How To Fix Your Recessed Maxilla for All The Annoying 13yr olds Asking

[greycelfaliio]

How Do I Fix My Recessed Maxilla?
I've seen the same retarded question being asked every day so to shut these kids up here is the Beginner's guide on how to fix your recessed maxilla

Spoiler: Note

This guide is intended for the average 13 yr old retard on this website, especially those between 12–16, who are still in their growth phase and want to address potential midface or maxillary underdevelopment before their growth plates fuse.

If you're 17 or older, you may still benefit from parts of this guide, but skeletal change becomes significantly harder without surgical intervention.

I'm also going to dumb down the terminology so most of you can understand (apologies to any highiqcels)

Step 1: Do you actually have a Recessed Maxilla?
Before you go asking the same repetitive questions think to yourself, do you actually have a recessed maxilla?

Some Good Indicators for a Recessed Maxila are:
1: Flat Midface/Lack of Cheekbone Projection
When viewed from the front or 3/4 angle, the midface looks flat. The area under the eyes doesn't "pop out" or support the eye sockets well.
Example:

2: Narrow Palatte
The width of your palate (roof of the mouth) directly reflects the lateral development of your maxilla. A narrow, high-arched, or V-shaped palate means the maxilla didn't grow outward enough ,a textbook sign of underdevelopment.

3:Under Eye Hollowing / Recessed Infraorbital Rim
The infraorbital rim, part of the maxilla, supports the area under your eyes. If recessed, it causes sunken or shadowed under-eyes even in well-rested and lean individuals.

Now That You Know If You Actually Have a Recessed Maxilla Here Are The Best Options For "Fixing It":

1: Change Your Environmental Factors
Recessed Maxilla's Typically form due to bad environmental factor's, fixing them can make a noticable difference. The Main Factor's to watch are:

• Breathing through your nose, not your mouth
  Nasal breathing supports proper tongue posture and maxillary expansion. Mouth breathing can restrict growth and worsen recession.
• Proper tongue posture
  Keeping your tongue resting against the roof of your mouth applies natural pressure that encourages forward and lateral maxillary growth.
• Good sleep and posture
  Quality sleep and upright head posture improve growth hormone release and prevent facial collapse caused by slouching or forward head position.
• Nutrition and hydration
  A balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially D and K2), minerals, and plenty of water supports bone growth and remodeling.
• Avoiding habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing during childhood
  These can negatively impact jaw and maxilla shape over time.

Now Lets Get into the most Effective Way to Fix a Recessed Maxilla: Appliances

How Appliances Fix Recessed Maxilla's:

• Applying Gentle Pressure to Bone and Sutures
  The maxilla isn’t one solid bone—it’s made up of several parts connected by sutures (like growth seams). Appliances apply controlled forces to these sutures, encouraging them to separate and new bone to form, which pushes the maxilla forward and outward.
• Encouraging Natural Bone Growth
  Unlike fillers or surgery, appliances help your own bone grow more in the right directions, leading to long-lasting and natural improvements.
• Improving Function and Posture
  Many appliances also encourage better tongue posture, nasal breathing, and correct bite alignment—habits that support maxillary growth and prevent relapse.

How Do I find which Appliance is right for me?
Choosing the right appliance depends on your age, facial structure, and how severe your recessed maxilla is. There is not one simple answer, but here’s how to figure out what’s likely best for your case:

1: Your Age

• Ages 10–13: You’re in the ideal age range. If your recession is noticeable, you’ll likely benefit most from a facemask + palatal expander combo to pull the maxilla forward while your sutures are still open.
• Ages 14–16: You still have some growth left. You might still benefit from a facemask, but many orthodontists may lean toward functional appliances (like Twin Block or Herbst) if your bite needs correction too.
• Ages 17+: Appliances may help with bite and alignment, but won’t do much to move the maxilla forward. At this point, orthognathic surgery or aesthetic options might be the only reliable way to fully correct a recessed midface.

2: How Severe Is Your Recession

• Mild: A palatal expander or light forward-pressuring retainer might be enough to make subtle but meaningful improvements.
• Moderate to severe: You’ll need something more aggressive, like a reverse-pull headgear (facemask) paired with expansion to get actual forward movement.

3: Which areas of recession are the worst?

• Flat midface with weak cheekbones or under-eye hollowness? A facemask + palatal expander can help bring the entire midface forward.
• Long face, gummy smile, or downturned mouth corners? You’ll need vertical control appliances and to fix mouth breathing early.
• Narrow upper jaw, V-shaped dental arch, or crowded teeth? A palatal expander + facemask combo is usually best.
• Mild flatness with decent balance overall? Go for light growth-guiding appliances and focus on breathing, tongue posture, and mewing.

