Application of magnetic attachment for connecting a fixed partial denture and a detachable gingiva: A clinical report

Magnetic attachments have been applied for various prostheses. In this report, a fixed partial denture (FPD) to which a detachable gingiva was connected by magnetic attachment was fabricated to support esthetic recovery of the alveolar bone defect and the maxillary anterior missing teeth. Missing teeth, accompanied with an alveolar bone defect, are generally recovered with a removable denture or with a combination of surgical treatment and a conventional FPD without a detachable gingiva. However, surgical treatment was avoided by utilizing a magnetic system for connection between the FPD and the detachable gingiva. The detachable gingiva made it possible for the patient to maintain oral hygiene by himself. Therefore, this clinical report suggests that a detachable magnetic connection is an alternative technique to avoid surgical treatment and promote oral hygiene in the esthetic restoration required for remarkable alveolar bone defects. (Int Chin J Dent 2006; 6: 89-92.)