Curved line produced by connecting the tip of the natural mandibular canine with the buccal cusps of the premolars and molars and extended to the anterior border of the mandibular ramus. This anatomic observation was first made by F.G. Spee in the 19th century. In the absence of natural teeth, this curve is developed to compensate for condylar path influence on occlusal contacts in the creation of a balanced occlusion, hence the term compensating curve.
A curve established by viewing the occlusal alignment of teeth, beginning with the tip of the lower canine and extending back along the buccal cusps of the natural premolar and molar teeth to the ramus of the mandible.