The bigger picture

02 June 2010
Volume 26 · Issue 6

Stephen Selwyn explains the benefits of using loupes.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, magnification is defined as ‘the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument’. Put quite simply, magnification enables us to see all procedures in greater detail, thereby increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of our clinical performance. 

Magnification has long been a part of my own clinical work and I am a true advocate of a combination of loupes and lights to assist in the performance of all procedures. However, there are still some who are sceptical about the use of loupes in clinical practice and I often hear dentists give the following excuses as to why they aren’t yet benefiting from loupes (you may recognise them):

  • My eyesight is perfect and I don’t wear glasses, so I don’t need loupes.
  • My clinical performance is fine and my patients are happy, so why change?
  • I’d only benefit from loupes if I was doing lots of complex work.
  • I am too young to need loupes.

These are all misconceptions. All dentists should be using loupes in daily practice regardless of their age, health, eyesight and clinical performance. However, many don’t realise how essential loupes are until they have worked with them and are able to compare their standards of work before and after life with loupes. 

 

Magnification power

By wearing loupes in daily practice, you can start to see the bigger picture; areas of the clinical field that weren’t visible to the naked eye before will now become clearer and more apparent.

There are a range of magnifications available; the best loupes in the range of 2.3x to 4.2x combine excellent optics with good ergonomic design, but the level you require will depend on the procedures you are performing. It is often common practice for a dentist to alternate between magnification levels, using a 2.8x magnification loupe for general dentistry yet turning to their 4.2x loupes when needing enhanced power for more detailed, delicate procedures. Nevertheless, moving from a lower magnification to a higher magnification should be considered a progression; you should gain confidence with a basic level of magnification before moving upwards. If you do require glasses for normal vision, then prescription lenses are also available, reducing the need to constantly remove and replace your loupes.  Some loupes even offer varifocal lenses.

 

Look good, feel good

Choosing loupes is just like choosing a pair of glasses or sunglasses, you want the best brand that looks and feels good, and as time has progressed loupes have become something of a fashionable accessory within the practice. Loupes are now well-designed and stylish, but when working at the chairside and leaning over patients for prolonged periods of time, weight can also be a determining factor. You should choose loupes with lightweight titanium frames and ensure they are durable and fit for purpose. Some loupes have adjustable arms that rule out the need to wear a headband. 

Loupes come in two different designs: through-the-lens or flip-up. Through-the-lens has the telescope fixed directly to the lens of the glasses while the flip-up design does exactly what it says on the tin; flips up via a mounted hinge when not in use. Preference for either of these two types varies according to taste and comfort. However, from my own experience and for a crystal clear image, choose a high definition loupe such as ExamVision through-the lens, featuring a Galilean design, which yields higher power (all with short oculars). With higher definition and wider fields than any other loupes available, these advanced loupes will vastly improve your ability to view the entire operating field while improving your comfort and making it easier to work.

 

Lighter and brighter

The quality and availability of light is an important factor in achieving the best possible view of the oral cavity and the perfect accompaniment for any loupe is illumination. A ‘loupes mounted’ light is without doubt the best option, giving excellent line-of-sight lighting. Perfectly positioned between the eyes, such a system provides light in exactly the right place and direction without needing to constantly correct your position or change the angle of your mirror. Working with a ‘loupes mounted’ light or an LED 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.

Every dentist should be benefiting from magnification by wearing loupes and lights, as nothing makes dentistry easier and better.  So whatever your age, health, quality of eyesight and experience, start using loupes and you will wonder how you ever managed to practice without them.

 

For more information on Evident call 0500 321111.