4: What Other Issues Do You Have?

• Narrow palate or crowded teeth? A palatal expander should be included in your plan.
• Weak bite, lower jaw issues? A functional appliance like the Twin Block can help correct the jaw relationship as well.
• Mouth breathing or tongue posture problems? These need to be fixed alongside appliance use, or you’ll risk relapse.

TL;DR

Appliance	Ideal Age Range	Main Function	Best For
Facemask (Reverse Pull Headgear)	10–13 (up to 14–15 max)	Pulls the maxilla forward using external traction	Flat/retruded midface, sunken under-eyes, weak cheekbones
Palatal Expander	8–14	Separates mid-palatal suture to widen upper jaw	Narrow arch, crowded teeth, poor airway
Facemask + Expander Combo	10–13 (ideal window)	Widens jaw and pulls it forward at the same time	Moderate–severe maxillary recession with narrow arch
MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander)	14–17+ (skeletally mature teens)	Expands the midface by anchoring into bone (not just teeth)	Older teens with closed sutures, narrow/recessed maxilla, nose base widening
Twin Block	11–16	Stimulates forward growth of lower jaw	Weak bite, Class II, lower jaw recession
Herbst Appliance	12–16	Holds jaw forward 24/7 to encourage permanent repositioning	Jaw correction, Class II cases with compliance issues
Light Forward Retainers / ALF	12–16+	Subtle forward pressure, arch development	Mild recession, maintenance, or guidance in late teens
Vertical Control Devices (Bite Blocks, Chin Cup)	10–14	Reduces downward growth, encourages forward direction	Gummy smile, long face, open bite tendencies
Orthognathic Surgery	17+	Surgically repositions the jaw bones	Severe midface deficiency in adults with no growth left

READ THIS:
DO NOT GO BLINDLY FOLLOWING THIS INFORMATION WITHOUT A CONSULTATION.
I am only studying Orthodontics I am not a licensed Orthodontist. There are better Appliance guides to read if you want to advance your knowledge regarding Orthodontic Appliances.

This thread was purely made in order to give beginner information to all the annoying 13 yr olds and to finally get these retards to shut up.

 

[greycelfaliio]

Bump

 

[lovebeingamanlet]

 

[ogur4ek]

How Do I Fix My Recessed Maxilla?
I've seen the same retarded question being asked every day so to shut these kids up here is the Beginner's guide on how to fix your recessed maxilla

Spoiler: Note

This guide is intended for the average 13 yr old retard on this website, especially those between 12–16, who are still in their growth phase and want to address potential midface or maxillary underdevelopment before their growth plates fuse.

If you're 17 or older, you may still benefit from parts of this guide, but skeletal change becomes significantly harder without surgical intervention.

I'm also going to dumb down the terminology so most of you can understand (apologies to any highiqcels)

Step 1: Do you actually have a Recessed Maxilla?
Before you go asking the same repetitive questions think to yourself, do you actually have a recessed maxilla?

Some Good Indicators for a Recessed Maxila are:
1: Flat Midface/Lack of Cheekbone Projection
When viewed from the front or 3/4 angle, the midface looks flat. The area under the eyes doesn't "pop out" or support the eye sockets well.
Example:
View attachment 3781316

2: Narrow Palatte
The width of your palate (roof of the mouth) directly reflects the lateral development of your maxilla. A narrow, high-arched, or V-shaped palate means the maxilla didn't grow outward enough ,a textbook sign of underdevelopment.
View attachment 3781334

3:Under Eye Hollowing / Recessed Infraorbital Rim
The infraorbital rim, part of the maxilla, supports the area under your eyes. If recessed, it causes sunken or shadowed under-eyes even in well-rested and lean individuals.
View attachment 3781337

Now That You Know If You Actually Have a Recessed Maxilla Here Are The Best Options For "Fixing It":

1: Change Your Environmental Factors
Recessed Maxilla's Typically form due to bad environmental factor's, fixing them can make a noticable difference. The Main Factor's to watch are:

• Breathing through your nose, not your mouth
  Nasal breathing supports proper tongue posture and maxillary expansion. Mouth breathing can restrict growth and worsen recession.
• Proper tongue posture
  Keeping your tongue resting against the roof of your mouth applies natural pressure that encourages forward and lateral maxillary growth.
• Good sleep and posture
  Quality sleep and upright head posture improve growth hormone release and prevent facial collapse caused by slouching or forward head position.
• Nutrition and hydration
  A balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially D and K2), minerals, and plenty of water supports bone growth and remodeling.
• Avoiding habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing during childhood
  These can negatively impact jaw and maxilla shape over time.

