Abstract

MAGNETS IN MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHODONTICS – A REVIEW

Shankar A.*, Nithiyarajan N., Venkatakrishnan C. J., Narasimman M., Rathinavel Pandian M. and Tamizhesai B.

ABSTRACT

Smaller the size of the magnet, it has a strong attractive force and easy placement is possible. Retention, flexibility, and protection are the essential qualities that a prosthesis should have. When compared to the resting membrane potential of cell membranes, the magnetic potential provided by intraoral magnets in the surrounding blood vessels are extremely low(2*10-5V) (60-100V). A maxillofacial Prosthodontist should face the difficulties associated with fabricating a prosthesis that satisfies the functional and aesthetic criteria of the patient so that he can have a normal social life and avoid the psychological trauma that the facial disfigurement will cause. The magnets are 0.5 mm deep embedded in the respective contacting surfaces. Due to the small size of Sm-Co magnets, the obturator can be hollowed out to save weight. The use of a hollow obturator is always impossible due to the size of ferrite or alnico magnets. A new generation of powerful magnetic attachments, dubbed MAGFIT, has been produced in Japan. The lack of encapsulation material protection is the most critical factor for determining longevity of dental magnetic attachments; once breached, the internal magnet quickly corrodes. Magnet encapsulations are now more effectively sealed thanks to advancements in sealing techniques (particularly laser welding). Intraoral magnets have formed the aesthetic and retention of complete and removable partial dentures since the introduction of rare earth magnet alloys.

Keywords: Magnets, Maxillofacial prosthesis, retention.