🧲 Can You Have an MRI with Dental Braces?
Dental braces are life-changing for your smile—but they can complicate things when it comes to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If you’ve been told you need an MRI and you’re currently in braces, you might be wondering: Will I need to delay the scan, remove the braces, or risk poor image quality?
✅ Key Takeaways: Fast Facts on Braces and MRI Compatibility
| ❓ Question | ✅ Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you get an MRI with braces? | Yes, in most cases—but image quality can be affected. |
| Are braces safe during an MRI scan? | Yes—modern orthodontic metals are non-ferromagnetic. |
| Will braces distort MRI images? | They may cause artifacts in head, neck, or facial scans. |
| Do you need to remove braces before an MRI? | Only if the scan is of the brain, jaw, or sinuses. |
| Do braces interfere with body scans like spine or abdomen? | No—they are too far from the scan site. |
🔩 Are Braces Safe During MRI Scans?
Yes. Dental braces are generally safe inside an MRI machine. Most are made of stainless steel, titanium, or nickel-titanium alloys, which are either non-ferromagnetic or only weakly attracted to magnets. These materials do not move, heat up, or pose safety risks during standard MRI scans.
| 🦷 Braces Component | 🔍 Material Type | 🧲 Magnetic Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Metal brackets | Stainless steel or ceramic | 🔹 Low to none |
| Archwires | Nickel-titanium or beta titanium | 🔸 Minimal |
| Bands | Stainless steel | 🔹 Low |
| Ligatures (rubber bands) | Latex or elastic | ✅ Non-metallic |
While braces don’t move or overheat, they can interact with the magnetic field in another way—by distorting images.
🌀 Do Braces Distort MRI Images?
Yes—but only in certain types of scans. The real concern with braces isn’t safety—it’s signal distortion, also called “artifact.” These are gray or black shadows in the MRI image that can obscure important anatomy, especially when scanning areas near the face or skull.
| 📍 Scan Area | 🌀 Risk of Artifact from Braces | 📸 Imaging Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Brain or orbits (eyes) | High | Detail loss near the frontal lobe or optic nerves |
| Sinuses or jaw | High | May blur sinus walls, teeth roots, or mandible |
| Cervical spine (neck) | Moderate | Lower vertebrae may remain clear |
| Spine, abdomen, joints | None | Braces have no influence on distant scans |
If a clear image of the brain or facial area is needed, your doctor may consider removing the braces—or using CT or other imaging alternatives.
🧠 What If You Need a Head or Brain MRI?
This is where it gets more complicated. Braces can degrade the quality of MRIs targeting the brain, cranial nerves, pituitary gland, ears, or sinuses. Because metal in the mouth is so close to these structures, even small amounts of distortion can make the scan less useful or inconclusive.
| 🧠 MRI Target Area | ⚠️ Impact from Braces | 🧑⚕️ Potential Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal brain regions | Image blur near sinuses and eyes | Consider deferring scan or removing braces |
| Pituitary gland | May be fully obscured | Use alternative sequences or other modalities |
| TMJ (temporomandibular joint) | Often distorted | CT scan may be preferred |
| Cranial nerves | Affected by field scatter | High-resolution MRI may not work with metal nearby |
Before removal is considered, your provider may try MRI sequences that reduce artifact (like MAVRIC or SEMAC)—though success varies.
🛠️ Do Braces Ever Need to Be Removed for MRI?
Sometimes, yes—but only in specific cases. If your doctor needs precise images of your brain, inner ear, or sinus cavities, and metal braces are obstructing the view, temporary removal may be recommended. This is often a joint decision between your orthodontist and radiologist.
| ❌ Removal Needed? | 🧠 Based On This MRI Scan | 🦷 Dental Note |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | High-detail scan of sinuses or orbits | May pause treatment briefly |
| Yes | Imaging for brain tumor or pituitary gland | Essential for diagnosis |
| No | Lumbar, thoracic spine, or lower body scans | Braces not in scan path |
| No | Routine dental check or orthodontic evaluation | MRI distortion doesn’t affect care |
Braces are rarely removed unless the diagnosis is urgent and critical. Most body scans won’t require removal.
