Want to see with more clarity, avoid back pain and provide your patient with the most accurate diagnosis? It’s time to invest in dental loupes!

Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind whether you’re upgrading or buying your first set.

1. Magnification

With magnifications ranging from 2.5x to 6.0x the selection of loupes on offer can seem overwhelming. To simplify things, ask yourself what are you going to use your dental loupes for? Whilst loupes are fitted according to individual requirements, generic recommendations can often be made relating to your specialism:

• For General Dentistry, Dental Hygiene & Implantology - 2.5x .3.0x. 3.5x
• For Endodontics, Crown & Bridge Work - 3.5x – 6x
• For Lab work and Technicians - 4.0x. 5.0x .6.0x

Now you have considered the type of magnification you may require; it should be noted that Galilean loupes typically feature lower magnification (2x-3x) and Prismatic loupes feature higher magnification (3.5x-6x)

                                       Prismatic Loupes                                                                     Galilean Loupes

2. Resolution

Resolution refers to the ability of the dental loupes to distinguish between two closely spaced objects. In simple terms, this relates to how clearly you can see the details of the image in question.

Ideally, the image you are viewing should be defined (clear and crisp from edge to edge) with no fuzziness or blurring:

If you want to compare the resolution of dental loupes, a great option is to trial various sets to determine which set produces the optimum image quality. A free consultation with a dental loupes expert, is a great way to get a feel and fit for the type of loupes that might work for you.

3. Depth of Field

Depth of field refers to the range of distances in which the objects you are viewing remain in focus.

Depth of field is important as it reduces fatigue and helps you maintain a desirable posture. This is because a generous depth of field means a deeper area is visible through the loupes; meaning you can see further (and in more detail) without having to re-position or adjust your posture.

The size of the depth of field is related to your working distance and magnification.

A generous depth of field helps you to maintain a healthy working posture: 

4. Field of View

Field of view refers to the area which is visible through the loupes (for example, a single tooth or the entire quadrant). Magnification is directly related to field of view.

Loupes with higher magnification benefit from greater details, with a smaller field of view. By contrast, loupes with lower magnification benefit from a wider field of view, with fewer details:

Many who are 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 wider view is not required.

5. Light

To realise the full potential of your dental loupes, lighting should be considered an essential investment. If you fail to invest in adequate lighting for your loupes, you will magnify the darkness and be hindered by shadows.

A well-lit oral cavity will not only assist with diagnosis and treatment planning but will also alleviate any potential eye strain.

Most loupe lights mount in the bridge of the frames between the eyes, featuring multiple points of adjustment for your comfort.

Alongside this, there is usually a cord which  connects to a battery or (in some cases) may be integrated into the frame, however; this may increase the weight of the loupes.

When looking to buy dental loupes with a light, it is important that the light you purchase is lightweight (especially if the light is going to sit on the bridge of the nose).

Another area to look at when looking for dental loupes with light is the beam colour. It is important, that the colour of the light is as close to natural daylight as possible, enabling you to see the ‘true’ colour of the teeth.

An ideal beam colour for this is a bright white light, with a colour temperature around 5500k– 5700k for a true colour 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.

6. Weight 

With a working day averaging between 6-8 hours, your dental loupes will likely be worn for long periods of time; making weight an important issue! Heavy loupes are not only bulky but can cause discomfort on the bridge of the nose, leading to pain and even headaches.

For this reason, loupes often use lightweight materials; however, this is not to say that you shouldn’t be mindful of the weight of your loupes when choosing your set.

The perfect set of loupes should have a frame which supports the weight and type of loupes you choose – they shouldn’t bend or twist.

You will often find that Galilean loupes are lighter than Prismatic loupes (due to unavoidable differences in the magnification they offer).

Top Tip: Lighter loupes aren’t always preferable! Some heavier loupes can feel more comfortable due to superior weight distribution. Try on different sets during a free loupes consultation and see which you prefer.

7. Style

Last but certainly not least, is the style of your dental loupes. Over the years, loupes have progressed from being quite heavy and bulky, to being smaller, lighter and increasingly stylish in their design. From the clean and neutral lines seen in glamour styles to the dynamic and enveloping lines seen in sportier sets; loupes now come in all shapes and sizes.

Alongside design, another variation to consider is whether to opt for flip-up loupes or through the lens (TTL) loupes. If you’re unsure of the difference, flip-up loupes can be ‘flipped’ out of sight whereas TTL loupes have optical barrels that are affixed to the carrier lens of the loupes. Both boast individual benefits, with flip-up loupes offering an adjustable angle of declination and TTL loupes boasting all the benefits you would expect from a custom fit.

                                             Flip-Up Loupes                                                    Through the lens (TTL) Loupes

Univet Dental Loupes

As one of the global leaders in surgical magnification, Univet dental loupes provide an exceptional example of premium loupes which incorporate the benefits you would expect from a leading brand.

Famous for their distinctive character, exclusive style, fit and superior optics; all of Univet’s Dental Loupes offer extraordinary visual comfort for all users.

To discover how Univet Loupes can improve the way you perform in your dental practice, arrange a free consultation with the Optident team, by calling 01943 605 050 or alternatively fill out this quick and easy form.