Retention magnets in guiding plates of distal-extension removable partial dentures

This investigation studied vertically placed magnets that act simultaneously as guiding plates and retentive devices. The retention of vertically placed magnets was less than that of horizontally or obliquely placed magnets, but comparable to that of I-bar retainers. Load-induced stresses were lower, transmitted more axially to the abutments and were generally more equitably distributed than stresses produced by magnets in other orientations to the abutment tooth. The force distribution characteristics were less stressful than those of a comparable RPD with distal guiding plates, mesial rests, and I-bar retainers. Although the investigators were initially concerned about the relative capabilities of the vertically placed magnets, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that retention was as good if not better than that of conventional clasp designs.