Now Lets Get into the most Effective Way to Fix a Recessed Maxilla: Appliances

How Appliances Fix Recessed Maxilla's:

• Applying Gentle Pressure to Bone and Sutures
  The maxilla isn’t one solid bone—it’s made up of several parts connected by sutures (like growth seams). Appliances apply controlled forces to these sutures, encouraging them to separate and new bone to form, which pushes the maxilla forward and outward.
• Encouraging Natural Bone Growth
  Unlike fillers or surgery, appliances help your own bone grow more in the right directions, leading to long-lasting and natural improvements.
• Improving Function and Posture
  Many appliances also encourage better tongue posture, nasal breathing, and correct bite alignment—habits that support maxillary growth and prevent relapse.

How Do I find which Appliance is right for me?
Choosing the right appliance depends on your age, facial structure, and how severe your recessed maxilla is. There is not one simple answer, but here’s how to figure out what’s likely best for your case:

1: Your Age

• Ages 10–13: You’re in the ideal age range. If your recession is noticeable, you’ll likely benefit most from a facemask + palatal expander combo to pull the maxilla forward while your sutures are still open.
• Ages 14–16: You still have some growth left. You might still benefit from a facemask, but many orthodontists may lean toward functional appliances (like Twin Block or Herbst) if your bite needs correction too.
• Ages 17+: Appliances may help with bite and alignment, but won’t do much to move the maxilla forward. At this point, orthognathic surgery or aesthetic options might be the only reliable way to fully correct a recessed midface.

2: How Severe Is Your Recession

• Mild: A palatal expander or light forward-pressuring retainer might be enough to make subtle but meaningful improvements.
• Moderate to severe: You’ll need something more aggressive, like a reverse-pull headgear (facemask) paired with expansion to get actual forward movement.

3: Which areas of recession are the worst?

• Flat midface with weak cheekbones or under-eye hollowness? A facemask + palatal expander can help bring the entire midface forward.
• Long face, gummy smile, or downturned mouth corners? You’ll need vertical control appliances and to fix mouth breathing early.
• Narrow upper jaw, V-shaped dental arch, or crowded teeth? A palatal expander + facemask combo is usually best.
• Mild flatness with decent balance overall? Go for light growth-guiding appliances and focus on breathing, tongue posture, and mewing.

4: What Other Issues Do You Have?

• Narrow palate or crowded teeth? A palatal expander should be included in your plan.
• Weak bite, lower jaw issues? A functional appliance like the Twin Block can help correct the jaw relationship as well.
• Mouth breathing or tongue posture problems? These need to be fixed alongside appliance use, or you’ll risk relapse.

TL;DR

Appliance	Ideal Age Range	Main Function	Best For
Facemask (Reverse Pull Headgear)	10–13 (up to 14–15 max)	Pulls the maxilla forward using external traction	Flat/retruded midface, sunken under-eyes, weak cheekbones
Palatal Expander	8–14	Separates mid-palatal suture to widen upper jaw	Narrow arch, crowded teeth, poor airway
Facemask + Expander Combo	10–13 (ideal window)	Widens jaw and pulls it forward at the same time	Moderate–severe maxillary recession with narrow arch
MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander)	14–17+ (skeletally mature teens)	Expands the midface by anchoring into bone (not just teeth)	Older teens with closed sutures, narrow/recessed maxilla, nose base widening
Twin Block	11–16	Stimulates forward growth of lower jaw	Weak bite, Class II, lower jaw recession
Herbst Appliance	12–16	Holds jaw forward 24/7 to encourage permanent repositioning	Jaw correction, Class II cases with compliance issues
Light Forward Retainers / ALF	12–16+	Subtle forward pressure, arch development	Mild recession, maintenance, or guidance in late teens
Vertical Control Devices (Bite Blocks, Chin Cup)	10–14	Reduces downward growth, encourages forward direction	Gummy smile, long face, open bite tendencies
Orthognathic Surgery	17+	Surgically repositions the jaw bones	Severe midface deficiency in adults with no growth left

READ THIS:
DO NOT GO BLINDLY FOLLOWING THIS INFORMATION WITHOUT A CONSULTATION.
I am only studying Orthodontics I am not a licensed Orthodontist. There are better Appliance guides to read if you want to advance your knowledge regarding Orthodontic Appliances.

This thread was purely made in order to give beginner information to all the annoying 13 yr olds and to finally get these retards to shut up.

W thread

 

[uttkkarsh]

Bump

 

[charliewillascend]

How Do I Fix My Recessed Maxilla?
I've seen the same retarded question being asked every day so to shut these kids up here is the Beginner's guide on how to fix your recessed maxilla

Spoiler: Note

This guide is intended for the average 13 yr old retard on this website, especially those between 12–16, who are still in their growth phase and want to address potential midface or maxillary underdevelopment before their growth plates fuse.