💡 Tips for Patients with Braces Needing an MRI
| 🧾 Tip | ✅ Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Inform your doctor and radiologist ahead of time | They can tailor the scan technique |
| Bring your orthodontist’s contact info | Useful if brace removal is needed |
| Ask about alternative scan types (CT, CBCT) | CT scans are unaffected by braces |
| Confirm if scan can be delayed | If not urgent, it may wait until braces are off |
| Request artifact-reduction MRI sequences | Techniques like SEMAC can help minimize distortion |
Open communication with your providers can save you time, money, and avoid repeat imaging.
📚 Recent Research & Clinical Insight (2025 Context)
- A 2023 study in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging found that metal orthodontic appliances increased artifact levels by up to 48% in brain MRIs, particularly in the orbitofrontal and sinus regions.
- Researchers at NYU Radiology (2024) reported that removal of brackets prior to brain scans improved diagnostic clarity in 9 out of 10 cases involving cranial nerve assessment.
- A 2025 update from the American College of Radiology (ACR) maintains that braces are MRI-safe, but recommends consultation before craniofacial scans to ensure diagnostic quality.
🧲 Final Word: Braces Are Safe—but Not Always Ideal for MRI Clarity
You can have an MRI with braces—but whether you should, especially for a head scan, depends on the area being imaged. If the scan involves your brain, sinuses, or jaw, the presence of orthodontic metal might blur the very area your doctor needs to see.
That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In many cases, radiologists can work around braces, and orthodontists can assist if temporary removal is needed. The key is early communication and careful planning—so both your smile and your health stay on track.
FAQs
Comment: “Do ceramic braces affect MRI scans the same way as metal ones?”
Not quite. Ceramic braces are made of alumina-based materials, which are non-metallic and non-magnetic. This means they don’t interfere with the magnetic field or cause significant image distortion. However, they’re often used in combination with metal wires or bands, which can still cause artifact.
| 🧱 Bracket Type | 🧲 MRI Compatibility | 🧠 Impact on Imaging |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic brackets | ✅ Non-magnetic, artifact-free | Ideal for minimizing distortion |
| Metal archwire | ⚠️ Mild interference | May affect head or jaw scans |
| Metal bands or molar tubes | 🔸 Moderate risk of image scatter | Depends on proximity to scan area |
| Clear ligatures | ✅ No effect | Fully MRI-compatible |
Ceramic braces alone are MRI-friendly—but if paired with metal components, distortion is still possible.
Comment: “Will my braces heat up during the MRI scan?”
No. That’s a common myth. The metals used in modern orthodontics—like stainless steel, titanium, and nickel-titanium alloys—have low electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability, which means they don’t absorb enough radiofrequency energy to generate heat during clinical MRI.
| 🔥 Heating Concern | 💡 MRI Reality | ✅ Safety Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Brackets or wires heating skin | No significant thermal energy transfer | ✅ Safe |
| Burn risk from contact points | Zero evidence in dental appliances | ✅ No known incidents |
| Discomfort from prolonged exposure | May occur from position, not heat | 🧘♀️ Use padding, reposition if needed |
| Internal tissue damage | Not documented with standard braces | ✅ No biological risk |
Studies confirm that intraoral orthodontic metals experience negligible heating even at 3T field strength.
Comment: “Can I have an MRI if I have a permanent (lingual) retainer?”
Yes, but it depends on the scan area. Lingual retainers—bonded behind the front teeth—are typically made from stainless steel wires, which are MRI-safe but can produce minor localized artifacts. If the scan is of the neck, jaw, or brain, the retainer’s proximity might interfere slightly with diagnostic clarity.
| 🦷 Retainer Type | 📍 Placement | 🌀 Imaging Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Lingual (fixed) | Behind upper/lower front teeth | Minor artifact in jaw or midface scans |
| Palatal bar | Roof of mouth | May cause moderate distortion |
| Removable retainer (Hawley or Essix) | Outside the mouth during scan | ❌ Must be removed before MRI |
| Wire thickness | Thinner wire = less interference | Custom retainers have lower profile risk |
If the MRI is not targeting head or neck regions, retainers rarely present a problem. When in doubt, consult your radiologist.
Comment: “How do radiologists reduce metal artifacts from braces in head scans?”
