Image-conscious individuals seeking cosmetic dentistry to improve their appearance could be encouraged by new research.
According to the Los Angeles Times, scientists from the Virginia Commonwealth University set out to examine the effects of straight teeth on people's perception of attractiveness.
The study aimed to investigate the belief that individuals with crooked smiles may receive negative judgement from their peers.
In a bid to explore this perception, the researchers selected volunteers between ten and 16 years old and digitally altered their photographs to display even or misaligned teeth.
Plans to conduct the study emerge after research published by the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) revealed a nice smile was the most popular feature among people looking for a partner.
Receiving 56 per cent of the overall vote, the importance of maintaining good oral health was highlighted as a significant social factor, as well as medical.
In addition, the BDHF study showed that 51 per cent of participants found nice eyes to be the most attractive feature in a potential mate.