Cole B O I, Shaw A J, Hobson R S, Nunn J H, Welbury R R, Meechan J G, Jepson N J A
Department of Child Dental Health, Dental School & Hospital, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Int J Paediatr Dent. 2003 May;13(3):204-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-263x.2003.00450.x.
This case report describes the use of magnets in the management of teeth that fail to erupt. Eight children aged between 10 and 15 years were treated. Magnetic traction was applied to two premolars and six molars. Seven teeth (one premolar and six molars) erupted successfully (mean treatment time with magnetic traction: 7.5 months). One premolar failed to erupt; serial radiographic assessment over a 9-month period revealed no evidence of movement and so the magnetic fixture was removed. Histological evaluation of tissue samples taken from around the fixture revealed no evidence of abnormal pathology.