Magnetic attachment for implant overdentures: influence of contact relationship with the denture base on stability and bending strain

Static magnetic fields promote osteoblastic/cementoblastic differentiation in osteoblasts, cementoblasts, and periodontal ligament cells

Purpose

Although static magnetic fields (SMFs) have been used in dental prostheses and osseointegrated implants, their biological effects on osteoblastic and cementoblastic differentiation in cells involved in periodontal regeneration remain unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of SMFs (15 mT) on the osteoblastic and cementoblastic differentiation of human osteoblasts, periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs), and cementoblasts, and to explore the possible mechanisms underlying these effects.

Methods

Differentiation was evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralized nodule formation based on Alizarin red staining, calcium content, and the expression of marker mRNAs assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Signaling pathways were analyzed by western blotting and immunocytochemistry.

Results

The activities of the early marker ALP and the late markers matrix mineralization and calcium content, as well as osteoblast- and cementoblast-specific gene expression in osteoblasts, PDLCs, and cementoblasts were enhanced. SMFs upregulated the expression of Wnt proteins, and increased the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and total β-catenin protein expression. Furthermore, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways were activated.

Conclusions

SMF treatment enhanced osteoblastic and/or cementoblastic differentiation in osteoblasts, cementoblasts, and PDLCs. These findings provide a molecular basis for the beneficial osteogenic and/or cementogenic effect of SMFs, which could have potential in stimulating bone or cementum formation during bone regeneration and in patients with periodontal disease.

Fixation of magnet assembly to denture base using alternative resins

The fixation strengths between conventional/modified magnetic assemblies and denture base resins were evaluated using six alternative resins. Magnetic assemblies with three different undercut wings were prepared. Soft lining materials with added PMMA resin polymer, two photopolymerization denture relining resins, an experimental resin, and a temporary filling resin were used to fix the magnetic assemblies to the denture bases. As a control, a commercially available magnetic assembly without undercut wings and a conventional autopolymerized resin were also prepared. After surface treatments, the magnetic assemblies were fixed using fixation resins, and tensile strengths and attractive forces were measured using an autography. The experimental resin and the temporary filling resin showed retentive forces comparable to those of conventional autopolymerized resins. Although the experimental resin demonstrated satisfactory fixation strengths, it should be necessary to improve its mechanical strength. The temporary filling resin could be used as a permanent fixation material.