Many patients have heard that orthodontic appliances contain metal, so they often wonder: Can I Fly With Braces? They may also worry about whether braces can cause any issues when passing through airport security checkpoints.
In the article below, Smilux dentists will explain this issue in detail to help patients feel more reassured during their orthodontic treatment, especially when they have upcoming travel or business plans.
Many patients undergoing orthodontic treatment often worry about whether they can fly with braces, especially when they need to travel, go on a business trip, or take a long-haul flight. In fact, wearing braces or clear aligners does not affect air travel.
However, depending on the type of orthodontic appliance you are using, such as metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign clear aligners, the level of impact when passing through airport security checkpoints may vary. Below is a detailed analysis for each case:
Metal detectors at airports usually have sensitivity levels ranging from 1 to 15. When the amount of metal on the body exceeds the warning threshold, usually above level 5, the device will emit an alert signal.
For patients wearing metal braces, although the archwire and brackets are made of metal, the metal content is low, usually below level 4, so they almost never trigger the detector. Therefore, you can feel reassured when passing through airport security while wearing braces.
Ceramic braces contain less metal than metal braces because the brackets are made of ceramic material, while the metal is mainly found in the archwire. Therefore, the chance of triggering an alarm at airport security gates is very low. Patients wearing ceramic braces can still pass through security checkpoints as usual.
With clear aligners, patients can feel reassured when passing through airport security gates. Invisalign aligners are made from specialized clear plastic material and do not have metal brackets or archwires like traditional braces, so they are unlikely to affect the security screening process.
In some cases, to better control tooth movement, the dentist may prescribe orthodontic mini-screws. Mini-screws are small temporary anchorage screws that are usually placed in the jawbone to support tooth movement. Because they are very small and contain only a negligible amount of metal, mini-screws usually do not cause airport security gates to emit an abnormal signal.
Even after learning about the question “Can I Fly With Braces?”, some patients may still feel confused if the security gate emits an alert when they pass through. This situation is more common in patients wearing metal braces or using additional orthodontic appliances.
The main cause usually comes from the metal components in the brackets, archwires, or orthodontic appliances being used. If the orthodontic materials do not meet quality standards, the metal content may be higher than that of standard appliances, increasing the chance of triggering the airport metal detector. However, in most cases, the alert level is usually low, and security staff can distinguish it from other metal objects.
When the security gate triggers an alarm, patients are usually asked to step aside for another check using a handheld scanner or direct inspection. After confirming that the cause comes from orthodontic appliances, security staff will usually allow you to continue moving through.
A higher warning signal may be related to the material of the appliance or may occur because you are carrying additional metal items on your body. In that case, the screening process may be more thorough.
If this happens, you should stay calm and cooperate with security staff. Proactively inform them that you are wearing metal braces. If you have a treatment confirmation letter, orthodontic records, or an appointment slip from your dental clinic, you can present them to help the screening process go faster. At the same time, you should allow security staff to recheck your braces and other metal items if required.
In rare cases, if you have explained and completed the inspection but are still not allowed to pass, you should contact airport support staff or the aviation authority for further guidance to avoid affecting your flight schedule.
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Below are some notes on flying during orthodontic treatment, shared by the dentists at Smilux Dental Clinic, that you can refer to:
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Based on the information above, we hope you now clearly understand the question: Can I Fly With Braces? In general, patients wearing braces can still travel by plane as usual.
However, to limit unwanted situations at airport security checkpoints, you should choose a reputable dental clinic, use genuine orthodontic appliances, and have regular check-ups with your dentist throughout the treatment process.
If you still have any questions that need to be answered, you can contact Smilux International Dental Clinic via HOTLINE (+84) 866 251 379 for detailed consultation and guidance from our dentists.
Note: The content in this article is for reference only and does not replace a dentist’s diagnosis or clinical recommendation. For accurate advice based on your oral condition, you should visit a dental specialist directly. See more.
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