If you're 17 or older, you may still benefit from parts of this guide, but skeletal change becomes significantly harder without surgical intervention.

I'm also going to dumb down the terminology so most of you can understand (apologies to any highiqcels)

Step 1: Do you actually have a Recessed Maxilla?
Before you go asking the same repetitive questions think to yourself, do you actually have a recessed maxilla?

Some Good Indicators for a Recessed Maxila are:
1: Flat Midface/Lack of Cheekbone Projection
When viewed from the front or 3/4 angle, the midface looks flat. The area under the eyes doesn't "pop out" or support the eye sockets well.
Example:
View attachment 3781316

2: Narrow Palatte
The width of your palate (roof of the mouth) directly reflects the lateral development of your maxilla. A narrow, high-arched, or V-shaped palate means the maxilla didn't grow outward enough ,a textbook sign of underdevelopment.
View attachment 3781334

3:Under Eye Hollowing / Recessed Infraorbital Rim
The infraorbital rim, part of the maxilla, supports the area under your eyes. If recessed, it causes sunken or shadowed under-eyes even in well-rested and lean individuals.
View attachment 3781337

Now That You Know If You Actually Have a Recessed Maxilla Here Are The Best Options For "Fixing It":

1: Change Your Environmental Factors
Recessed Maxilla's Typically form due to bad environmental factor's, fixing them can make a noticable difference. The Main Factor's to watch are:

• Breathing through your nose, not your mouth
  Nasal breathing supports proper tongue posture and maxillary expansion. Mouth breathing can restrict growth and worsen recession.
• Proper tongue posture
  Keeping your tongue resting against the roof of your mouth applies natural pressure that encourages forward and lateral maxillary growth.
• Good sleep and posture
  Quality sleep and upright head posture improve growth hormone release and prevent facial collapse caused by slouching or forward head position.
• Nutrition and hydration
  A balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially D and K2), minerals, and plenty of water supports bone growth and remodeling.
• Avoiding habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing during childhood
  These can negatively impact jaw and maxilla shape over time.

Now Lets Get into the most Effective Way to Fix a Recessed Maxilla: Appliances

How Appliances Fix Recessed Maxilla's:

• Applying Gentle Pressure to Bone and Sutures
  The maxilla isn’t one solid bone—it’s made up of several parts connected by sutures (like growth seams). Appliances apply controlled forces to these sutures, encouraging them to separate and new bone to form, which pushes the maxilla forward and outward.
• Encouraging Natural Bone Growth
  Unlike fillers or surgery, appliances help your own bone grow more in the right directions, leading to long-lasting and natural improvements.
• Improving Function and Posture
  Many appliances also encourage better tongue posture, nasal breathing, and correct bite alignment—habits that support maxillary growth and prevent relapse.

How Do I find which Appliance is right for me?
Choosing the right appliance depends on your age, facial structure, and how severe your recessed maxilla is. There is not one simple answer, but here’s how to figure out what’s likely best for your case:

1: Your Age

• Ages 10–13: You’re in the ideal age range. If your recession is noticeable, you’ll likely benefit most from a facemask + palatal expander combo to pull the maxilla forward while your sutures are still open.
• Ages 14–16: You still have some growth left. You might still benefit from a facemask, but many orthodontists may lean toward functional appliances (like Twin Block or Herbst) if your bite needs correction too.
• Ages 17+: Appliances may help with bite and alignment, but won’t do much to move the maxilla forward. At this point, orthognathic surgery or aesthetic options might be the only reliable way to fully correct a recessed midface.

2: How Severe Is Your Recession

• Mild: A palatal expander or light forward-pressuring retainer might be enough to make subtle but meaningful improvements.
• Moderate to severe: You’ll need something more aggressive, like a reverse-pull headgear (facemask) paired with expansion to get actual forward movement.

3: Which areas of recession are the worst?

• Flat midface with weak cheekbones or under-eye hollowness? A facemask + palatal expander can help bring the entire midface forward.
• Long face, gummy smile, or downturned mouth corners? You’ll need vertical control appliances and to fix mouth breathing early.
• Narrow upper jaw, V-shaped dental arch, or crowded teeth? A palatal expander + facemask combo is usually best.
• Mild flatness with decent balance overall? Go for light growth-guiding appliances and focus on breathing, tongue posture, and mewing.

4: What Other Issues Do You Have?

• Narrow palate or crowded teeth? A palatal expander should be included in your plan.
• Weak bite, lower jaw issues? A functional appliance like the Twin Block can help correct the jaw relationship as well.
• Mouth breathing or tongue posture problems? These need to be fixed alongside appliance use, or you’ll risk relapse.

