dental loupes

It was about 16 years ago when dental hygienists engaged in numerous discussions regarding the use of magnification lenses. The participants of the conversation typically split into two camps:

  1. A group that believed dental hygienists should wear magnification.

  2. A group that was adamant that magnification was not needed

Recently, a fantastic change in the acceptance of loupes and light was observed in clinical practice and educational settings. And we are here to provide a better understanding of the nuances of different products on the market and help you with information on what is essential to know when ordering loupes.

Many clinicians believe that their vision will decline once they start wearing dental loupes in their daily practice. This statement is merely a misconception laid out ignorantly. The changes in vision around the age of 40 are a normal process of aging and are not a side effect of using good quality dental loupes.

Dental loupes are bought for specific reasons, such as having improved vision or visual acuity and protecting your body or musculoskeletal protection. Knowing the basis for purchasing dental loupes becomes the point of consideration for dental hygienists when buying the right pair of dental loupes.

Here’s the checklist that you should take into consideration while buying dental loupes:

  1. Components

Keeping three main components of loupes in mind while buying magnification is vital: 

  • Frame

While selecting a frame, you must consider frame structure, comfort, and eye coverage. Ask yourself questions the following questions

Are the temples hinged? 

Am I able to adjust the temple tips, so they fit securely? 

Do I need to wear side shields, or these lenses already meet standards for protection without side shields?

What type of nose pads does the frame have?

Does it offer an added bridge for those who have issues wearing any glasses at all?

While doing so, keep in mind that not all frames are created equal. One of the essential features in a frame is a comfort since clinicians have to wear them all day. Look for the frame that genuinely fits your facial features to ensure your comfort while wearing them.

  • Carrier lens or shield

Lens decide what you see when looking through a loupe, and that entirely depends on the quality of the loupe lenses themselves. Custom TTL (through the lens) describes the loupe being mounted and secured directly into the lens. Before the invention of TTL, clinicians would use flip-up, that offered an uncustomized loupe mounted on a bar with a hinge attached to the frame for adjustment. The main difference between the two by their nature of mechanisms and manufacturing is that flip-ups are much heavier than TTL. TTL loupes are customized to suit the clinicians individually.

  • Loupe (also known as an ocular or telescope)

Deciding the right loupe for your facility is determined by undertaking specific measurements. Measuring your office and work area is an essential step to choosing the right pair of loupes. Measuring pupillary distance, working distance, field depth, and declination angle will provide you the proper knowledge about what you need in your dental loupes.

  1. Warranty

Consider this while you buy dental loupes that a pair of loupes consists of three different parts, and there should be individual warranties for each part. Inquire with your manufacturer about them and be sure to obtain adequate information for the purchasing decision. Loupes are made to last for many years, do not buy into the idea of having a 90-days warranty. Find the warranty plans ranging from 90 days to a lifetime warranty.

  1. Additional considerations

surgical loupes

Inquire if the company offers anything additional to the loupes and if they do so, do they upcharge for the same? List of items that you should inquire about include:

  • Anti-scratch coatings

  • Anti-reflective coatings

  • Anti-fog coatings

  • Prescriptions

Ensure you are taking notes while discussing prescriptions. More often than not, manufacturers can have different capabilities with placing prescriptions. Some companies will be able to place your prescription into the carrier lens only, whereas some others will only be able to build it into the carrier lens and the loupes.

  1. Purchasing considerations

When it comes to purchasing considerations, the dollar amount is not enough. Many manufacturers typically offer a trial period of 45 days, where you can use the product in your practice setting to understand how it works. Companies also provide a payment option. Here are some specifics to consider payment options: How many installments you can spread the payment over? Are there any interest charges, if there are then how much? Are you charged on the day you order or the day when the product is shipped to you? What are the shipping charges? After the 45 days trial period, are you able to return the loupes and get a full refund, or is it supposed to be done prior to the 45th day? Ask about any other costs you might have been unaware of and not discussed.

The Takeaway

Purchasing the right pair of loupes is not something to move quickly with. Fault in considering all aspects could result in a pair of loupes that sits in the case instead of being used. It takes time and understanding of many parts of the product; after all, it is an investment in your career.

At Schultz, we bring you the top-quality dental loupes and dental headlights from the factory directly to your office. We also provide a lifetime warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee. Call us today to discuss further.