A dental expert has said braces represent the best method of straightening teeth, even though people may not be keen on wearing them at first.

Dr Nigel Harradine, chairman of the British Orthodontic Society, told the Press Association that those with protruding upper teeth are more likely to sustain damage in an accident or fall.

To avoid the need for emergency dentistry at a later date, having braces fitted can be a sensible option.

In addition, Dr Harradine claimed the majority of people get over their initial dislike of the devices once they realise the benefits.

"Almost everyone who has braces gets on well with them and is glad for the rest of their life that they did," he explained.

The expert was responding to a query from a mother whose ten-year-old daughter has protruding teeth but is reluctant to wear braces.

Louise Chidlow of the British Dental Health Foundation recently urged parents to make the act of brushing teeth fun for children, as it will encourage them to adopt good dental care habits.