Curve of Spee, Explained in Plain English

The curve of Spee is the natural front-to-back curve of your lower teeth when you look at your bite from the side.
A deeper curve can feed into a deep bite and sometimes into TMJ irritation, clenching, and neck tension.
In this guide, I’ll explain what it is, how to spot it, when it matters, and what treatment usually involves.
I’ll also link to practical posts you can use today.

1) The one-sentence definition I give my friends

The curve of Spee is the arc your lower teeth make from the front incisors back to the molars.
Think of it like the slight “smile” your lower bite makes when viewed from the side.
Too flat or too deep can throw things off.

2) How I check mine at home without doing anything risky

I stand in front of a mirror with my teeth together.
I look at my lower front teeth and follow the line back toward my molars.
If the front teeth sit noticeably lower than the premolars and molars, the curve may be deep.
I never force my jaw or poke around with hard tools.
If something looks off, I book a pro visit.

3) Common signs people notice before a dentist ever mentions it

You might see heavy wear on front teeth.
You might feel your lower front teeth contact first.
You might have a “tucked-in” smile or a deep bite.
You might get jaw fatigue after chewing.
None of these confirm a diagnosis, but they’re good clues to bring up.

4) Why the curve gets deep in the first place

Growth patterns can tilt teeth and jaws.
Clenching and grinding can accent patterns over time.
Missing teeth and old dental work can shift the bite.
Posture and airway issues can change muscle forces.
Habits like nail biting or pen chewing don’t help.

5) Deep bite vs curve of Spee — how they relate but aren’t identical

A deep bite is how much your upper front teeth cover your lowers.
The curve of Spee is the arc of the lower teeth.
A deep curve often pairs with a deep bite, but not always.
Treatments may target both together.

6) TMJ, pain, and the curve — what I tell people who ask me for “the truth”

A deep curve alone doesn’t guarantee TMJ pain.
But it can contribute to overloading front teeth and jaw joints.
I separate evidence from hype and look at symptoms, not just X-rays.
For more on TMJ–headache links, see our blog post: The relationship between TMJ, headaches, and migraines.

7) Neck tension and posture — correlation, not magic

Jaw position, neck muscles, and head posture are connected.
Fixing posture won’t “cure” a bite, but it can reduce muscle strain.
For deep dives, see our posts: TMJ, posture, and whole-body alignment and How to use dental biomechanics to improve your posture.

8) Sleep, snoring, and airway — a cautious, practical view

Airway problems can change jaw posture and muscle tone.
That can reinforce a deep bite pattern.
Screen for snoring, mouth breathing, or daytime sleepiness.
See our post: TMJ and sleep apnea — understanding the connection.

9) Mouthguards and the curve — what they do and do not do

A night guard protects teeth and calms muscles.
It doesn’t “orthodontically” flatten a curve on its own.
It buys comfort while you plan real correction.
Read how guards help here: How TMJ mouth guards actually work.

10) Braces vs aligners — leveling a deep curve in plain language

Braces use wires to intrude front teeth and level the arc.
Aligners use staged plastic shells with planned tooth movements.
Both can work; choices depend on severity, bite, and goals.
If you go aligners, ask about bite ramps and intrusion plans.

11) The famous reverse-curve wire — what it feels like

Orthodontists sometimes use a “reverse curve of Spee” archwire to help level.
You may feel pressure on front teeth for a few days.
Soft foods help early on.
It’s normal to see gradual changes rather than sudden shifts.

12) Aligner add-ons that matter for deep curves

Bite ramps can prevent front teeth from colliding.
Attachments give aligners grip to move teeth efficiently.
Posterior intrusion steps may be planned to reduce deep bite.
Ask your provider to show you these in the treatment plan.

13) How long does leveling take

Mild cases can change in months.
Deeper curves may take a year or more.
Speed depends on biology, compliance, and plan quality.
I plan for steady wins, not overnight miracles.

14) Side effects nobody tells you soon enough

You can get temporary sensitivity.
You might feel bite “weirdness” as teeth move.
Posterior open bite can appear transiently while leveling.
Good providers anticipate and fix these quickly.

15) Adults vs kids — timing is a hidden lever

In kids, growth can help correction.
In adults, movement still works but relies fully on mechanics.
Either way, retention is non-negotiable.
I treat timing as strategy, not luck.

16) Imaging and planning — the modern toolkit

3D scans, photos, and bite records map your curve precisely.
CBCT may be used in select cases.
AI planning software can simulate before/after.
Ask to see your curve drawn on the digital model.

17) What I track at home during treatment

Monthly smile-side photos with the same lighting.
Notes on chewing comfort and jaw tension.
Sleep quality if snoring or clenching were issues.
Use this simple habit to spot real progress.
For a structured approach, see: Tracking your health progress with a TMJ appliance.

18) Keeping results — retention is the quiet hero

Retainers hold teeth while bone remodels.
Skip nights and the curve can creep back.
I set reminders and treat retention like brushing teeth.
If a guard is also prescribed, your dentist will plan the sequence.

19) Costs and questions I bring to a consult

What’s my diagnosis in one line.
What’s the plan to intrude or extrude which teeth.
How long, how many visits, and what could go wrong.
What does success look like in photos and function.
For uneven bite questions, see: My bite is uneven — will a mouthguard help.

20) Glossary you can screenshot

Curve of Spee: front-to-back arc of lower teeth.
Curve of Wilson: side-to-side curve across molars.
Monson’s sphere: the old idea of teeth fitting a sphere — useful for history, not a rule.
Deep bite: upper fronts overly cover lower fronts.
Intrusion: moving teeth slightly “up” into bone.
Reverse-curve wire: a wire shaped to help level a deep curve.

FAQs you’ll actually use

Does a deep curve of Spee always need treatment?
No.
If you have no symptoms and function well, your dentist may simply monitor.

Will a night guard fix my curve?
No.
It protects and relaxes but doesn’t move teeth.
It’s supportive, not corrective.

Are aligners as good as braces for deep curves?
They can be.
Success depends on case selection and plan design, not the brand.

How long does leveling usually take?
Months to a year+ depending on depth and biology.
Ask for a range with milestones.

Can a deep curve cause TMJ pain or headaches?
It can contribute by changing loads and muscle use.
It’s one factor among many.
See our explainer: Understanding the link between TMJ and headaches.

Will leveling my curve change my face or jawline?
Expect subtle, functional changes.
Big cosmetic claims online are usually hype.

What if my bite feels worse mid-treatment?
Temporary “weird” phases are common as teeth pass through positions.
Tell your provider.
They can adjust.

Is it painful to level a deep curve?
You’ll likely feel pressure and tenderness for a few days after adjustments.
Soft food and time help.

Do posture exercises help the curve itself?
They won’t move teeth.
But they can calm overworked muscles and improve comfort.
Read more: How correcting your bite can improve posture.

What happens after treatment?
Retention.
Wear your retainers as directed.
 Recheck yearly.

Bottom line

The curve of Spee is a simple idea with big ripple effects on bite comfort, muscle balance, and sometimes TMJ symptoms.
I treat it like any good project — get a clear diagnosis, pick the right mechanics, track progress, and protect gains.
If you want a protective, comfortable step while you plan care, consider a Reviv mouthguard.
Encourage readers to buy Reviv Mouthguard or other Reviv products by clicking Here.
 That’s the practical way I explain the curve of Spee, in plain English, without the fluff.