The one-line definition I use with patients

The curve of Spee is the front-to-back arc of your lower teeth when viewed from the side.
Too deep can pair with a deep bite and uneven contacts.
It’s a shape issue, not a diagnosis by itself. PLOS

What the research actually says about TMJ and headaches

TMJ problems and primary headaches often co-exist, which can complicate diagnosis and management.
A 2024 systematic review found higher prevalence of TMD among people with migraine and tension-type headache. jofph.com
Family physicians also note overlapping symptoms and recommend conservative care first. AAFP

Does the curve of Spee cause TMJ pain?

Short answer: causation is not proven.
Large reviews of occlusion and TMD report weak and inconsistent associations, so we should not overstate bite shape as “the cause.” ScienceDirectResearchGateNature
Translation: the curve of Spee can be a contributor, not a master switch.

Is a deep curve of Spee different in TMD patients?

Yes, some cross-sectional work reports differences in curve depth among TMD cohorts.
But cross-sectional means association, not cause.
Use it as a clue, not a verdict. ResearchGaterevodonto.bvsalud.org

When the curve becomes a real-world problem

Front teeth hit too hard and wear.
Jaw muscles work overtime to avoid collisions.
Chewing feels “pinchy” in front and light in back.
Deep bite often tags along.

Where the internet hype goes off the rails

Claim: “Fix the curve and TMJ disappears.”
Reality: TMJ is multifactorial (muscles, joints, stress, sleep, parafunction), so single-lever fixes rarely cure it. AAFP
Claim: “Grind the teeth and adjust the bite to cure headaches.”
Reality: irreversible occlusal adjustments are not supported as treatment for TMD. Cochrane LibraryNatureEffective Health CareAAPD

What actually helps most patients first

Self-care, reversible appliances, physical therapy, behavior change, and analgesics as needed.
That’s the conservative playbook most guidelines start with. AAFPAAOP
If you grind or clench, a well-fitted guard can protect teeth and calm muscles while you evaluate bite mechanics.

When leveling the curve makes sense

You have a deep bite with a pronounced curve of Spee and consistent front-tooth overload.
Your goals include more even contacts and easier chewing.
Your clinician can show a plan to intrude incisors and level the arc with braces or aligners.
This treats mechanics, not anxiety or sleep debt.

Aligners vs braces for curve leveling

Braces can use reverse-curve archwires to intrude fronts and open a deep bite.
Aligners can program staged intrusion plus bite ramps.
Both work when the plan is good and compliance is real.
Ask to see before/after occlusal planes on your 3D plan.

For aligner specifics, see our post: Aligners and the Curve of Spee: Week-by-Week Changes (use this as the hub and cross-link to the final URL on publish).

Headaches: what changes when the bite stops colliding

Less protective clenching.
Lower morning jaw tension.
Fewer “front-tooth zings” during meals.
You still need a full headache plan if migraine or TTH is present. jofph.com

What I track at home during care

Right-profile smile photo monthly.
Chewing comfort and morning jaw tension scores.
Sleep quality if snoring or bruxism were part of the picture.
For a simple system, see our post: Step-by-Step: Tracking Your Health Progress With a TMJ Appliance.

Red flags that need a quick check

Sharp, localized tooth pain that doesn’t fade in 48 hours.
Jaw locking or new ear symptoms.
A tray or wire that suddenly can’t be tolerated.
Call your provider.

The posture and airway angle (without the woo)

Head posture, airway, and jaw muscles are linked.
Improving posture won’t move teeth, but it can reduce muscle strain.
If airway issues or snoring exist, treat both the airway and the bite.
Read next: TMJ, Posture, and Whole-Body Alignment and How Jaw Alignment Impacts Sleep.

Guard talk: support vs cure

A guard protects enamel and helps muscles down-regulate.
It does not level a curve on its own.
Use it as support while you work the plan.
Start here: Are Mouthguards Effective for Reducing Jaw Tension? and What Is a TMJ Mouthguard and How to Fit It Correctly.

What success looks like

Even front-back contacts.
Quieter mornings.
Less clench-driven headache load.
A clear retention plan so results stick.

Evidence snapshots you can quote

TMD and primary headaches co-occur more than chance. jofph.com
Occlusion’s role in TMD is limited and inconsistent across studies. ScienceDirectResearchGate
Irreversible occlusal adjustments are not recommended as first-line care. Cochrane LibraryAAPD

 

---

 

FAQs

Does a deep curve of Spee cause headaches?
It can contribute by increasing muscle load, but it’s rarely the sole driver.
Screen for migraine or TTH as separate diagnoses. jofph.com

Will flattening the curve cure TMJ?
It can remove one mechanical trigger.
TMJ is multifactorial, so expect improvement, not miracles. AAFP

Are occlusal adjustments a cure for TMD headaches?
No.
High-quality reviews and guidelines do not support irreversible occlusal adjustment as a treatment. Cochrane LibraryNature

Do aligners work as well as braces for deep curves?
They can with good planning and compliance.
Braces still shine for certain movements.

What if I get a temporary open bite during treatment?
That can happen mid-course as the arch flattens.
Finishing steps usually close it.

Can stress alone cause TMJ pain and headaches?
Stress can amplify muscle tension and pain perception.
Treat both mechanics and lifestyle.

How long does leveling a deep curve take?
Months for mild cases.
9–18 months for deeper ones, depending on biology and plan.

Will a night guard fix my headache?
It can reduce clench load and protect teeth.
It doesn’t treat primary migraines by itself. AAFP

What should I ask my dentist or orthodontist?
What’s my one-line diagnosis.
Which teeth will be intruded or extruded.
How we’ll manage mid-course open bite.
What the retention plan is.

Where should I start if I’m overwhelmed?
Begin with conservative care and protection.
Then decide if leveling the curve is needed based on symptoms and goals. AAFP

Related reads on our site

For a deep-bite explainer, see: Deep Bite vs the Curve of Spee: What’s the Real Difference?.
For aligner specifics, see: Aligners and the Curve of Spee: Week-by-Week Changes.
For posture and sleep angles, see: Beyond Jaw Pain: How TMJ Affects Your Overall Health and Posture and How to Improve Sleep Quality With Oral Appliance Therapy.

Bottom line + CTA

TMJ, headaches, and the curve of Spee are connected, but not in the magic-bullet way the internet promises.
Fix mechanics that matter, protect your teeth, and keep treatment reversible until you have clear evidence to go further.
If you want comfortable protection while you work the plan, try a Reviv mouthguard.
Encourage readers to buy Reviv Mouthguard or other Reviv products by clicking Here.