Deep Bite vs the Curve of Spee: What’s the Real Difference?
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1) The one-line definitions I use with patients
Deep bite = vertical overlap problem.
Curve of Spee = shape of the lower dental arch problem.
Different measurements.
Different levers.
Often treated together.
2) What I look for in the mirror at home
I smile and close gently on my back teeth.
I check how much the top incisors cover the bottoms.
That’s deep bite.
Then I trace the arc from my lower front teeth back to my molars.
That’s the curve of Spee.
No tools.
No forcing.
3) Why the confusion happens
Both issues can make the lower front teeth feel “tucked in.”
Both can cause heavy loading on front teeth.
Both can exist with a normal overjet or with crowding.
But they are diagnosed and fixed with different mechanics.
4) How dentists actually measure each one
Deep bite is measured in millimeters of vertical overlap or as a percentage.
Curve of Spee is measured as the depth of the arc relative to the occlusal plane.
Your records may include photos, 3D scans, and a simple drawn curve on the lower arch.
Ask your provider to show you both numbers.
5) Causes: deep bite vs curve of Spee
Deep bite causes can include strong muscle patterns, eruption differences, or skeletal growth.
A deep curve of Spee can reflect anterior eruption and posterior position, bruxism patterns, or missing tooth support.
Old restorations and extractions can exaggerate both.
6) Symptoms: what people actually feel day to day
Jaw fatigue after chewing.
Front-tooth wear.
“Biting my palate” feelings.
Neck tension from muscle overwork.
Some people have zero symptoms and only find out at a checkup.
7) TMJ and headaches: what’s signal vs noise
A deep bite or deep curve can contribute to joint and muscle overload.
Neither guarantees TMJ pain.
I focus on patterns, not single labels.
For nuance, see our blog post: The relationship between TMJ, headaches, and migraines.
8) Posture and airway: helpful context, not magic
Head posture and airway shape change muscle forces on the bite.
That can reinforce a deep bite pattern.
Good posture reduces strain but won’t move teeth by itself.
Read more here: TMJ, posture, and whole-body alignment and How correcting your bite can improve posture.
9) Braces mechanics for each problem
Deep bite leveling often uses anterior intrusion and posterior extrusion.
A deep curve of Spee is often addressed with a reverse-curve archwire.
Sometimes both are used together.
Expect tenderness for a few days after adjustments.
10) Aligner mechanics for each problem
Deep bite with aligners uses planned intrusion steps and bite ramps.
A deep curve of Spee uses staged movements that flatten the arc over time.
Attachments help the plastic grip and move incisors predictably.
Week-by-week photos make the change obvious.
11) Night guards and splints: what they do and don’t do
A guard protects teeth and calms muscles.
It does not level a deep curve or fix a deep bite on its own.
It’s support while you plan definitive correction.
Get the full breakdown here: How TMJ mouth guards actually work and Are mouthguards effective for reducing jaw tension.
12) Kids vs adults: timing is a strategic lever
Growing patients can use growth to help intrusion and eruption balance.
Adults still move well but depend entirely on mechanics and compliance.
Either way, retention is non-negotiable.
13) Side effects nobody mentions early enough
Temporary sensitivity.
Bite “weirdness” mid-course as teeth pass through in-between positions.
Occasional transient posterior open bite that resolves with finishing steps.
Good plans anticipate and correct these.
14) How long leveling usually takes
Mild deep bite with a mild curve can change in months.
Moderate to deep cases commonly take 9–18 months.
Biology, plan quality, and patient habits drive the timeline.
15) What I track during treatment
Monthly right-profile smile photos.
Notes on chewing comfort and any jaw tension.
Sleep quality if clenching or snoring were issues.
Steady beats sudden.
Use this framework: Step-by-step: tracking your health progress with a TMJ appliance.
16) Costs and the questions I bring to consults
What’s my one-line diagnosis.
Which teeth will be intruded and which extruded.
What’s the plan if I get mid-course open bite.
How will we retain the result.
Ask for photos, scans, and a simple diagram of your curve.
17) When monitoring is enough
If you have a mild deep bite, a shallow curve, and zero symptoms, your dentist may watch and wait.
The goal is comfort, function, and stability.
We don’t fix numbers.
We fix people.
18) When I move fast
Pain in front teeth.
Heavy wear.
Chewing fatigue.
Airway flags like snoring or mouth breathing.
These justify a faster workup and a clear plan.
19) Related curves you’ll hear about
Curve of Wilson is the side-to-side curve across the molars.
Monson’s sphere is an old model of teeth fitting a sphere.
Useful for language.
Not a rulebook.
20) What happens after you finish
Retainers hold the win while bone remodels.
Skip nights and the curve can creep back.
Pair retainers with a comfortable guard if you clench at night.
Explore options here: The best mouthguard for TMJ pain: a buyer’s guide and What is a TMJ mouthguard and how to fit it correctly.
Quick comparison cheat sheet
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Deep Bite
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Measurement: Incisor overlap (mm or %).
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Main levers: Intrude incisors, extrude posteriors, bite ramps.
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Goal: Reduce vertical overlap for comfort and function.
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Curve of Spee
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Measurement: Depth of the lower arch’s arc.
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Main levers: Reverse-curve wires or aligner intrusion sequences.
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Goal: Flatten the arc for stable, even contacts.
Internal reads you’ll find useful
For posture links, see our post: How to use dental biomechanics to improve posture.
For sleep and clenching, see: How to improve sleep quality with oral appliance therapy and TMJ pain at night.
For home care while you plan treatment, see: Best home remedies and exercises for TMJ pain relief.
FAQs
Is a deep bite the same as a deep curve of Spee?
No.
A deep bite is vertical overlap.
The curve of Spee is arch shape.
Can I have a deep bite with a normal curve of Spee?
Yes.
They often pair up but don’t have to.
Do aligners fix deep bites and deep curves as well as braces?
They can.
Success depends on plan design, attachments, and patient compliance.
Will a night guard fix my deep bite or curve?
No.
It protects and relaxes muscles.
It does not move teeth.
How long does leveling take?
Months for mild cases.
9–18 months for deeper ones.
Why do my teeth feel worse mid-treatment?
Teeth pass through in-between positions.
Temporary bite changes are normal and manageable.
Is leveling painful?
Expect pressure and tenderness for a few days after activations.
Soft foods help.
Do posture exercises change my curve of Spee?
No.
They reduce muscle strain and improve comfort.
Teeth still need orthodontic movement.
What’s the risk of doing nothing?
Possible front-tooth wear, muscle fatigue, or joint overload.
Your dentist will weigh risk vs benefit.
What’s the retention plan after leveling?
Fixed or removable retainers.
Nightly wear at first.
Long-term maintenance as advised.
Bottom line and next step
Deep bite vs the curve of Spee are related but different.
I treat the deep bite as the overlap problem and the curve of Spee as the arch-shape problem.
Name the problem correctly, pick the right mechanics, track progress, and protect the win with retention.
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.