Development of small size magnets with capability of stronger permanent magnetic forces has enable its diverse clinical uses in field of dentistry. The strong attractive force of magnets is harnessed for retention of overdentures as one part is either embedded or attached with bone, decoronated root or implants and another into overdenture base. The basic aim of this paper is to critically review the evolution of numerous magnetic attachment systems that are available for retaining the overdentures, their comparative evaluations to other available contemporary retentive attachment systems, effect of magnetic system on oral tissues & oral environment and the recent advancements in materials and techniques which maintain magnetic properties for longer duration with exceptional corrosion resistance.