Suppose you’ve gone to the dentist recently. In that case, you probably remember seeing your dentist or hygienist wear a strange device that looks a lot like a miniature set of binoculars attached to their glasses.
These instruments are called “dental loupes.”
What do dental loupes do, and why are they so important?
Dental loupes are like magnifying glasses. They allow dentists to see greater detail, ensuring accuracy and precision.
The inside of the mouth can also be dark, so many loupes have a flashlight attached.
Cavities can be invisible to the naked eye, particularly when they develop. However, early detection can help prevent a cavity from developing into a painful and expensive problem.
Dental loupes also allow appropriate space between the dentist and the patient’s mouth. Using the device, dentists need not lean too close to see the inside of the mouth. Also, since dental loupes magnify the area, dentists have no choice but to move a bit away from the patient’s mouth, saving both from an uncomfortable encounter due to the proximity.
Dentists often need to bend their neck over to see the patient’s teeth, leading to 60 to 80 percent of dental professionals to suffer neck and back pain. Dental loupes lessen the bending.
What types of features can dental loupes have?
Dental loupes vary by type and brand. However, here is a list of some of the things dental loupes have to offer:
- Standard (Galilean) and Expanded (Prism) view for different field views
- High magnification
- Attached to a set of glasses that can have prescription lenses placed if necessary
- A headlight
- Custom-fit for the dentist
- High resolution for clarity
- Easy-to-operate technology
- Light-weight design for extended wear
Specific Tasks Where Dental Loupes Are Great For
- Detect and fill a cavity-infected tooth
- Look for tartar or calculus to remove
- Flossing between the teeth
- Root canal procedure
- Checking a cracked tooth
- Cleaning the gum line
- Checking problems inside the mouth like areas requiring extra care, early signs of gum disease, discoloration of the teeth, oral sores, or abnormal patched on the gums and cheeks