Modern Hygienist - September 2008 - (Page 31)

MAGNIFICATION | career nification is superior when purchasing loupes the first time or when purchasing replacement loupes. The field width and field depth are reduced as the magnification increases. With a 2.5X magnification the mouth and eyes can be seen through the loupe itself. With 3X magnification the view width is reduced. The greater magnification allows the clinician an enhanced visibility for superior instrument manipulation. Some may find too much magnification disturbing because the amount of face and mouth seen through the loupes is less. The patient’s mouth and lips can be viewed, but the eyes may be out of their view with this higher magnification. Because we use the patient’s eye responses to let us know how the patient is reacting to our instrumentation, some may find this limitation in field width not worth the superior magnification. Others may decide the superior visibility allows for less tissue trauma and less discomfort to the patient. Weight: How heavy are the loupes and how comfortably is this weight distributed when you are wearing them? TTL styles are lighter than flip-up models. Using the head strap will reduce slippage down the nose and remove some of the weight. A good rule of thumb when selecting new loupes is more magnification usually equals more weight. Angle of Declination: This is the downward angle of the loupes. The steeper the angle of declination, the less the clinician has to bend posture to obtain, but with properly fitted loupes this will become a very comfortable reality. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Have a new eye exam with written prescription for the loupe sales person when ordering. Your prescription will be incorporated into the scope and surrounding lenses. There are a few other tidbits to consider when selecting which loupe to purchase. Is the model waterproof to prevent damage from liquids and disinfection? Does the manufacturer have a good reputation? How long is the warranty? Do they offer service plans? Is there a trial period? Will they replace the loupes at no charge if you are not satisfied with the original prescription? Is the frame of the best quality to withstand constantly taking them off and putting them back on throughout the day? Do they offer payment plans? Ask your colleagues about their experiences with their loupes company. Do not let price guide you in this very important decision. Many clinicians have bought inexpensive loupes never to wear them. Now that’s an expensive mistake. When clinicians experience quality magnification they will never go back to unaided vision again. If you have not invested in yourself, think about doing so. You will never regret this important purchase. mh Renée Marchant-Turner is a contributing editor for Modern Hygienist. Available on titanium frames, EyeMag Smart loupes from Zeiss provide outstanding image quality at 2.5X magnification. Visit meditec.zeiss.com/dentistry. her head forward, thus reducing neck strain. TTLs generally have less angle of declination than flip-up models. Some manufacturers have larger frames for TTLs, which lend themselves to a steeper angle of declination. The newer wrap frames are designed with this in mind. If TTLs are preferred, these would be a wise choice for the best neck ergonomics. Working Distance: This distance is taken from your eye to the patient’s anterior teeth. Measuring your working distance should be done in your office. If you purchase loupes at a convention, have someone in your office take this measurement with a tape measure while you have the patient positioned low, at elbow height, with your forearms parallel to the floor while you are sitting perfectly straight. This may seem like an impossible http://www.meditec.zeiss.com/dentistry http://www.dentalrat.com http://www.dentalrat.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Modern Hygienist - September 2008

Modern Hygienist - September 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Letters Modern Solutions Access Denied Kids First: Creating Comfort Worn Out? Voice of a VIP Hands-on Hygiene: Magnification In Focus Digital Persuasion That "Other" Female Cancer Ad Index Classifieds Moonlighting

Modern Hygienist - September 2008

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