Clinical applications of magnets in orthodontics.

M.A. Papadopoulos
Hellenic Orthodontic Review 1999;2:31-42.

Rare earth magnets, especially the samarium-cobalt (SmCo5, Sm2Co17) and neodymium-iron-boron (Nd2Fe14B) types, have many applications in orthodontics. They can be used to move teeth, to expand the upper dental arch, to correct Class II and Class III malocclusions combined with functional appliances and to retain the therapeutic results achieved.
Although the superiority of treatment results with various magnetic appliances in comparison to the conventional orthodontic appliances is supported by several researchers, this still remains a controversial issue. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss contemporary clinical views and practical applications of magnetic force systems most often used in orthodontic and orthopedic treatment.

Request for reprints:Dr. M.A. Papadopoulos, Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54006 Thessaloniki, Greece