As youngsters we all remember name-calling and teasing. The most common triggers for such abuse remain physical traits-hair, height, weight and teeth.

However, the National Association of School Psychologists estimates 160,000 children stay home from school daily because they fear harassment.

There are no guarantees that children will never encounter bullying or teasing, but children teased because of badly-positioned teeth can be helped. Orthodontists who provide early treatment can start to improve breathing, dental function and facial appearance of children as young as 3 or 4.

The British Journal of Orthodontics notes "The contribution of orthodontic treatment should not be underestimated where a conspicuous dentofacial deviation has attracted the hurtful mockery of peers."

Most teasing subsides with age and most kids come out of those awkward years unscathed.