Dental MRI safety is a critical topic for anyone wearing braces, especially when faced with the need for advanced medical imaging. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is widely used to capture detailed images of soft tissues, organs, and bones without exposing patients to radiation.
However, because MRI machines use powerful magnets, the presence of metal in the body like braces raises important safety and accuracy concerns.
Braces are made of metal brackets, wires, and bands that can potentially interact with the magnetic field, causing issues such as mild heating, discomfort, or distortion in the scanned images.
While modern orthodontic materials are generally safe, the type of MRI, its location, and the specific Dental hardware in place all play a significant role in determining whether a scan can proceed smoothly.
Understanding these factors is essential to avoid unnecessary risks or inaccurate diagnostic results.
Dental MRI Safety with Braces Explained
In this guide, we will explain how MRI works with braces, potential risks, preparation steps, and safe practices for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Why MRI Safety Matters for Dental Patients
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is one of the most advanced diagnostic tools available today. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create clear images of the body’s internal structures.
Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI does not use radiation, which makes it a safer choice for many patients.
However, because MRI machines depend on magnetic fields, any metallic object inside the body, such as dental braces, can create potential risks and complications.
Braces are made up of metal brackets, wires, and bands, which can interact with the MRI machine’s magnetic field.
This interaction may cause three main problems: physical discomfort if the metal heats up, a safety issue if any component shifts due to the magnetic pull, and image distortion, where the scan becomes blurry or unclear.
Even if the risk of movement or heating is minimal with modern braces, the possibility of image distortion is very high, especially for scans of the head, neck, or facial region.
For scans involving other body parts, like the spine or joints, braces are usually less of a concern.
However, accurate preparation and communication between the patient, orthodontist, and radiologist are crucial. This ensures that the scan produces reliable results while keeping the patient safe.
Types of Braces and Their Impact on MRI Safety
Not all braces are the same, and the type of material used in your orthodontic treatment plays a big role in determining MRI safety. Knowing which type of braces you have helps medical teams decide on the right approach before scheduling an MRI.
Metal Braces
These are the most common type and are typically made of stainless steel or nickel-titanium.
While these materials are generally non-ferromagnetic and safe inside an MRI machine, they can still cause significant image distortion in head or facial scans. They may also produce mild heating during longer scans.
Ceramic Braces
These braces are designed with ceramic brackets, which are not affected by magnetic fields. However, the archwires connecting the brackets are still metallic.
While ceramic braces reduce the level of interference, they do not completely eliminate it, so careful evaluation is still required.
Lingual Braces
These braces are positioned behind the teeth rather than the front. They are made with similar metals to traditional braces and pose the same risks.
Their placement on the inner surfaces of teeth can make image distortion even more challenging for scans involving the jaw.
Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign)
Clear aligners are made entirely of plastic, so they are completely safe for MRI scans.
However, they should be removed before the scan to prevent them from being visible in the images or creating small obstructions.
Understanding the type of braces ensures that proper precautions are taken before the MRI, whether that means adjusting the scan settings or temporarily removing certain parts.
How MRI Scans Affect Braces
MRI scans affect braces in three primary ways, and understanding these interactions helps patients and doctors plan effectively.
Magnetic Attraction:
MRI machines generate a strong magnetic field, usually between 1.5 and 3 Tesla.
Modern braces are made from metals like stainless steel or titanium, which are non-ferromagnetic, meaning they are not strongly attracted to the magnet.
This makes it highly unlikely for braces to move or be displaced during a scan. However, older braces or certain dental appliances might contain ferromagnetic materials that could pose a safety risk.
Heating Effect:
The radio waves used in MRI can cause metallic objects to heat slightly. For braces, this effect is usually minimal, resulting in mild warmth that most patients barely notice.
In rare cases, particularly with high-field MRI machines, the heat could cause temporary discomfort. If a patient feels tingling or heat during the scan, they should immediately alert the technician.
Image Distortion:
The most common issue caused by braces is image distortion. Metal disrupts the magnetic field, reflecting the radio waves and creating blurred or unreadable images.
This is especially problematic when scanning areas close to the mouth, such as the jaw, face, or brain.
If the scan is for a body part far away, such as the knee or spine, braces typically do not interfere with image quality.
Before the MRI: Essential Steps
Proper preparation before an MRI is vital for both safety and diagnostic accuracy. Patients with braces should follow a series of steps to make the process smooth and risk-free.
The first step is to inform the radiology team. Always let your doctor and MRI technician know that you have braces or any other dental work, such as crowns, implants, or retainers.
Providing detailed information about the type of braces and when they were installed helps them plan the scan properly.
Next, consult your orthodontist before the appointment. Orthodontists can provide documentation about the brace materials and may decide to temporarily remove certain components like archwires or molar bands if the MRI involves the head or neck area.
It’s also important to identify the scan area. If the MRI is for a body part far from the mouth, like the abdomen or legs, braces are unlikely to affect the results. However, for scans of the brain, jaw, or sinuses, the chances of image distortion are high.
Lastly, plan for adjustments in advance. If removal is required, make sure you schedule both removal and replacement appointments to prevent interruptions to your orthodontic treatment.
Real Risks vs. Myths
There is a lot of misinformation about MRIs and braces, which can cause unnecessary fear or confusion. Understanding the real risks helps patients make informed decisions.
