“There was a pattern of higher psychosocial scores in people who did not have orthodontic treatment, meaning people who hadn’t had braces fitted were significantly more optimistic than the ones that did have braces,” said study co-author Dr Esma Doğramaci, lecturer in orthodontics at the university’s School of Dentistry.

“Those who didn’t have braces had varying levels of crooked teeth, just like those who had braces treatment, ranging from mild through to very severe.”