National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

How does the Curve of Spee affect dental occlusion?

1. By providing lateral movement

2. By facilitating vertical movement during chewing

3. By supporting the alignment of teeth

4. By guiding the eruption of teeth

The correct answer is: By facilitating vertical movement during chewing

The Curve of Spee plays a significant role in dental occlusion by facilitating vertical movement during chewing. This anatomical curve, which refers to the anteroposterior curvature of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, starts at the tip of the lower canine and follows the buccal cusps of the posterior teeth. As the jaw moves during mastication, the Curve of Spee allows for smooth, continuous movements of the teeth, contributing to efficient chewing function. When the teeth come together, this curvature helps to interdigitate the cusps of opposing teeth, ensuring that they can move vertically with minimal interference. This vertical movement is crucial for the efficient grinding and crushing of food during the chewing process, directly impacting digestion and overall oral function. In the context of the other options, while lateral movements and the alignment of teeth can be influenced by other anatomical structures and relationships, they do not specifically pertain to the primary function of the Curve of Spee. Additionally, the guiding of teeth eruption is more related to developmental patterns and does not directly relate to how occlusion functions during chewing. Thus, the facilitation of vertical movements during chewing stands out as the key role of the Curve of Spee in dental occlusion.