Application of Nd-Fe-B Permanent Magnets with Ion-Plasma ZrO2 Coating in Orthodontics

Abstract

The use of braces for correcting the position of single teeth in some cases seems to be impractical, since this may lead to a violation of the position of adjacent teeth used as a support for such correction. An alternative way to displace single teeth into a normal position is to use an apparatus with permanent Nd-Fe-B magnets, which allows localizing the impact of force and the required aesthetic and functional result with fewer side effects, as well as reducing the cost of treatment. The structure, phase composition of zirconium oxide films on Nd-Fe-B magnets have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescent analysis (XRF). The influence of the ZrO 2 coating in terms of its barrier properties for corrosion in quasi-physiological 0.9 NaCl solution has been studied. Clinical case of the treatment of malocclusion by using orthodontic appliances with permanent magnets is discussed.