Magnetic attachments on molar auxiliary abutments in removable partial overdentures

The advantages of keeping natural roots have been mentioned often in complete overdenture technologies. In this study we analyzed only removable partial dentures with extra-coronal ball attachments on the main abutments and magnets on the auxiliary ones. Patient's satisfaction concerning chewing ability, retention and stabilization of the denture was highly superior in presence of the molars with magnets under the free-end saddles then in their absence. The use of magnets presented various difficulties in different clinical situations. Teeth that suffer from moderate periodontal disease with concomitant bone loss can be used as abutments if the initial design of the denture is made in such manner that the loss of these auxiliary abutments does not imply the loss of the denture. Keywords: removable partial overdenture, auxiliary abutment, magnet