Providing patients with the excellent dentistry they deserve requires the dentist to be able to see clearly what they are doing, and wearing loupes can certainly help, even for those who don't wear spectacles. Dentists who wear loupes have the added benefit of seeing areas that aren't easily visible to the unaided eye whilst also maintaining a better working posture.
Wearing correctly fitting loupes gives the ability to see small details more easily, allowing dentists to work with a greater degree of precision, making diagnosis and treatment safer, more reliable and faster. Ultimately, clinical procedures become easier to perform and less stressful!
'True professionals never declare their professionalism; they demonstrate it.' Nowhere is this statement truer than in dentistry, where the equipment you use in daily practice expresses your commitment to the profession and to your patients.
Buying loupes
Not all loupes are the same, so when making a choice it is important to understand the differences in the products available, from design to performance and quality to service, there are many things to consider.
There are several options in terms of lens construction, but the latest Galilean multi-lens loupes are lightweight and can yield high power with short oculars. Loupes mounted through-the-lens (TTL) ensures a wider field of view by reducing the distance between the eye and the loupe. Additionally the best loupes use special multi-coatings in both the oculars and the outer lenses to allow more light to pass through the lenses.
For a general dentist using magnification throughout the day, the recommended magnification is between two to three times, as these levels give an optimal depth of field allowing freedom of movement whilst keeping the subject in focus. This also helps to maintain a relaxed posture throughout the day. In addition, the field of view is also widest at these magnifications.
Higher magnifications are best suited to more demanding work. Many loupe wearers have two to three times magnification loupes for general dentistry whilst turning to their higher magnification loupes for more intricate procedures. Some, however, may use over three times magnification for all procedures.
Function and fashion
Some of the reasons given by dentists for their reluctance to wear loupes are that they are unfashionable, or that loupes in more fashionable frames don't meet their needs. However, a leading loupes manufacturer has now developed a range of wrap-round sports frames that provide both function and style. Designed for use with loupes, they are made from ultra-lightweight and durable titanium, providing a rigid frame that does not suffer from flexing whilst fully supporting the ocular. In addition they can accommodate higher prescriptions in the outer lenses than most other sports frames without the need for attached inserts, which add extra weight and another layer to look through.
Custom-made
It's important when wearing loupes that both the working area and, for example, a nearby computer screen, need to all be in focus. To achieve this, loupes need to be custom-made from measurements taken by a loupes specialist who can make sure your needs are met. It is important that the company providing your loupes has an optician in the team. There are many choices in terms of frame style and colour and a specialist can explain the options available.
Lighting
A light is the perfect partner to loupes and is an important addition in achieving the best possible view of the mouth. A 'loupes mounted' light is the best option as everything you see will be lit, whatever instrument you are using. Perfectly positioned between the eyes, this system will provide light in exactly the right place and direction without the need to constantly correct your position, change the angle of your mirror or move your overhead light. Working with an LED 'loupes mounted' portable light will give you the freedom to move from surgery to surgery wearing both loupes and light without having to carry around a conventional large light box. There are also some LED lights which allow you to work with light cured composites without the inconvenience of an orange filter.
Every patient should benefit from their dentist wearing loupes and lights, and every dentist would benefit from a clearer and more comfortable view of the clinical area.