Short answer: In most cases braces are not an obstacle to having an MRI; because brackets are fixed to the tooth, they are not expected to move. The real problem is that metal distorts the image in regions close to the mouth (the brain, sinuses, jaw, neck). Tell the technician before the scan that you have braces; the radiologist decides whether the wires will be temporarily removed, together with the orthodontist if needed. X-rays and airport screening generally cause no problem.
When imaging of the brain, neck or spine is requested during fixed treatment, patients' first question is usually the same: will braces and an MRI be a problem? The short answer is that in most cases braces do not prevent an MRI; however, metal parts can distort some regions of the image, and the radiologist decides how the scan will be done. In this article we go through MRI, X-rays, CT and airport security screening in turn.
Can you have an MRI with braces?
Yes, an MRI can be done with braces in most cases; the decision is made by the radiology team according to the region to be scanned and the information expected from the image. An MRI machine works with a strong magnetic field and radio waves and does not use X-rays. The brackets, wires and bands in the mouth are made from different alloys: stainless steel, nickel-titanium, ceramic or mixtures of these.
Because orthodontic parts are firmly bonded to the tooth, they are not really expected to move in the magnetic field. Scientific studies also report that the heating effect generally stays at a low level. The main issue is image quality rather than safety. Even so, the conditions of each machine, each protocol and each patient are different, so it would not be right to make a firm generalization.
What to do in practice is simple: when you book the appointment and before the scan, tell the technician that you have fixed braces in your mouth. If the form asks "do you have any metal in your body?", be sure to tick braces. If needed, the radiology unit can contact your orthodontist to ask about the materials used.
What is image distortion (an artifact)?
An artifact is a dark void, bright ring or warping that appears in the image when metal parts locally disturb the magnetic field. This distortion is most noticeable at the point where the metal is and decreases toward the surroundings. Stainless steel brackets and bands generally affect a wider area, while ceramic brackets and some types of wire leave a more limited mark.
For this reason, the distance of the scanned region from the mouth is decisive. In an MRI of the knee, lower back, abdomen or shoulder, the effect of braces on the image is usually insignificant. In regions close to the mouth, such as the brain, pituitary gland, sinuses, jaw joint, tongue and neck, an artifact can cover the structure being examined.
- Distant regions: The scan is generally done with the braces left in place.
- Nearby regions: The radiologist assesses whether the artifact would be a problem for the diagnosis.
- Directly the mouth and jaw: In some cases, temporary removal of the wires may be requested.
What is done for a head-and-neck MRI?
For a head-and-neck MRI, the first step is for the doctor requesting the scan and the radiology team to decide whether the artifact is acceptable. Some scanning protocols can be adjusted to reduce metal-related distortion; this technical choice is up to the radiology unit.
If the distortion is thought to be unacceptable, support may be requested from the orthodontist. Often the archwires are taken out and the brackets are left in place, because the wire is one of the parts that contribute significantly to the artifact. More rarely, removal of the bands or some brackets comes up. After the scan, the wires are put back and treatment continues from where it left off.
If you have a planned scan, telling your orthodontic clinic the date a few days in advance makes things easier. In emergencies, the priority is always the diagnosis; the team in the emergency room makes the necessary assessment, and braces do not make this process unmanageable. If you are wondering about check-up intervals, you can also see our article on how often braces are tightened.
Bonded retainer and MRI
A bonded retainer is a thin wire attached to the back surface of the front teeth, and it is generally not removed before an MRI. However, it can create a small artifact in scans aimed at the tongue, floor of the mouth or jaw area. In this case too the path is the same: tell the technician you have a bonded retainer, and if it is considered necessary the radiologist consults the orthodontist.
If it has to be removed, a new retainer is bonded after the procedure or a removable retainer is used temporarily. Because the risk of shifting can rise if the time without a retainer is prolonged, it is important to keep this period short.
Do braces affect X-rays and CT scans?
No, braces are not an obstacle to X-rays; orthodontic treatment itself is planned and monitored with X-rays. Panoramic films, single-tooth films and cephalometric films can be taken comfortably while braces are in place. Metal parts appear as white shadows in the image; the doctor already knows this and makes the assessment accordingly.
In computed tomography, on the other hand, metal can cause linear flares (streak artifacts). A similar effect can be seen in the cone-beam tomography used for teeth and jaws. This effect often does not prevent interpretation; however, when details such as an impacted tooth, root structure or bone thickness are being examined, the doctor can plan the timing of the scan. For detailed information on this, you can read our article on dental tomography (volumetric CT).
To avoid unnecessary repeat scans, it helps to share films taken recently with the doctor you have just seen. If there is a possibility of pregnancy, be sure to mention it before an X-ray as well.
Do braces set off the alarm at airport security?
Braces generally do not cause problems at airport security; because the parts are so small, most metal detectors do not pick them up. Walk-through detectors are calibrated for larger masses of metal such as belt buckles, keys or phones. Body scanners are also not designed to examine the inside of the mouth.
Even so, the sensitivity of the devices can vary from country to country and airport to airport. Rarely, a handheld detector may beep when it is brought near your face. In that case, calmly telling the officer that you wear braces and showing your mouth is often enough. Carrying a document is generally not needed for braces to be noticed by a metal detector.
If you are going on a long trip, it helps to take these with you:
- Orthodontic wax (to protect the cheek if a bracket or wire pokes)
- An interdental brush and a travel toothbrush
- Spare elastics if you use them, and the instructions your doctor gave you
- Your clinic's contact details
What should clear aligner wearers do?
Because clear aligners are removable, it is enough to take them out before an MRI, X-ray or CT scan. The small attachments bonded to the teeth during aligner treatment are made of composite filling material and contain no metal; for this reason they do not cause a significant problem in imaging. At the airport, aligners likewise give no signal on detectors. For the general workings of the method, see our page on what clear aligners are.
When you take the aligners out, keep them in their case and put them back in right after the scan. Going without aligners for a long time can disrupt the planned tooth movement.
Planning with your doctor in Ankara
If you are being treated in Ankara and have an MRI or CT scan coming up, it is enough to let our clinic in Oran, Çankaya know the date of the scan and which region will be examined in advance. If the wires need to be temporarily removed, we try to combine this with your check-up appointment. For more information on fixed treatment options and the process, you can see our page on braces treatment, and you can reach us through our contact page with your questions. Please remember that the final decision about imaging belongs to the radiologist.
Frequently asked questions
Do braces heat up in an MRI machine?
In studies, the heating measured in orthodontic parts has generally stayed at a low level. Even so, if you feel warmth or discomfort in your mouth during the scan, tell the technician right away. The radiology team decides that the scan is done safely.
Do I need to remove my braces for a knee or lower back MRI?
For scans of regions far from the mouth, braces generally do not affect the image and are left in place. Even so, you need to note on the form and tell the technician that you have braces. The final decision is made by the radiology team.
Does treatment take longer if the wires are removed for an MRI?
When the wires are removed for a short time and put back after the scan, the effect on treatment time is generally limited. If the time the wires are out is prolonged, the planned movements can be delayed. For this reason it helps to plan the date in advance with your orthodontic clinic.
Do braces set off a metal detector at the airport?
Because the parts are so small, most detectors do not pick up braces. If a handheld detector rarely beeps, telling the officer that you wear braces is generally enough.
Can I have an MRI with clear aligners?
Because clear aligners are removable, they are taken out before the scan. The attachments on the teeth are made of composite material and do not cause a significant problem in imaging. Do not forget to put the aligners back in when the scan is finished.
