[Distalization of molars with magnets: biomechanical considerations]

Repelling magnets have recently been proposed to move maxillary molars distally. Although the technique presents some clinical indications, the biomechanics of tooth movement with magnets has not been clearly investigated. The results of the Author's experience suggest that the repelling magnets mainly generate a tipping movement of the crowns on the sagittal plane. The distal-tipping of the molars represents almost 50% of the total effect, the mesial tipping of the bicuspids-cuspids-incisors constitutes the remaining 50%. Also, on the horizontal plane, the force generated by the magnets tends to rotate the crowns of the molars palatally.