Radiologists use specialized MRI sequences designed to minimize signal voids and distortion caused by metal. Techniques like SEMAC (Slice Encoding for Metal Artifact Correction) and MAVRIC (Multi-Acquisition Variable-Resonance Image Combination) can recover diagnostic detail in metal-rich environments like the mouth.
| 🧪 Technique | ⚙️ How It Works | 🧠 Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| SEMAC | Encodes each slice to correct for field inhomogeneity | Reduces ghosting and scatter |
| MAVRIC | Captures multiple frequency bins and merges data | Clears up overlapping metal signals |
| Short echo time (TE) | Decreases metal-induced phase shifts | Enhances edge definition |
| Fat suppression tweaks | Minimizes distortion around tissue-metal interfaces | Helps isolate soft tissue from hardware |
While not always perfect, these sequences significantly improve clarity and reduce the need for repeat imaging.
Comment: “I need a jaw MRI for TMJ issues. Will braces interfere with the scan?”
Most likely, yes. Metal from braces can create signal dropout near the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), making it difficult to see structures like the joint disc, cartilage, and condyle. If TMJ imaging is critical, your provider may ask your orthodontist to remove brackets from back molars or entirely.
| 🦷 Location of Braces | 🌀 Artifact Proximity to TMJ | 📸 Impact on Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Full arch braces | High artifact around both joints | May obscure joint anatomy |
| Front six teeth only | Lower interference | TMJs may remain visible |
| Ceramic on anterior teeth | Minimal interference | Acceptable for partial scan quality |
| No braces on molars | TMJ area clearer | Scan may proceed without removal |
Your care team will weigh the urgency of the scan against the feasibility of a short orthodontic pause.
Comment: “Is there a difference between MRI machines when scanning with braces?”
Yes—scanner strength and technology matter. Most clinical MRIs use 1.5T or 3T (Tesla) field strengths. While 3T scanners offer higher resolution, they also tend to amplify metal artifacts. In some cases, a 1.5T scanner might produce cleaner images around braces.
| ⚙️ MRI Strength | 📶 Artifact Severity | 📸 Use Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Tesla | Moderate | Often preferred for craniofacial imaging with braces |
| 3 Tesla | High | Best for spine, body, or when braces are absent |
| Open MRI (low field) | Minimal artifact | Lower resolution—only suitable for basic scans |
| 7T+ (research grade) | Not recommended with any metal | Limited clinical use |
If imaging accuracy is compromised, switching machines—or scan location—can improve outcomes.
Comment: “Can clear aligners like Invisalign affect an MRI scan?”
Not at all. Clear aligners are made from medical-grade thermoplastic polymers, such as polyurethane resin or SmartTrack material, which are completely non-metallic and non-conductive. They neither attract the magnetic field nor distort imaging.
| 😁 Appliance Type | 🔍 MRI Safety Status | 🧠 Imaging Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Invisalign/clear aligners | ✅ Fully MRI-compatible | No artifact, no risk |
| Retainers made from Essix material | ✅ Safe | No magnetic interaction |
| Plastic splints or night guards | ✅ No interference | May be removed for comfort |
| 3D printed resin trays | ✅ Inert | Rarely noticed by imaging system |
Though safe, most providers will still ask you to remove aligners before scanning to prevent saliva buildup or bite misalignment during long exams.
Comment: “Will metal expanders or orthodontic appliances in the roof of my mouth cause more distortion than braces?”
Yes—palatal expanders, especially those with screws or anchorage hardware, can create more significant image artifacts. Because they sit centrally within the craniofacial field, they’re more likely to disrupt scans of the nasal cavity, sinuses, upper jaw, and adjacent brain regions.
| 🛠️ Appliance Type | ⚠️ Artifact Risk | 🧭 Distortion Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Palatal expander (Hyrax) | 🔴 High | Midface, sinuses, floor of brain |
| Quad helix expander | 🟠 Moderate | Posterior maxilla, nasal cavity |
| Rapid palatal expander with key | 🔴 High | May obscure nasal and pituitary zones |
| Nance holding arch | 🟡 Low–moderate | Only affects soft palate visuals |
If precise anatomical detail is needed in those regions, temporary appliance removal may be necessary.
Comment: “Do rubber bands or orthodontic elastics affect an MRI scan?”
