Dental loupes are optical magnifying devices used to view the fine details of the oral cavity, especially for the root canal system, with more magnification power than the human eye. Now the usage of dental loupes is becoming a trend among dental practitioners as well as among undergraduates.

Dentistry has remarkably evolved over the past century. The innovative advancements in the field have played an important role in the clinical sphere of the profession. It has profoundly improved the outcome of the procedures. Furthermore, these advancements have immensely added up to the practitioners and patients' ease and comfort, respectively. Magnification in the form of loupes and microscope is one such advancement.

I vividly recall seeing one of our teachers wearing magnification dental loupes in the Department of Operative Dentistry. As a fresh graduate, I had this thought that the person must be performing some difficult case of Endodontics. I held this naïve opinion till the time I entered residency and clinical life. I started using magnification loupes for the regular Endodontic and Restorative Dentistry cases. This was not just for the sake of enhanced magnification but also for better ergonomics. I was gripped by both surprise and regret. Also, the surprise of how much I had missed while not practising with this technology. There was also a regret of having performed the procedures with the lack of magnification. I realised the outcomes of which could have been possibly better when performed under magnification.

The advantages and applications of various forms of magnification in Dentistry are innumerable. Few of them are,

The declination angle of loupes is the angle between the reference line that connects the top of the ears (where the frame armrests) to the corner of the eyes and the optical axis of loupe oculars. Experts advise that the declination angle of loupes should be equal to the downward rotation angle of the eyes. It helps to see a target at the Operating Hand Position. Too extreme of a downward declination angle can cause eye strain. On the other hand, small angles force the operator to assume incorrect postures.

The weight of the loupes is an important factor to be considered when choosing a new loupe, especially if the loupes are to be used for longer periods. 

Magnification is a valuable asset and determines high accuracy in clinical practice, for the hands can not treat what the eyes do not see!

The author is contributing writer at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at sumaiya.hasan3@gmail.com

Dental News (DN) is the largest source of all dental news in the country and is one of the oldest & most extensively read independent dental periodicals in Pakistan. Dental News (DN) is part of the Medical News Group (MNG) of publications which was established in 1968. MNG is a pioneer of medical journalism in Pakistan.

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