Reverse Curve of Spee Archwires: A Patient’s Guide

What a reverse-curve wire actually is

It’s a pre-bent lower archwire shaped opposite to the natural “smile” curve of your lower teeth.
The flip in curvature encourages gentle intrusion of the front teeth and leveling of the dental arch.
Think of it like putting a small spring under a bookshelf that sags in the middle.
The spring doesn’t yank.
It nudges.

Why orthodontists choose it

It levels a deep curve of Spee without heroic forces.
It helps manage deep bite when your front teeth are over-covered.
It gives predictable movement with braces in a way that’s hard to copy with a plain, straight wire.
It plays nicely with other mechanics like elastics and bite turbos.

What problems it’s meant to solve

Front teeth that hit too hard and wear fast.
Jaw fatigue from overworking the incisors.
Uneven contacts that make chewing feel “off.”
Deep bites paired with headaches or muscle tension.

How it feels in week one

Day 1–3: pressure on front teeth and a “tight” feeling.
Soft foods help.
Day 4–7: pressure fades as teeth begin micro-moves.
Soreness returns briefly after each adjustment.
That’s normal.

The simple physics behind it

A curve pushing up at the front creates tiny intrusive forces on incisors.
The same curve can allow back teeth to settle into even contact.
The wire stores energy like a bow.
Your teeth are the string.
Release is slow and controlled.

Braces vs aligners for deep curves

Braces + reverse-curve wire = classic, efficient leveling.
Aligners can also level using staged intrusion steps and bite ramps, but need perfect planning and compliance.
If you’re comparing options, ask to see both plans side by side.
For aligner mechanics context, see our post: How to improve sleep quality with oral appliance therapy.

Add-ons you might hear about

Bite turbos or ramps to stop front teeth colliding while the bite opens.
Elastics to fine-tune molar positions.
Segmented wires or power chains if rotations or spacing need help.
These are tools, not red flags.

How long leveling usually takes

Mild curves can change in a few months.
Moderate to deep curves often take 9–18 months as part of full treatment.
Biology, case complexity, and appointment cadence drive the timeline.
Progress is steady, not dramatic.

Side effects nobody tells you early enough

Temporary sensitivity when chewing.
Brief speech changes if bite turbos are used.
A temporary posterior open bite can show up mid-course and then resolve as finishing steps close it.
Your orthodontist expects this and plans for it.

Eating, brushing, and real life

Cut apples and crusty bread the first week.
Rinse after coffee, tea, or wine to avoid stains on elastomerics.
Use a water flosser to reach around brackets and wire curves.
Routine beats perfection.

How I track progress at home

Take a right-profile smile photo every month with the same lighting.
Note chewing comfort from 1–10.
Note any morning jaw tension.
Tiny wins add up.
If you want a structure for tracking symptoms, see: Step-by-step: tracking your health progress with a TMJ appliance.

TMJ, headaches, and muscle tension

Leveling a deep curve can reduce overload on front teeth and jaw joints.
It’s not a guarantee your TMJ pain vanishes.
But it often removes one big mechanical trigger.
For nuance on head pain links, read: The relationship between TMJ, headaches, and migraines.

Night guards and splints during treatment

A guard protects teeth and calms muscles.
It does not level the curve on its own.
Your orthodontist will tell you when and how to wear it alongside braces.
Get a clear primer here: Are mouthguards effective for reducing jaw tension.

Adults vs kids

Kids can ride growth to help intrusion and eruption balance.
Adults rely entirely on mechanics and consistency.
Both can get excellent results.
Retention matters for both.

Retainers and keeping the win

Teeth like their old neighborhoods.
Wear your retainers as prescribed.
Skipping weeks invites relapse.
Treat retention like brushing.

Costs and what to ask at consult

What’s my diagnosis in one line.
Which teeth will be intruded and which extruded.
How long, how many visits, and what could go wrong.
What’s the retention plan.
Show me the curve drawn on my 3D scan.

When to call your orthodontist

Wire pokes that wax can’t fix.
New, sharp tooth pain that doesn’t fade in 48 hours.
Bite that suddenly feels way worse rather than just “different.”
Anything that stops you eating or sleeping.

Red flags and myths

Myth: “Reverse-curve wires ruin molars.”
Reality: poor planning and zero follow-up ruin outcomes, not the wire itself.
Myth: “It should be painless.”
Reality: light, temporary pressure is the point.
Myth: “A night guard will do the same thing.”
Reality: guards protect.
Wires move teeth.

Related topics you’ll want next

For posture and bite mechanics, read: TMJ, posture, and whole-body alignment.
For choosing protective gear during treatment, read: The best mouthguard for TMJ pain: a buyer’s guide.
For fitting a guard correctly, read: What is a TMJ mouthguard and how to fit it correctly.

FAQs

Will a reverse-curve wire make my front teeth shorter?
It intrudes them slightly into bone, which can reduce heavy contact.
It does not file or shave teeth.
Your tooth length stays the same.

Can aligners replace a reverse-curve wire?
Aligners can level a curve with planned intrusion and bite ramps.
They require excellent compliance and careful planning.
Both approaches can work.

How often will the wire be changed?
Expect adjustments every 4–8 weeks depending on your plan.
Your orthodontist may step through different wire materials and sizes.

Is it normal for my bite to feel weird mid-treatment?
Yes.
Teeth pass through “in-between” positions.
Your provider will guide you through finishing steps.

Do I need a night guard while using this wire?
If you clench or grind, a guard can protect enamel and reduce muscle tension.
It won’t move teeth.
Follow your provider’s instructions.
Start here: How TMJ mouth guards actually work.

How long until I notice changes?
Many people feel bite changes within a few weeks.
Visible leveling is clearer on monthly photos.
Final results take patience.

Will it affect my speech?
Usually no, unless bite turbos are placed.
If they are, minor lisping fades within days.

What if one tooth gets very tender?
Mild, pressure-type tenderness is normal.
Sharp, persistent pain needs a check.
Call your orthodontist.

Can this wire fix TMJ pain?
It can reduce one mechanical trigger.
TMJ is multifactorial.
Expect improvement, not miracle cures.
For context, read: Beyond jaw pain: how TMJ affects posture.

What happens after the curve is leveled?
Your team refines contacts, adjusts aesthetics, and locks in retention.
 Retainers hold the new arc while bone remodels.

Bottom line and next step

Reverse curve of Spee archwires are a smart, gentle way to level a deep curve and open a deep bite without drama.
Name the problem correctly, use the right mechanics, track progress monthly, and guard your teeth while you work the plan.
If you want comfortable protection during treatment, consider a Reviv mouthguard.
Encourage readers to buy Reviv Mouthguard or other Reviv products by clicking Here.