TL;DR

Appliance	Ideal Age Range	Main Function	Best For
Facemask (Reverse Pull Headgear)	10–13 (up to 14–15 max)	Pulls the maxilla forward using external traction	Flat/retruded midface, sunken under-eyes, weak cheekbones
Palatal Expander	8–14	Separates mid-palatal suture to widen upper jaw	Narrow arch, crowded teeth, poor airway
Facemask + Expander Combo	10–13 (ideal window)	Widens jaw and pulls it forward at the same time	Moderate–severe maxillary recession with narrow arch
MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander)	14–17+ (skeletally mature teens)	Expands the midface by anchoring into bone (not just teeth)	Older teens with closed sutures, narrow/recessed maxilla, nose base widening
Twin Block	11–16	Stimulates forward growth of lower jaw	Weak bite, Class II, lower jaw recession
Herbst Appliance	12–16	Holds jaw forward 24/7 to encourage permanent repositioning	Jaw correction, Class II cases with compliance issues
Light Forward Retainers / ALF	12–16+	Subtle forward pressure, arch development	Mild recession, maintenance, or guidance in late teens
Vertical Control Devices (Bite Blocks, Chin Cup)	10–14	Reduces downward growth, encourages forward direction	Gummy smile, long face, open bite tendencies
Orthognathic Surgery	17+	Surgically repositions the jaw bones	Severe midface deficiency in adults with no growth left

READ THIS:
DO NOT GO BLINDLY FOLLOWING THIS INFORMATION WITHOUT A CONSULTATION.
I am only studying Orthodontics I am not a licensed Orthodontist. There are better Appliance guides to read if you want to advance your knowledge regarding Orthodontic Appliances.

This thread was purely made in order to give beginner information to all the annoying 13 yr olds and to finally get these retards to shut up.

You made this amazing thread for 4 reps??? Outrageous.

@pfl @Balkanmogger1446 @greycel @maxlooksmax , read and rep this nigga

BUMP

 

[Seong Gi-Hun]

Dnrd

 

[Balkanmogger1446]

Bookmarked

 

[WBC323]

Can facemask help at least a little bit in 30 y.o. if work 8+ hours a day

 

[copercel123]

How Do I Fix My Recessed Maxilla?
I've seen the same retarded question being asked every day so to shut these kids up here is the Beginner's guide on how to fix your recessed maxilla

Spoiler: Note

This guide is intended for the average 13 yr old retard on this website, especially those between 12–16, who are still in their growth phase and want to address potential midface or maxillary underdevelopment before their growth plates fuse.

If you're 17 or older, you may still benefit from parts of this guide, but skeletal change becomes significantly harder without surgical intervention.

I'm also going to dumb down the terminology so most of you can understand (apologies to any highiqcels)

Step 1: Do you actually have a Recessed Maxilla?
Before you go asking the same repetitive questions think to yourself, do you actually have a recessed maxilla?

Some Good Indicators for a Recessed Maxila are:
1: Flat Midface/Lack of Cheekbone Projection
When viewed from the front or 3/4 angle, the midface looks flat. The area under the eyes doesn't "pop out" or support the eye sockets well.
Example:
View attachment 3781316

2: Narrow Palatte
The width of your palate (roof of the mouth) directly reflects the lateral development of your maxilla. A narrow, high-arched, or V-shaped palate means the maxilla didn't grow outward enough ,a textbook sign of underdevelopment.
View attachment 3781334

3:Under Eye Hollowing / Recessed Infraorbital Rim
The infraorbital rim, part of the maxilla, supports the area under your eyes. If recessed, it causes sunken or shadowed under-eyes even in well-rested and lean individuals.
View attachment 3781337

Now That You Know If You Actually Have a Recessed Maxilla Here Are The Best Options For "Fixing It":

1: Change Your Environmental Factors
Recessed Maxilla's Typically form due to bad environmental factor's, fixing them can make a noticable difference. The Main Factor's to watch are:

• Breathing through your nose, not your mouth
  Nasal breathing supports proper tongue posture and maxillary expansion. Mouth breathing can restrict growth and worsen recession.
• Proper tongue posture
  Keeping your tongue resting against the roof of your mouth applies natural pressure that encourages forward and lateral maxillary growth.
• Good sleep and posture
  Quality sleep and upright head posture improve growth hormone release and prevent facial collapse caused by slouching or forward head position.
• Nutrition and hydration
  A balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially D and K2), minerals, and plenty of water supports bone growth and remodeling.
• Avoiding habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing during childhood
  These can negatively impact jaw and maxilla shape over time.

