Clinincal application of magnets in orthodontics: a review Dr. Shashikumar H.C., Assistant Professor, Dr. Shivaprakash S., Assistant Professor, Dr. Shaj Fawas, Post Graduate Student Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Sri Hasanamba dental college, Hassan, Karnataka. Abstract Magnets have been used in dentistry for many years. They can be made to push or pull the teeth.The force they deliver can be directed, and they can exert their force through mucosa and bone,as well as within the mouth. Over the last decade magnets have been used in orthodontic and dentofacialorthopaedics and attempts have been made to evaluate the biological implications of magnets and magnetic fields during clinical application. This review aims to indicate the advantages and disadvantages of magnets in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics over traditional techniques. The treatment of impacted teeth and Class II malocclusions by means of magnetic force is favoured and the correction of Class III and open bite malocclusions involving the use of magnets also appears promising. The advantages of magnets over traditional force delivery systems are: frictionless mechanics, when the magnets are in attractive configuration; predictable force levels, no force decay over time and less patient co-operation. However, the size of the magnets can increase the bulk of the appliance and three-dimensional control is limited when the magnets are in a repulsive configuration. Top Keywords Magnets, Orthodontic applications, Biologic implications. Top |