MRI with Braces: Can You Get an MRI Safely?

When patients undergoing orthodontic care are told they need an MRI, one of the first concerns is whether braces will interfere with the scan. At Northeastern Braces in Newburgh and Wappinger Falls, NY, Dr. Arthur Kim and our clinical team guide patients through this situation often.

The reassuring truth: most patients can safely undergo an MRI with braces, but the details depend on your appliance type and the area being scanned. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about MRI safety with wearing braces.

How MRI Works and Why Metal Matters

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed internal images. Because the magnet is extremely strong, metal objects must be evaluated before the scan including braces, expanders, and retainers.

Fortunately, modern braces use stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, and other materials that are not attracted to magnets, making them safe around MRI machines.

The issue isn’t safety — it’s image distortion. Metal can create “artifacts” or small shadows that affect imaging around the face or jaw.

Why Adults Wearing Braces Often Have MRI Questions

With more adults choosing orthodontic care today, it’s common to need diagnostic imaging mid-treatment.

If you wear:

• Metal braces
• Ceramic or clear braces
• Lingual braces
• Aligners such as Invisalign

It’s completely normal to wonder whether getting an MRI with braces is safe, especially when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Different materials behave differently in imaging, so understanding this helps you feel prepared.

MRI and Orthodontic Treatment: Is It Safe?

In nearly all cases, yes—getting an MRI with braces is completely safe. Modern orthodontic metals are non-ferromagnetic and don’t move or heat up during the scan.

What’s the real concern?
Not safety, but image clarity.

Braces may cause:

• Minor blurring
• Distortion near the mouth or jaw
• Artifacts in facial or head scans

If your MRI is for the spine, knee, shoulder, abdomen, hips, or lower body, braces will not impact the scan at all.

MRI Preparation with Braces

When scheduling your MRI, always tell the imaging center that you have braces. This allows the radiologist to prepare properly.

• The type of braces (metal, ceramic, lingual)
• Whether you have elastic bands
• Any fixed appliances such as expanders, Herbst devices, or permanent retainers
• Any removable appliances

This ensures correct scanning settings and prevents surprises during imaging.

Clear Braces and MRI Safety

Ceramic or clear braces are often preferred cosmetically, but they also offer MRI advantages.

Ceramic brackets are:

• Non-metallic
• Non-magnetic
• Less likely to distort images

The only metal part is usually the archwire. This means ceramic braces typically cause less interference than metal ones, especially in facial or head MRIs.

Metal Braces and MRI: What to Expect

Metal braces are still MRI-safe, but they may create more noticeable image artifacts if the scan is close to:

• The jaw
• Oral cavity
• Upper spine
• TMJ (jaw joint)
• Sinuses

If high-detail imaging of these areas is needed, the radiologist may request temporary adjustments. In most situations, the scan can proceed without any removal.

MRI with Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are the easiest option for MRI.
They are made from medical-grade plastic and can be:

• Removed for the scan
• Put back in immediately afterward
• Used without risk of interference

This flexibility is one reason many patients appreciate aligner therapy.

MRI Safety with Other Orthodontic Appliances

Here’s how different appliances usually behave in an MRI setting:

If you’re unsure, our team can evaluate your appliance and guide you.

When Do Braces Need to Be Removed for an MRI?

Removal is rare, but may be recommended if:

• The MRI is for TMJ evaluation
• Ultra-high-resolution facial imaging is needed
• A neurosurgeon requires distortion-free visualization near the mouth

Even then, removal usually involves only:

• The archwire
• A few brackets

Not the full orthodontic system.

How We Assist Patients Who Need Imaging

At Northeastern Braces, we help patients with MRI-related needs by:

• Providing documentation for imaging centers
• Removing or adjusting archwires quickly
• Reinstalling components immediately after the scan
• Coordinating with radiologists and medical providers

Our goal is to keep your treatment on track with minimal disruption.

How to Prepare for an MRI When You Have Braces

Use this simple checklist:

1. Inform the imaging center ahead of time

They’ll know how to adjust MRI settings.

2. Remove all removable appliances

This includes aligners, clear retainers, and elastics.

3. Bring your orthodontist’s information

Radiology departments sometimes need quick coordination.

4. Ask questions if you’re unsure

Your peace of mind matters.

Conclusion

Getting an MRI with braces is safe for most patients. The main concern is whether the metal could affect image clarity—especially near the face, jaw, or head. With open communication between your radiologist and Northeastern Braces, these challenges are easy to manage.

At Northeastern Braces in Newburgh and Wappinger Falls, NY, Dr. Arthur Kim and our team ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track while supporting all MRI-related needs.

Have an upcoming MRI? Need guidance on braces and MRI safety? Book a consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe to get an MRI while wearing braces?

Yes. Braces are generally safe in an MRI environment because the metals used in modern orthodontics are non-magnetic. The main concern is image quality, not safety.

2. Will my braces affect a brain MRI?

They might create minor distortion near the jaw or lower face, but most radiologists can work around this. Only in rare cases are wires or brackets removed.

3. Do I need to remove my braces before an MRI?

Usually no. Removal is only recommended if the scan requires extremely detailed images of the jaw, sinuses, or TMJ. Even then, only the archwire or a few brackets are removed.

4. Are ceramic or clear braces better for MRI scans?

Yes. Ceramic/clear braces typically cause less interference because the brackets are non-metal. Only the wire might cause minimal artifacts.

5. Should I take out my aligners before an MRI?

Yes. Aligners are plastic and safe, but they should be removed before the scan so they don’t affect comfort or image clarity.

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