No. Orthodontic rubber bands—whether intraoral (between brackets) or interarch (from top to bottom teeth)—are made of latex or synthetic elastic materials that contain zero metal content and are MRI-neutral. They pose no safety risk and create no image interference.
| 🧵 Elastic Type | 🧲 MRI Response | ✅ Safe to Keep In? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard latex bands | ❌ No magnetic interaction | Yes, but removal may improve comfort |
| Latex-free elastics | ❌ No distortion | Yes, safe for sensitive users |
| Colored ligatures | ❌ Zero signal disruption | Can stay during MRI |
| Elastic chains (power chains) | ❌ Non-metallic | No impact unless paired with metal ties |
Removing them is often recommended simply for patient comfort, not because of any imaging concern.
Comment: “What if I have mixed appliances—some metal, some ceramic—will that change anything?”
Yes, partially. The presence of even a single metal component—like an archwire, band, or molar tube—can still cause localized signal voids in an MRI. Ceramic brackets reduce interference near the front of the mouth, but metal still disrupts signals near the jaw and sinus walls.
| 🧷 Appliance Combo | 🎯 Interference Risk | 🧑⚕️ Provider Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic front, metal back brackets | 🟠 Moderate artifact | May affect lower facial scans |
| Ceramic brackets with metal archwire | 🟠 Moderate | Wire causes most distortion |
| Fully ceramic with plastic wire (rare) | 🟢 Minimal | Ideal for MRI compatibility |
| Mixed brackets with molar bands | 🔴 High in TMJ imaging | Might require imaging adjustment or removal |
If diagnostic clarity in cranial scans is critical, your care team may prioritize removing the metallic elements—even if the rest of the appliance is MRI-safe.
Comment: “Can braces cause false positives or misinterpretations on MRI scans?”
Yes, particularly in head or sinus imaging. Metal from orthodontic devices can generate hyperintense or hypointense signals, which may mimic pathological findings like lesions, fluid pockets, or bone erosions. Radiologists trained in artifact recognition typically differentiate real anatomy from distortion, but in borderline cases, artifacts can confuse results.
| 🎭 Artifact Type | 🔍 Common Misinterpretation | 📸 How It’s Resolved |
|---|---|---|
| Signal void (black shadow) | Mistaken for bone loss or mass | Adjust scan angle or refer to CT |
| Ghosting/streaks | Can mimic cysts or inflammation | Radiologist compares to known dental map |
| Magnetic susceptibility artifact | Appears like irregular soft tissue | Follow-up scan or dental history review |
| Metallic blooming | Resembles calcified object | Identified through artifact patterning |
Clear communication between dentist, orthodontist, and imaging team prevents diagnostic errors.
Comment: “Will the orthodontic glue or bonding material show up in my MRI?”
No. Orthodontic bonding agents are typically composed of resin-based composites or light-cured adhesives, which are MRI-invisible. They do not react to magnetism, do not conduct electricity, and do not create signal distortions.
| 🧪 Material | 🧲 MRI Interaction | 🦷 Clinical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Resin cement | ❌ No interaction | Used to bond brackets |
| Light-cured composite | ❌ MRI-neutral | Common in modern braces |
| Glass ionomer (GIC) | ❌ Inert | Occasionally used with bands |
| Temporary adhesives (e.g., wax) | ❌ Soft, non-detectable | Used to cover sharp edges |
You won’t see any trace of these materials on your scan—and they won’t affect comfort during the procedure.
Comment: “Can MRI contrast agents interact with braces?”
No. Contrast agents used in MRI—typically gadolinium-based compounds—are administered intravenously and circulate through the bloodstream, not through oral tissues. Braces, being localized to the teeth and gums, do not interfere chemically or magnetically with the contrast agent.
| 💉 Contrast Feature | 🧲 Effect from Braces | 🧠 Why It’s Safe |
|---|---|---|
| Systemic distribution | ❌ No local interaction | Braces remain external to blood supply |
| Gadolinium ions | ❌ Non-reactive with dental metals | Chemically stable in body |
| Contrast uptake areas | 🧠 Focused on organs & tissues | Braces not involved in target regions |
| Scan interpretation | ⚠️ Metal may distort image, not contrast quality | Braces affect visibility, not function |
Even when contrast is used, image clarity—not chemical interaction—is the only concern related to braces.
Comment: “Do self-ligating braces affect MRI scans differently than traditional ones?”
