EVALUATION OF THE ATTRACTIVE FORCE OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF NEW-GENERATION MAGNETIC ATTACHMENT SYSTEMS

Abstract

Statement of problem. Rare earth magnets have been used in prosthodontics, but their tendency for corrosion in the oral cavity and insufficient attractive forces limit long-term clinical application. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attractive force of different types of new-generation magnetic attachment systems. Material and methods. The attractive force of the neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) and samarium-cobalt (Sm-Co) magnetic attachment systems, including closed-field (Hilop and Hicorex) and open-field (Dyna and Steco) systems, was measured in a universal testing machine (n=5). The data were statistically evaluated with 1-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test (alpha=.05). Results. The closed-field systems exhibited greater (P <.001) attractive force than the open-field systems. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in attractive force between Nd-Fe-B and Sm-Co magnets (P<.001). The strongest attractive force was found with the Hilop system (9.2 N), and the lowest force was found with the Steco system (2.3 N). Conclusions. The new generation of Nd-Fe-B closed-field magnets, along with improved technology, provides sufficient denture retention for clinical application. (J Prosthet Dent 2011;105:203-207)