Magnets – Role in prosthodontic rehabilitation: A review

Abstract

The success of prosthesis bases on retention stability and support. Magnets have been used as an aid for denture retention for many years with some success. The reason of the popularity of magnets is their small size and their attraction or repulsion forces, which allow them to be placed within prosthesis without being obtrusive in the mouth. Conventional magnets have been used as retentive devices for removable partial dentures, obturators, and also the maxillofacial prosthesis. The retentive forces and the compactness of the rare earth magnets particularly have resulted in their widespread use for overdentures. This article reviews the type of magnet available, design of magnetic attachment, their application, and new magnetic attachment system, followed by the advantage and disadvantage of magnets.