Dental Loupes

Whilst dental operating microscopes can provide staggering levels of magnification, many routine dental procedures can be performed well with high quality dental loupes. 

When compared to a dental microscope, loupes are easier to use, they are also more portable, practical and an excellent flexible alternative to a microscope for procedures requiring less magnification. 

The main benefit in using loupes is that they enlarge the image allowing the clinician to observe structures not easily visible to the naked eye. Practically, magnification allows better precision e.g. during crown preparation, or caries removal. Magnifications between 2.0 and 6.0 X are routinely available. The level of magnification depends upon the type of procedure being undertaken. For general dental procedures, 2.5 to 3.5 X magnifications are usually sufficient; whilst for periodontal plastic surgery, crown and bridgework and endodontics higher magnifications of 4.5X and 6.0 X may be desired. 

Increased magnification also allows the operator to critique their own work and the work of their colleagues at a higher level to help them make a better decisions regarding new/previous restorations.