Choosing a pair of dental loupes is a big decision and can make or break your work and affect your career longevity. Below we’ve outlined some factors to consider when choosing loupes. These factors are determined by your needs as a clinician, the kind of work you do and the intended purpose.

For example, an orthodontist or oral surgeon may have different clinical requirements (generally require more macro vision or field of view) to an endodontist (generally focus on 1 tooth/canal at a time so more micro vision).

Below we’ve outlined some of the key factors to consider:

Magnification

The amount of magnification that you need will depend on the type of work you do and the level of detail you need to see. Loupes are available in a range of magnifications, from low-power models that provide a 2x or 3x magnification, to high-power models that can provide a magnification of up to 8x or more. Choose a magnification that is appropriate for your needs and the type of work you will be doing.

Field of view

The field of view is the area that you can see through the loupes. A wider field of view can be beneficial for tasks that require a larger view of the object being examined, while a narrower field of view can be helpful for tasks that require a more detailed view.

Working distance

The working distance is the distance between your eyes and the object you are viewing through the loupes. The right working distance will depend on your personal preference and the type of work you do. Loupes are available with different working distances, so you should choose a pair that provides the right distance for your needs. Even better is to choose loupes were the working distance can be exactly customised to your body.

Comfort and fit

Loupes can be worn for long periods of time, so it is important to choose a pair that is comfortable to wear. Clinicians frequently wear their loupes for several hours at a time, so it is important that the loupes are comfortable and well-fitted to their face. If the loupes are uncomfortable or poorly fitted, they may cause discomfort or fatigue, which can affect the user's ability to perform their tasks accurately and with precision. In addition, poorly fitted loupes may not be positioned correctly in front of the eyes, which can affect their ability to provide clear magnification.

Choosing a pair of loupes that is light weight and comfortable can help the user wear them for longer periods of time without discomfort or fatigue.

Durability and quality

Loupes can be a significant investment, so it is important to choose a pair that is durable and of high quality. Look for loupes that are made from high-quality materials and have a good reputation for durability.

Resolution

Refers to the ability of the lens to distinguish between two closely spaced objects. In other words, it is a measure of the clarity and detail that can be seen through the lens.

Resolution is typically measured in units of length, such as micrometers or millimeters. The higher the resolution of a lens, the smaller the minimum distance between two objects that can be distinguished.

For example, a lens with a resolution of 1 micrometer (1 μm) would be able to distinguish between two objects that are spaced 1 μm apart, while a lens with a resolution of 0.1 μm would be able to distinguish between two objects that are spaced 0.1 μm apart. An example of this is with video - a 4K video has a higher resolution than a 720p video and higher detail is able to be resolved.

In general, high-resolution lenses are more expensive than low-resolution lenses, but they can provide better visibility and make it easier to see small details. At Bryant Dental our lenses resolve at 57 l/pm.

Depth of focus

Depth of focus is an important consideration when choosing loupes because it affects the ease with which an object can be viewed. A large depth of focus means that an object can be viewed clearly over a wide range of distances, which can be beneficial in situations where the object is moving or the viewer's distance from the object is changing.

On the other hand, a small depth of focus means that the object must be at a specific distance from the lens in order to be in focus. This can make it more difficult to view the object if the distance between the lens and the object is not constant.

In general, loupes with a larger depth of focus are more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.

Declination Angle

Declination angle is the angle between the glass and the telescope. In general, a higher declination angle is desirable for clinicians as it reduces the angle at which the neck is required to bend in order to look at the object.

At Bryant Dental our Refractives have an inbuilt 56 degrees of declination angle whilst our TTL Loupes allow up to 46 degrees.