Most dental schools today usually start introducing magnification optical aids like dental loupes to their students as early as the first year. Although, as a dental practitioner, you get the chance to learn about and use the dentist loupes while still in dental school; you can only get accustomed to it after a while. Here are a few helpful tips from experts about using and choosing dental loupes.
Although they are already introduced to dental loupes and got the chance to use them while still in dental school, there are still many dentists and dental hygienists who have lots of things to know about dental loupes and the hygienist loupes even though they have been using them for months or years already.
This fact encouraged us to create an informative blog post about dental magnifying loupes. If you are a beginner, you will surely benefit from the helpful tips from experts about using and choosing dental loupes.
What to look for when buying loupes?
- Magnification
A range of magnifications are available, the most common being 2.5x and 3.5x. Increased magnification allows a more detailed working site. However, there are some downsides:
- A compact field of view.
- Darker field of view (reduced light enters the lens)
- The steeper learning curve for the new one.
You may come across the word Galilean (lower magnification) and Prismatic (high magnification, more expensive) loupes.
Ideal Magnification: For general dentist loupes and hygienist loupes, 2.5x magnification is universally recommended. For more detailed work (e.g., endodontics), a higher magnification, such as 3.5x and beyond, is advised.
- Resolution
Resolution refers to the ability of the dental loupes to discriminate between two closely spaced objects. In simple terms, this relates to how you can see the details of the picture in question.
Ideally, the image you are viewing should be defined (clear and crisp from edge to edge) with no blurring. If you want to differentiate the resolution of dental loupes, an excellent option is to try various sets to determine which setting provides the optimum image quality. A free consultation with a dentist loupes expert is an excellent way to get a feel and fit for the kind of loupes that might work for you.
- Depth of Field
The depth of field refers to the range of distances in which the object remains in focus. It determines how much you can lean into or away from the object (e.g., if your depth of field is 20cm, you can move 10cm closer to and 10cm away from the object, and it will remain in focus). It is essential to have a generous depth of field to reduce fatigue.
The ideal depth of field: 10cm should be sufficient.
- Field of View
Field of view refers to the area visible through the loupes (for example, a single tooth or the entire quadrant). Magnification is directly related to the field of view. Loupes with higher magnification benefit from more excellent details with a smaller field of view. By contrast, loupes with lower magnification benefit from a wider field of view with fewer details.
Many new to working with loupes opt for a lower magnification, as a wider field of view can be easier to work with initially, allowing you to see more while you work. Conversely, those who are more experienced may opt for a higher magnification; as a smaller field view provides more detail, and a more expansive view is not required.
- Light
Lighting is an essential investment in understanding the potential of dentist loupes. If you invest in adequate lighting for your loupes, you will magnify the darkness and be protected by shadows. A well-lit oral cavity will assist with diagnosis and treatment planning and alleviate any potential eye strain.
Most loupe lights mount in a bridge of a frame between the eyes, featuring multiple adjustment points for your comfort. Alongside this, a cord usually connects to a battery or (in some cases) may be integrated into the frame. However, this may increase the weight of the loupes.
Another area to look at when looking for dental loupes with light is the beam color. The color of the light must be as close to natural daylight as possible, enabling you to see the ‘true’ color of the teeth. An ideal beam color for this is a bright white light, with a temperature around 5500k– 5700k for an accurate color rendition.
Finally, when buying a dental loupe light, you should ensure that the battery you select has a long life for maximum convenience throughout the working day.
Bottomline
As one of the global leaders in surgical magnification, Schultz Loupes provides an exceptional example of premium loupes that incorporate the benefits you would expect from a leading brand. Famous for its distinctive character, exclusive style, fit, and superior optics, Loupedirect offers extraordinary visual comfort for all users.
To discover how Loupedirect can improve the way you perform in your dental practice, have a look at the official website.