Now Lets Get into the most Effective Way to Fix a Recessed Maxilla: Appliances

How Appliances Fix Recessed Maxilla's:

• Applying Gentle Pressure to Bone and Sutures
  The maxilla isn’t one solid bone—it’s made up of several parts connected by sutures (like growth seams). Appliances apply controlled forces to these sutures, encouraging them to separate and new bone to form, which pushes the maxilla forward and outward.
• Encouraging Natural Bone Growth
  Unlike fillers or surgery, appliances help your own bone grow more in the right directions, leading to long-lasting and natural improvements.
• Improving Function and Posture
  Many appliances also encourage better tongue posture, nasal breathing, and correct bite alignment—habits that support maxillary growth and prevent relapse.

How Do I find which Appliance is right for me?
Choosing the right appliance depends on your age, facial structure, and how severe your recessed maxilla is. There is not one simple answer, but here’s how to figure out what’s likely best for your case:

1: Your Age

• Ages 10–13: You’re in the ideal age range. If your recession is noticeable, you’ll likely benefit most from a facemask + palatal expander combo to pull the maxilla forward while your sutures are still open.
• Ages 14–16: You still have some growth left. You might still benefit from a facemask, but many orthodontists may lean toward functional appliances (like Twin Block or Herbst) if your bite needs correction too.
• Ages 17+: Appliances may help with bite and alignment, but won’t do much to move the maxilla forward. At this point, orthognathic surgery or aesthetic options might be the only reliable way to fully correct a recessed midface.

2: How Severe Is Your Recession

• Mild: A palatal expander or light forward-pressuring retainer might be enough to make subtle but meaningful improvements.
• Moderate to severe: You’ll need something more aggressive, like a reverse-pull headgear (facemask) paired with expansion to get actual forward movement.

3: Which areas of recession are the worst?

• Flat midface with weak cheekbones or under-eye hollowness? A facemask + palatal expander can help bring the entire midface forward.
• Long face, gummy smile, or downturned mouth corners? You’ll need vertical control appliances and to fix mouth breathing early.
• Narrow upper jaw, V-shaped dental arch, or crowded teeth? A palatal expander + facemask combo is usually best.
• Mild flatness with decent balance overall? Go for light growth-guiding appliances and focus on breathing, tongue posture, and mewing.

4: What Other Issues Do You Have?

• Narrow palate or crowded teeth? A palatal expander should be included in your plan.
• Weak bite, lower jaw issues? A functional appliance like the Twin Block can help correct the jaw relationship as well.
• Mouth breathing or tongue posture problems? These need to be fixed alongside appliance use, or you’ll risk relapse.

TL;DR

Appliance	Ideal Age Range	Main Function	Best For
Facemask (Reverse Pull Headgear)	10–13 (up to 14–15 max)	Pulls the maxilla forward using external traction	Flat/retruded midface, sunken under-eyes, weak cheekbones
Palatal Expander	8–14	Separates mid-palatal suture to widen upper jaw	Narrow arch, crowded teeth, poor airway
Facemask + Expander Combo	10–13 (ideal window)	Widens jaw and pulls it forward at the same time	Moderate–severe maxillary recession with narrow arch
MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander)	14–17+ (skeletally mature teens)	Expands the midface by anchoring into bone (not just teeth)	Older teens with closed sutures, narrow/recessed maxilla, nose base widening
Twin Block	11–16	Stimulates forward growth of lower jaw	Weak bite, Class II, lower jaw recession
Herbst Appliance	12–16	Holds jaw forward 24/7 to encourage permanent repositioning	Jaw correction, Class II cases with compliance issues
Light Forward Retainers / ALF	12–16+	Subtle forward pressure, arch development	Mild recession, maintenance, or guidance in late teens
Vertical Control Devices (Bite Blocks, Chin Cup)	10–14	Reduces downward growth, encourages forward direction	Gummy smile, long face, open bite tendencies
Orthognathic Surgery	17+	Surgically repositions the jaw bones	Severe midface deficiency in adults with no growth left

READ THIS:
DO NOT GO BLINDLY FOLLOWING THIS INFORMATION WITHOUT A CONSULTATION.
I am only studying Orthodontics I am not a licensed Orthodontist. There are better Appliance guides to read if you want to advance your knowledge regarding Orthodontic Appliances.

This thread was purely made in order to give beginner information to all the annoying 13 yr olds and to finally get these retards to shut up.

What’s a maxilla

 

[greycel]

Very good thread @greycelfaliio

Can you tell me for a guy who's had 4 premolar extractions + 7yrs of braces with elastics during puberty, that resulted in gummy smile + asymmetric jaw + downturned mouth corners, with narrower horizontal lip width

How can I increase my lip width before I undergo Bimax CCW?
Also maybe make my lips less downturned?

I don't want to further my asymmetry with an appliance like MSE

Which one do you think is ideal?
I'm much older than 17

 

[HardstuckHTN]

How Do I Fix My Recessed Maxilla?
I've seen the same retarded question being asked every day so to shut these kids up here is the Beginner's guide on how to fix your recessed maxilla

Spoiler: Note

This guide is intended for the average 13 yr old retard on this website, especially those between 12–16, who are still in their growth phase and want to address potential midface or maxillary underdevelopment before their growth plates fuse.

If you're 17 or older, you may still benefit from parts of this guide, but skeletal change becomes significantly harder without surgical intervention.

I'm also going to dumb down the terminology so most of you can understand (apologies to any highiqcels)

Step 1: Do you actually have a Recessed Maxilla?
Before you go asking the same repetitive questions think to yourself, do you actually have a recessed maxilla?

Some Good Indicators for a Recessed Maxila are:
1: Flat Midface/Lack of Cheekbone Projection
When viewed from the front or 3/4 angle, the midface looks flat. The area under the eyes doesn't "pop out" or support the eye sockets well.
Example:
View attachment 3781316

2: Narrow Palatte
The width of your palate (roof of the mouth) directly reflects the lateral development of your maxilla. A narrow, high-arched, or V-shaped palate means the maxilla didn't grow outward enough ,a textbook sign of underdevelopment.
View attachment 3781334

3:Under Eye Hollowing / Recessed Infraorbital Rim
The infraorbital rim, part of the maxilla, supports the area under your eyes. If recessed, it causes sunken or shadowed under-eyes even in well-rested and lean individuals.
View attachment 3781337

Now That You Know If You Actually Have a Recessed Maxilla Here Are The Best Options For "Fixing It":

1: Change Your Environmental Factors
Recessed Maxilla's Typically form due to bad environmental factor's, fixing them can make a noticable difference. The Main Factor's to watch are:

• Breathing through your nose, not your mouth
  Nasal breathing supports proper tongue posture and maxillary expansion. Mouth breathing can restrict growth and worsen recession.
• Proper tongue posture
  Keeping your tongue resting against the roof of your mouth applies natural pressure that encourages forward and lateral maxillary growth.
• Good sleep and posture
  Quality sleep and upright head posture improve growth hormone release and prevent facial collapse caused by slouching or forward head position.
• Nutrition and hydration
  A balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially D and K2), minerals, and plenty of water supports bone growth and remodeling.
• Avoiding habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing during childhood
  These can negatively impact jaw and maxilla shape over time.

Now Lets Get into the most Effective Way to Fix a Recessed Maxilla: Appliances

How Appliances Fix Recessed Maxilla's:

• Applying Gentle Pressure to Bone and Sutures
  The maxilla isn’t one solid bone—it’s made up of several parts connected by sutures (like growth seams). Appliances apply controlled forces to these sutures, encouraging them to separate and new bone to form, which pushes the maxilla forward and outward.
• Encouraging Natural Bone Growth
  Unlike fillers or surgery, appliances help your own bone grow more in the right directions, leading to long-lasting and natural improvements.
• Improving Function and Posture
  Many appliances also encourage better tongue posture, nasal breathing, and correct bite alignment—habits that support maxillary growth and prevent relapse.

How Do I find which Appliance is right for me?
Choosing the right appliance depends on your age, facial structure, and how severe your recessed maxilla is. There is not one simple answer, but here’s how to figure out what’s likely best for your case:

1: Your Age

• Ages 10–13: You’re in the ideal age range. If your recession is noticeable, you’ll likely benefit most from a facemask + palatal expander combo to pull the maxilla forward while your sutures are still open.
• Ages 14–16: You still have some growth left. You might still benefit from a facemask, but many orthodontists may lean toward functional appliances (like Twin Block or Herbst) if your bite needs correction too.
• Ages 17+: Appliances may help with bite and alignment, but won’t do much to move the maxilla forward. At this point, orthognathic surgery or aesthetic options might be the only reliable way to fully correct a recessed midface.

2: How Severe Is Your Recession

• Mild: A palatal expander or light forward-pressuring retainer might be enough to make subtle but meaningful improvements.
• Moderate to severe: You’ll need something more aggressive, like a reverse-pull headgear (facemask) paired with expansion to get actual forward movement.

3: Which areas of recession are the worst?

• Flat midface with weak cheekbones or under-eye hollowness? A facemask + palatal expander can help bring the entire midface forward.
• Long face, gummy smile, or downturned mouth corners? You’ll need vertical control appliances and to fix mouth breathing early.
• Narrow upper jaw, V-shaped dental arch, or crowded teeth? A palatal expander + facemask combo is usually best.
• Mild flatness with decent balance overall? Go for light growth-guiding appliances and focus on breathing, tongue posture, and mewing.

4: What Other Issues Do You Have?

