Grant McIntyre discusses the trend of looksmaxxing – what is it and what are the dangers of internet-based orthotropics?
There has been a worrying rise in misinformation on the subject of orthodontics in recent years. Internet-based schemes, promising an improved facial appearance yet lacking any foundation in robust scientific evidence, pose a significant risk to health and should be regarded with caution.
It is my opinion that, through social media and online platforms, a small number of individuals with large followings have been able to exploit their channels to propagate dangerous and misleading information.
‘This community makes the deeply concerning assertion that conventional orthodontics is constricted by historical dogma’
What is looksmaxxing?
‘Looksmaxxing’ has recently caught my attention. Promoted heavily by social media influencers across Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok, looksmaxxing focuses on naturally improving facial appearance through unconventional and unproven methods.
These methods are at best misselling and at worst, dangerous.
This community makes the deeply concerning assertion that conventional orthodontics is constricted by historical dogma and has been superseded by innovative methods endorsed by father and son John and Michael Mew.
The late John Mew was reprimanded for unprofessional advertisements in which he accused the General Dental Council of suppressing alternatives to surgery. During his life, John pioneered orthotropics – an unorthodox approach that aims to guide jaw and facial development in children for long-term function and aesthetics.
‘Social media influencers try to establish credibility for their methods through quasi-scientific logic, while simultaneously exhibiting open hostility towards conventional orthodontics’
His son, Mike Mew, further developed orthotropics and popularised the practice of ‘mewing’ – a technique that involves the flattening of the tongue against the roof of the mouth in an attempt to enhance jaw definition – but was sanctioned for misconduct.
On 6 November 2024, the Professional Conduct Committee made an order to erase Mike from the register and ordered that his registration be suspended immediately. Mike appealed against the decision on 3 December 2024. At the time of writing, his registration remains subject to suspended pending the resolution of the appeal.
Additionally, Mike Mew was criticised for making misleading claims about the efficacy of his treatments, which were found to be unsupported by evidence and posed significant risks to public health.
Orthotropic influencers
Social media influencers try to establish credibility for their methods through quasi-scientific logic, while simultaneously exhibiting open hostility towards conventional orthodontics on their Youtube platforms.
One of these methods, the ‘thumbpulling’ technique – which supposedly spreads the palate – bears a striking similarity to neurocranial restructuring therapy and craniosacral therapy.
There are claims that this technique works by releasing pressure within the skull, indirectly triggering bone growth through fascia loosening and cranial suture decompression.
‘These declarations are patently unfounded and lack any credible scientific basis’
However, it should be noted that neurocranial restructuring therapy lacks any scientific evidence to support its efficacy. Furthermore, while there is some inconclusive evidence regarding ‘general’ craniosacral therapy, no evidence exists to link these therapies to changes in fascial growth.
There are also claims that these techniques can cure conditions such as asthma and sleep apnoea, ‘rewire’ gut health, boost testosterone and progesterone levels, correct anterior pelvic tilt and bow-leggedness, and even promote a height increase of three inches. These declarations are patently unfounded and lack any credible scientific basis.
Is there any validity to looksmaxxing techniques?
While practices like fascial release, foam rolling, and stretching can indeed contribute to improving general health and wellbeing, the amount of fascia in the craniofacial complex is relatively minimal compared to the trunk, arms, and legs. Moreover, the majority of cranial sutures fuse by the age of five years, with any remaining growth potential at these sutures reducing steadily and becoming negligible by the age of 20.
Looksmaxxing brings big returns for its promoters, many of whom charge their followers subscription fees while providing little to no meaningful advice that could genuinely improve general health and overall wellbeing – instead disseminating pseudoscience and misinformation.
Myself and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s Faculty of Dental Surgery strongly advise patients to seek opinions and treatment from fully registered dentists and specialist orthodontists rather than any internet-based hoaxes which lack credibility.
