From Volume 7, Issue 4, October 2014 | Pages 122-128
Magnets have been used in dentistry for many years. The force they deliver can be directed, and they can exert their force through mucosa and bone. There are various types of magnets used in the field of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, all with their advantages and disadvantages. The biological effect, different materials used, and the recycling of magnets is discussed in this article.
Magnetic systems permit precise control of the force levels that are applied, as the force generated can be calculated from specific force-distance diagrams.1 Magnetic forces have been used in orthodontics for both tooth movement2,3,4,5 and orthopaedic correction,6,7,8,9,10 with varying degrees of success. The earlier use of magnets was limited owing to the unavailability of small size magnets, and there were concerns raised about possible toxic effects. However, current literature evaluating magnetic fields shows no evidence of any direct or acute toxic effects.11,12 Improved safety with better coating and the introduction of rare earth magnets, which led to a dramatic reduction in magnet size, has stimulated further interest in the field of orthodontics.11,12 This article discusses the history, magnetism and magnetic force, the types of magnets, the role of magnets in orthodontics, and the recycling of magnets, together with advantages and disadvantages.
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