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Magnification Information for Dental Hygienists
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You want to do provide the best standard of care for your patients.
You also have a genuine concern about your own long-term health and comfort.
At SheerVision® we believe that “your future is our focus.” As part of that vision we have developed this page especially to address your questions and concerns when it comes to magnification and illumination products used by today’s dental hygienist.
Need additional information? Please feel free to give us a call, or send an e-mail so we can be of service. |
| A. Why use magnification in dental hygiene? |
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The primary reasons that magnification is becoming the standard of care for the majority of hygienists is:
• Enhanced vision for improved patient care. Reviewing and evaluating details of teeth, and soft tissue requires visual acuity – which is improved through magnification.
• Surgical quality loupes allow for improved ergonomic posture which may extend you comfort – and your career. No more “hygiene hunch.” |
| B. