Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of examination of the body, which is carried out using magnetic waves using a tomograph. The impulses sent by this device are reflected differently from each organ of the human body due to magnetic resonance. The result is a series of images of the organ under study from different sides and in different planes. Their detail helps the doctor to make the most accurate diagnosis.
When Is This Analysis Used?
This study is necessary to identify problems with the spine, joints, brain, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs. Thanks to it, you can identify tumors, inflammation, and post-traumatic changes.
Your doctor may recommend an MRI if you have the following:
- Chronic headache, convulsions, back pain, dizziness.
- Determining the state of the brain and the presence of pathologies in it.
- Examination before or after surgery to monitor the patient's condition.
- More accurate diagnosis after other tests.
The Use of a Tomography in Dentistry
In some cases, this testing may be required for problems such as:
- Pain and spasms when chewing
- Involuntary jaw movements
- Unusual jaw sounds
There is an opinion that wearing braces is an absolute contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging. In reality, it is not. Even patients with braces can resort to MRI if certain pathologies cannot be diagnosed without this examination. In some situations, the patient's health is in danger without high-quality diagnostics, so tomography is performed regardless of the installed bracket systems.
Conducting MRI diagnostics is associated with exposure to magnetic radiation. For this reason, before performing the procedure, patients are asked to remove all metal objects: rings, earrings, crosses, mobile phones, bank cards, keys, etc. But people undergoing cosmetic dentistry treatment and wearing braces cannot remove them. Will this affect the effectiveness of the MRI?
Can Braces Get Damaged by an MRI?
The stereotype that magnetic radiation affects the condition of braces is incorrect. The magnetic field does not expose bracket systems to the following effects:
- Spoilage
- Damage
- Does not melt
- Does not provoke the release of toxic substances.
Metal structures, after magnetic irradiation, retain their original shape and structure. They continue to completely fulfill the tasks assigned to them to correct the form of a bite. Therefore, it will not be necessary to change the braces after the MRI.
Will Having Braces Affect the Accuracy of an MRI?
As for the accuracy of diagnosis, braces reduce it to some extent. The metal resonates with the radiation of the tomograph, leading to distortion and blurring of the images. However, this only happens in cases where the magnetic field directly affects the braces, that is, when performing a brain examination. In other situations, dental structures do not fall into the field of view of the apparatus and do not affect its operation.
In modern dentistry, brace systems made of titanium and ceramics are effectively used. They replace obsolete metal structures and do not affect the MRI results in any way. It is best to consult with an orthodontist before making a decision about the examination. In most cases, there are no contraindications, and the removal of braces before an MRI is practiced only in extreme cases. Braces will only need to be removed if they are made of ferromagnets (precious metals, steel alloys), and at the same time, it is vital to conduct an examination on a tomograph, not CT or other tests.
I am Amelia Grant, journalist, and blogger. I think that information is a great force that is able to change people’s lives for the better. That is why I feel a strong intention to share useful and important things about health self-care, wellness and other advice that may be helpful for people. Being an enthusiast of a healthy lifestyle that keeps improving my life, I wish the same for everyone.
Our attention to ourselves, to our daily routine and habits, is very important. Things that may seem insignificant, are pieces of a big puzzle called life. I want to encourage people to be more attentive to their well-being, improve every little item of it and become healthier, happier, and stronger. All of us deserve that. And I really hope that my work helps to make the world better.