Role of magnets in orthodontics-a review

In recent years, magnets and magnetic force have been suggested as an alternative to traditional orthodontic devices such as elastics, springs, and arch wires. Magnets either samarium-cobalt (SmCo) or neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) can be made to attract or repel, and therefore to pull or push the teeth. Magnetic devices offer an optimum and biologically safe force-generating system for orthodontic tooth movement. This review article depicts the various magnetic applications in different clinical situations.