• Narrow palate or crowded teeth? A palatal expander should be included in your plan.
• Weak bite, lower jaw issues? A functional appliance like the Twin Block can help correct the jaw relationship as well.
• Mouth breathing or tongue posture problems? These need to be fixed alongside appliance use, or you’ll risk relapse.

TL;DR

Appliance	Ideal Age Range	Main Function	Best For
Facemask (Reverse Pull Headgear)	10–13 (up to 14–15 max)	Pulls the maxilla forward using external traction	Flat/retruded midface, sunken under-eyes, weak cheekbones
Palatal Expander	8–14	Separates mid-palatal suture to widen upper jaw	Narrow arch, crowded teeth, poor airway
Facemask + Expander Combo	10–13 (ideal window)	Widens jaw and pulls it forward at the same time	Moderate–severe maxillary recession with narrow arch
MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander)	14–17+ (skeletally mature teens)	Expands the midface by anchoring into bone (not just teeth)	Older teens with closed sutures, narrow/recessed maxilla, nose base widening
Twin Block	11–16	Stimulates forward growth of lower jaw	Weak bite, Class II, lower jaw recession
Herbst Appliance	12–16	Holds jaw forward 24/7 to encourage permanent repositioning	Jaw correction, Class II cases with compliance issues
Light Forward Retainers / ALF	12–16+	Subtle forward pressure, arch development	Mild recession, maintenance, or guidance in late teens
Vertical Control Devices (Bite Blocks, Chin Cup)	10–14	Reduces downward growth, encourages forward direction	Gummy smile, long face, open bite tendencies
Orthognathic Surgery	17+	Surgically repositions the jaw bones	Severe midface deficiency in adults with no growth left

READ THIS:
DO NOT GO BLINDLY FOLLOWING THIS INFORMATION WITHOUT A CONSULTATION.
I am only studying Orthodontics I am not a licensed Orthodontist. There are better Appliance guides to read if you want to advance your knowledge regarding Orthodontic Appliances.

This thread was purely made in order to give beginner information to all the annoying 13 yr olds and to finally get these retards to shut up.

@repulse

 

[repulse]

@repulse

chatgpt thread

 

[slush]

now make one for mandible

 

[greycelfaliio]

Can facemask help at least a little bit in 30 y.o. if work 8+ hours a day

Unfortunately you won't see many major changes as your sutures are fully fused.

There is the possibility of slight dental or soft tissue changes, however I don't recommend it personally since it takes alot of effort for poor results and I think you'd be better off focusing on surgical options or maybe myo for actual impact.

 

[greycelfaliio]

Very good thread @greycelfaliio

Can you tell me for a guy who's had 4 premolar extractions + 7yrs of braces with elastics during puberty, that resulted in gummy smile + asymmetric jaw + downturned mouth corners, with narrower horizontal lip width

How can I increase my lip width before I undergo Bimax CCW?
Also maybe make my lips less downturned?

I don't want to further my asymmetry with an appliance like MSE

Which one do you think is ideal?
I'm much older than 17

You have textbook retraction damage, your choice to avoid MSE is correct.

You'll likely see some increase in lip projection and width from your Bimax since the improved skeletal support tends to restore soft tissue balance.

But if you really want to fix it before you undergo surgery Filler or lip lifts would definitely fix it, however doing them prior to a bimax is not recommended.

I think you should focus on myo right now as a "hopefully if it works" softmax and then consider filler or lip lifts if you still are unsatisfied with your lips after the bimax.

 

[sensu]

how about for a crossbite at 18?

 

[greycelfaliio]

Might make one for mandible later, final exams are cooking me

 

[greycelfaliio]

how about for a crossbite at 18?

Depends on the type of crossbite. If its a mild dental crossbite braces or invisalign should work fine

If its skeletal(like a narrow upper jaw) you might need a palatal expander or mse or if its very severe; SARPE or jaw surgery.

Honestly I think its just best to consult an orthodontist on this they should be able to customize and find the best plan

 

[greycelfaliio]

chatgpt thread

I did use chatgpt in the final stage to correct my english because english is not my first language.

I can post the original without chatgpt if it matters that much

 

[repulse]

I did use chatgpt in the final stage to correct my english because english is not my first language.

I can post the original without chatgpt if it matters that much

all good if it's good info then chat gpt doesnt matter jfl

 

[sensu]

Depends on the type of crossbite. If its a mild dental crossbite braces or invisalign should work fine

If its skeletal(like a narrow upper jaw) you might need a palatal expander or mse or if its very severe; SARPE or jaw surgery.

Honestly I think its just best to consult an orthodontist on this they should be able to customize and find the best plan

would fixing a crossbite with invisalign fix asymmetry tho? my teeth are mostly straight just a slight crossbite, and i have a mild jaw asymmetry because of it