One common myth is that braces will be ripped off by the MRI machine. This is false because modern braces are made of materials that are not strongly magnetic. They remain securely attached to the teeth during the scan.
Another myth is that patients with braces cannot have an MRI at all. This is incorrect. Many people with braces safely undergo MRI scans every day. The primary issue is image clarity, not physical safety.
Some people also believe that braces always ruin MRI images. In reality, braces only interfere with scans focused on areas near the mouth or jaw. Scans of other body parts, like the spine or knees, are not affected.
Finally, there’s a misconception that braces must always be removed before an MRI.
Removal is only necessary if the scan involves the head or face and image quality is critical for diagnosis. In many cases, scans can proceed without any removal.
Special Considerations for Children and Teens
Children and teenagers are the largest group of patients with braces. When they require an MRI, extra steps are needed to ensure safety and comfort.
Clear communication is key. Children should be told in simple, reassuring terms what will happen during the scan and why it’s important.
Some hospitals use mock MRI machines to help kids practice staying still, which is essential for producing clear images.
Parents play a vital role in preparation. They should discuss the MRI with both the pediatrician and orthodontist to determine whether any parts of the braces need to be temporarily removed.
In some cases, mild sedation may be recommended to help very young children stay calm and still during the scan.
These precautions help reduce anxiety and ensure accurate results without interrupting the child’s orthodontic treatment.
What Happens During the MRI Appointment
Understanding the process of an MRI appointment helps reduce stress and ensures patients are ready for the procedure.
The appointment begins with screening, where you will complete a questionnaire about any metal in your body. If the type of metal in your braces is uncertain, the technician may use a handheld magnet to test it.
Next, you will be asked to remove all removable metal items, such as jewelry, watches, and removable dental appliances like retainers or clear aligners.
During positioning, if the scan is for a body part far from the head, the technician may position your head away from the strongest part of the magnetic field to reduce interference.
During the scan, you must lie very still while the machine captures images. MRI machines are noisy, so you will be given ear protection.
You’ll also be given a button to press if you experience any discomfort, such as heating or tingling in your braces.
Once the scan is complete, the technician will review the images to ensure they are clear enough for diagnosis.
Data on MRI Safety with Braces
Scientific research has confirmed that MRI scans are generally safe for patients with modern braces when proper guidelines are followed.
A 2019 study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics found that braces made from stainless steel and titanium did not move or cause harm during scans at standard MRI field strengths of 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla.
Another review in 2021 revealed that image distortion occurred in approximately 87% of cases involving head or facial scans, but there was almost no distortion for scans involving other body parts.
Furthermore, less than 1% of patients reported mild heating or tingling sensations during the scan, and no serious injuries were reported.
These findings show that while braces rarely pose a safety risk, they can significantly impact image quality near the mouth or jaw.
MRI vs. Other Imaging Methods
MRI is not the only imaging option available. Understanding how it compares to other methods helps patients and doctors make informed decisions.
MRI is ideal for soft tissue imaging, such as muscles, nerves, and brain structures. It has no radiation risk, making it a preferred choice for many patients. However, braces can cause significant interference in head or facial scans.
CT scans use radiation but produce highly detailed images of bones and other dense structures. Braces have minimal impact on CT images, making this a good alternative if MRI images are unclear.
X-rays are commonly used in dental care. They involve very low levels of radiation and are not affected by braces, but they provide less detail than CT or MRI.
Ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation or magnets. It’s completely safe for patients with braces but is limited to certain types of imaging, such as soft tissue scans near the skin’s surface.
Practical Tips for Patients
Patients can take simple steps to ensure a safe and smooth MRI experience. Always inform your medical team about your braces and any other dental appliances. Bring orthodontic records that specify the materials used in your braces.
If parts of the braces need to be temporarily removed, schedule removal and replacement appointments well ahead of time.
During the scan, remain as still as possible to avoid blurry images. Report any discomfort immediately to the technician, especially if you feel heat or tingling in your braces.
If the scan involves the head or jaw, ask your doctor about alternative imaging options like CT scans if distortion becomes a problem.
Role of Radiologists and Orthodontists
Radiologists and orthodontists work together to ensure MRI scans are safe and accurate for patients with braces.
Radiologists evaluate the type of scan needed and determine whether the braces will interfere with image quality. They also decide if any special techniques or adjustments are required.
Orthodontists provide detailed information about the materials in the braces and may temporarily remove certain components to improve image clarity.
Their cooperation is essential to balance ongoing orthodontic treatment with diagnostic needs.
Conclusion
Dental MRI safety with braces is a topic that requires careful consideration, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
Modern braces are generally safe during MRI scans, especially since most are made of materials like stainless steel or titanium, which are not strongly magnetic.
The biggest concern is not physical harm, but image distortion, which can affect the quality of scans involving the head, face, or jaw. For MRIs focused on other parts of the body, such as the spine or joints, braces usually do not interfere at all.
Patients play a key role in ensuring safety and accuracy. Always inform your radiologist and orthodontist about your braces, bring documentation of the materials used, and follow their preparation guidelines.
In some cases, parts of the braces may need to be temporarily removed, or alternative imaging methods like CT scans may be recommended.
With proper communication and planning, MRI scans can be performed safely and effectively, allowing doctors to make accurate diagnoses while keeping orthodontic treatment on track.
Understanding the risks and steps involved helps patients feel confident and prepared for the procedure.