volufiline does work.
Is it safe?
"Volufiline is generally considered safe for topical use in skincare products. Although some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions."
- Sheila Malek Kassir, MD, co-founder of Kassir Plastic Surgery and Inside Beauty spa.
Retinol
Retinol works by getting converted into retinoic acid in your skin cells, which then acts like a cellular messenger that tells your skin to do specific things (e.g. Speed up cell turnover, make more collagen).
According to Healthline, collagen is completely safe, as long as it is used correctly, however there may be side effects:
"Those with sensitive or easily irritated skin should approach retinol use with caution"
- Christopher Panzica - licensed aesthetician from Brentwood, Tennessee
You can get both Volufiline and Retinol for cheap online. You may apply Volufiline on the chin and bottom lip, whereas you should apply retinol, on the chin to appear to be more forward grown, but the entire face should work too.
While this does not really affect jaw growth in reality, this can make your chin and lips look more forward grown, making you look more aesthetically attractive, rather than truly changing bone structure unlike Herbst or MARA.

Fix your posture
1. Sticking your entire tongue (not just the tip) on the roof of your mouth 24/7 (mewing)
This generally helps with facial posture, which makes your forward growth appear significantly better. And yes, it can affect bones over time, especially in younger people, though evidence is limited. (Therefore no sources)
2. Chewing exercises
Using strong chewing gum without sugar, chewing a lot on food, and eating on both sides equally strongly prompts forward growth if you're still growing.
3. Jutting
Jutting more often may make your jaw and chin appear more forward grown. However, you should not do this 24/7 as this can cause TMJ/pain.
4. Get an ENT consultation
This checks if you have any breathing problems or structural problems. Don't tell yourself "Eh, I probably don't"; nobody is excluded. If you have any of these problems and get them fixed, you maximize your potential significantly.
BIGGEST MISTAKE: MOUTH BREATHING
This deserves its own category. Despite to contrary belief, people are not primarily recessed because of genetics; virtually every single time, mouth breathing causes recession... At ANY age!
Learn to stop mouth breathing forever; if you think you don't breathe out of your mouth, you're wrong in most of cases. Most people mouth breath. I'm not talking about completely breathing out of your mouth, I'm talking about just getting a bit of air in between your lip, while you sleep, you think, you relax, or do sports, your lips are usually slightly open.
To fix this, you can either learn to control your beathing. Some people may do this with:
1. Sticking your entire tongue (not just the tip) on the roof of your mouth 24/7 (mewing)
This generally helps with facial posture, which makes your forward growth appear significantly better. And yes, it can affect bones over time, especially in younger people, though evidence is limited. (Therefore no sources)
2. Chewing exercises
Using strong chewing gum without sugar, chewing a lot on food, and eating on both sides equally strongly prompts forward growth if you're still growing.
3. Jutting
Jutting more often may make your jaw and chin appear more forward grown. However, you should not do this 24/7 as this can cause TMJ/pain.
4. Get an ENT consultation
This checks if you have any breathing problems or structural problems. Don't tell yourself "Eh, I probably don't"; nobody is excluded. If you have any of these problems and get them fixed, you maximize your potential significantly.

This deserves its own category. Despite to contrary belief, people are not primarily recessed because of genetics; virtually every single time, mouth breathing causes recession... At ANY age!
Learn to stop mouth breathing forever; if you think you don't breathe out of your mouth, you're wrong in most of cases. Most people mouth breath. I'm not talking about completely breathing out of your mouth, I'm talking about just getting a bit of air in between your lip, while you sleep, you think, you relax, or do sports, your lips are usually slightly open.
To fix this, you can either learn to control your beathing. Some people may do this with:
- Mouth tape - Many people use gentle medical tape (like 3M Micropore) across lips to encourage nasal breathing
- Nasal strips - Open nasal passages for easier airflow
- Elevate your head slightly - Reduces congestation
- Sleep position - Sleeping on your back helps maintaining better airway alignment, also it is good for preventing facial asymetry
- Address medical issues - Deviated septum, chronic allergies, sleep apnea, etc, are all bad for growing forward. Plus a deviated septum gives you an excuse for a rhinoplasty /j
- Mewing (again) - As you pay attention to your mouth posture more, you'll also notice when your mouth is open.