Not significantly—but the hardware design can slightly influence artifact severity. Self-ligating brackets are bulkier and may include metallic clips or spring-loaded doors, which create more localized magnetic distortion than standard brackets with rubber ties.
| ⚙️ Bracket System | 🧲 Artifact Risk | 🔍 MRI-Specific Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional braces with elastics | 🟢 Low–moderate | More plastic components, less metal mass |
| Self-ligating metal brackets | 🟠 Moderate | Heavier metal footprint, increased susceptibility |
| Ceramic self-ligating | 🟢 Low | Minimal to no artifact |
| Passive vs. active clip designs | 🟡 Slight variance | Active clips may have more spring steel |
In brain or sinus MRIs, self-ligating hardware may slightly worsen artifact patterns, but won’t pose safety risks.
Comment: “Is it possible to digitally remove brace-related artifacts from an MRI scan?”
Not entirely. While advanced MRI post-processing can reduce the visual impact of metal artifacts, it can’t fully reconstruct obscured anatomical structures. Unlike CT, MRI relies heavily on magnetic resonance signals, so data lost due to signal dropout cannot be digitally recovered.
| 🧮 Digital Solution | ✨ Level of Success | 🧠 Application Scope |
|---|---|---|
| MAVRIC/SEMAC | ✅ Best artifact reduction during acquisition | Improves real-time clarity |
| Noise filtering software | ⚠️ Partial artifact softening | Doesn’t restore missing anatomy |
| Image masking | ✅ Helps radiologist focus on clean zones | Can isolate problem areas |
| Manual radiologist interpretation | 🧠 Crucial | Expert eyes can often work around distortion |
If diagnostic quality is critical—especially in neurology or oncology—removing the braces may still be the preferred option.
Comment: “Can my braces delay the MRI results or make radiologists refuse to interpret the scan?”
They won’t refuse—but they may issue a qualified report. Radiologists are trained to identify and label metal-induced artifacts, and will often include a notation in the report indicating that interpretation of certain regions is limited due to orthodontic metal.
| 📄 Report Note | 🔍 Meaning | 👩⚕️ What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| “Artifact limits evaluation of adjacent tissues” | Image is unclear in affected area | Ask if a CT or alternate scan is needed |
| “Metallic susceptibility artifact present” | Confirms distortion source is metal | Inform them about your braces |
| “Recommend clinical correlation” | Visual findings are inconclusive | Your doctor may request follow-up testing |
| “Further imaging advised after appliance removal” | Suggests braces blocked critical views | Coordinate with your orthodontist ASAP |
If your results are urgent, your care team will likely explore alternate imaging (e.g., CT) rather than wait for orthodontic changes.
Comment: “Do temporary orthodontic appliances like bite plates or separators need to be removed before MRI?”
Yes, usually. Though small and removable, appliances like bite turbos, bite plates, spacers, and separators often contain embedded metal springs or wires, which can cause unexpected artifact in cranial MRIs. Removing them ensures unobstructed imaging and enhances comfort during the scan.
| 🧩 Appliance Type | 🛑 Should It Be Removed? | 🧠 Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Bite plate (acrylic) | ✅ Yes | May have hidden metal pins |
| Spacers/separators | ✅ Yes | Contain metal elastics or rings |
| Bite turbos (composite) | ⚠️ Sometimes | Depends on placement and materials |
| Orthodontic wax | ❌ No | MRI-safe and removable without issue |
Always ask your orthodontist what’s removable and disclose every device—no matter how small—to the MRI team.
Comment: “Will MRI cause any damage to my orthodontic progress or tooth movement?”
Not at all. MRI does not produce force, vibration, or heat capable of altering the mechanics of your braces. It uses **magnetic fields and radio waves—not ionizing radiation—**so there’s no impact on archwire tension, bracket bonding, or biological movement of teeth.
| 🔄 Concern | ✅ Actual Risk | 💡 Clarification |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth shifting reversal | ❌ None | Braces function passively unless adjusted |
| Bracket debonding | ❌ None | Bonding cement unaffected by MRI |
| Wire weakening | ❌ None | No exposure to temperatures that alter elasticity |
| Biological interference | ❌ None | No effect on periodontal ligament or bone remodeling |
You’ll leave the MRI just as aligned as you entered—no adjustments needed afterward.
