The interaction of a magnetically retained denture with osseointegrated implants

W ith the development of the rare earth magnets (cobalt-samari um [Co$m] and neodymium-iron-boron [Nd,Fe,,B]), there has been an increased interest in magnet utilization in several of the dental disciplines. Paralleling their introduction, a myriad of magnetic systems in the market place provide various sizes, shapes, and breakaway forces.’ Therefore, depending on the utilization, the proper magnetic system can be Selected. Magnets are used more extensively in dentistry because of their predictable nondiminishing retentive properties compared with mechanical attachments (Fig. 1) and their potential for favorably distributing forces to the supporting oral structures.“” The ability to dissipate forces is especially important when the supports for a prosthesis are implants that are firmly osseointegrated,