Kids and Teens: When a Deep Curve of Spee Needs Action

1) First, what we’re talking about

The curve of Spee is the front-to-back arc of the lower teeth when viewed from the side.
When that arc is too deep, the front teeth tend to collide and the back teeth under-work.
This can pair with a deep bite and uneven contacts.
Shape isn’t a diagnosis by itself.
Function matters most.

2) Quick signs parents actually notice

Front teeth look “tucked in” or heavily overlapped.
Kids complain of chewing fatigue or “front tooth zings.”
You see edge wear on lower incisors earlier than expected.
Your child wakes with a tight jaw or chews on sleeves and pencils.

3) My rule of thumb: when to monitor vs treat

Monitor if the curve is mild, the bite is comfortable, and there’s no wear, pain, or airway flags.
Treat if there’s front-tooth overload, recurring jaw tension, visible wear, or the deep bite is getting deeper over time.
Act early if growth is on your side and habits are making things worse.

4) Habits that quietly deepen the curve

Nail or pen biting that targets the front teeth.
Chronic mouth breathing or snoring that alters jaw posture.
Nighttime clenching/grinding after stressful days or poor sleep.
Thumb or finger habits in younger kids that linger too long.

5) The airway link you shouldn’t ignore

A deep curve plus a deep bite can push the jaw up and back.
That can nudge the tongue space smaller in some kids.
If you see snoring, restless sleep, or daytime sleepiness, screen airway and bite together.
For a plain-English primer, see our page: Sleep Apnea.
For the jaw–sleep connection, read: How Jaw Alignment Impacts Sleep.

6) Growth windows are a superpower

Kids and teens can leverage growth to intrude front teeth and even contacts faster.
Adults can still fix it, but growth gives you extra “fuel.”
Timing isn’t everything, but it’s a big lever.

7) The work-up I expect from any good clinic

Photos and a 3D scan with the curve depth drawn and measured.
Overbite/overjet numbers and a contact map showing where teeth hit first.
Muscle tenderness check and a short airway history.
If you want a helpful overview first, read: TMJ in Children and Teens: Early Signs, Risks, and Solutions.

8) Braces vs aligners for kids and teens

Braces can use a reverse-curve archwire to level the curve efficiently.
Aligners can program staged incisor intrusion with attachments and bite ramps.
Both work when the plan is good and your child wears what’s prescribed.
For brace basics, see: Braces.

9) What treatment feels like to kids

Days 1–3 after each activation feel pressure-sore on front teeth.
Soft foods help.
Speech blips if bite turbos are used are temporary.
We keep school and sports in mind when scheduling changes.

10) Sports, safety, and mouthguards

Active kids need protection, especially while teeth are moving.
A standard sports guard protects but doesn’t move teeth.
For fit tips, read: What Is a TMJ Mouthguard and How to Fit It Correctly.
For choosing the right one, see: The Best Mouthguard for TMJ Pain: A Buyer’s Guide.

11) Real-life school adjustments that make it easier

Switch trays or make wire changes after school or before weekends.
Pack soft lunches on adjustment days.
Use a small water flosser at home to keep hygiene easy around brackets and attachments.
Routines beat perfection.

12) Side effects nobody tells you early enough

Short stretches of bite weirdness as teeth pass through in-between positions.
Temporary sensitivity to cold in a few incisors.
A brief posterior open bite mid-course that closes in finishing stages.
Your team should warn and plan for these.

13) Timelines you can actually plan around

Mild curves can level in months.
Moderate to deep cases often take 9–18 months as part of comprehensive treatment.
Growth, plan quality, and compliance drive the clock.

14) How I track progress with kids

Take a right-profile smile photo monthly under the same light.
Ask your child to score chewing comfort and morning jaw tension.
If sleep was an issue, track snoring volume and wake-ups.
Use our simple framework: Step-by-Step: Tracking Your Health Progress With a TMJ Appliance.

15) Retention isn’t optional

Teeth like their old neighborhoods.
Retainers hold the win while bone remodels.
Skipping weeks invites relapse.
Build the habit early and keep it boring.

16) What to ask at the consult

What’s our one-line diagnosis and curve depth.
Which teeth will be intruded or extruded, and why.
What’s the plan if a temporary open bite shows up mid-course.
What’s our retention plan and sports-guard plan.

17) When I move quickly instead of waiting

There’s visible incisor wear or enamel chipping.
There’s jaw pain on waking or during chewing.
Snoring is loud and daytime sleepiness is real.
The deep bite has worsened over six to twelve months.

18) Conservative steps while you decide

Prioritize nasal breathing and a simple wind-down routine at night.
Encourage side-sleeping if snoring.
Use a comfortable guard to protect teeth if clenching is obvious.
For guard basics, read: Are Mouthguards Effective for Reducing Jaw Tension.

19) Extractions, if they come up

Extractions can be helpful in some comprehensive plans.
They are not the default lever for a deep curve in kids.
Ask for before/after simulations and reasons grounded in airway, space, and stability.
For context on tooth removal decisions, see: Extractions.

20) What success looks like for kids and teens

Even front-back contacts that make chewing easy.
Calmer mornings with less jaw tension.
Quieter sleep when airway and bite are handled together.
A boring, consistent retainer routine that sticks.

FAQs

Will a deep curve of Spee fix itself as my child grows
Sometimes it softens, but relying on luck is risky if there’s wear or pain.
Growth is a lever, not a guarantee.

Do aligners work as well as braces for kids
They can when compliance is excellent and the plan is solid.
Braces are more forgiving for busy kids.

Can a mouthguard fix the curve
No.
A guard protects teeth and calms muscles.
Orthodontics levels the curve.

Does a deep curve cause TMJ pain in children
It can contribute by overloading front teeth and muscles.
It’s one factor among many.

How long will treatment take
Mild: months.
Moderate–deep: 9–18 months with refinements.

Will my child miss school for appointments
Most visits are short and can be timed around class.
Plan adjustments near weekends when possible.

What if my child plays contact sports
Use a well-fitted sports guard.
Coordinate with the orthodontist for fit around brackets or attachments.

Is pain normal
Expect pressure-type soreness for a few days after changes.
Sharp, persistent pain needs a check.

Could leveling the curve help my child’s snoring
It can remove one mechanical trigger.
Always screen the airway separately.

What happens after treatment
Retention.
Then yearly check-ins to keep it stable.
 Consider a guard if clenching persists.

Bottom line + CTA

A deep curve of Spee in kids and teens needs action when there’s wear, pain, airway flags, or a bite that’s trending deeper.
Use growth windows, pick mechanics you can stick to, track progress monthly, and lock the win with retention.
If you want comfortable protection during and after treatment, consider a Reviv mouthguard.
Encourage readers to buy Reviv Mouthguard or other Reviv products by clicking Here.