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Magnets and orthodontics

Sandler PJ, Meghji S, Murray AM, Springate SD, Sandy JR, Crow V, Reed RT

British journal of orthodontics, 1989

Abstract

The first part of this paper is a literature review of magnets and their uses in orthodontics. The biological safety of magnets is considered and a report is given of experiments carried out on rat osteosarcoma cell line UMR-106. The second part of the paper describes a case where neodynium-iron-boron magnets were used to assist eruption of an unerupted, vertically impacted upper right canine. Previously, space was available for this tooth, but it failed to show signs of eruption. Following surgical attachment of a magnet, and the use of a second magnet attached to an upper removable appliance, rapid eruption occurred producing a favourable position for bonding.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.

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