MAGNETS IN ORTHODONTICS

Magnets have been employed in dentistry for many years, most commonly to aid in the retention of dentures and overdentures. In recent times, magnets and magnetic forces have also been proposed as alternatives to traditional orthodontic devices such as elastics, springs, and archwires. Magnetic devices offer a convenient and biologically safe method for generating the forces required for orthodontic tooth movement. However, the force between two magnets decreases significantly with distance, and even at short separations, the resulting forces may be quite low. Additionally, magnets can suffer a considerable loss of magnetic flux—and therefore force—when exposed to heat. The orientation of one magnet relative to another is also crucial; if not properly aligned, the force between them can drop substantially. This review article explores various clinical applications of magnets in dentistry, highlighting their potential in diverse treatment scenarios.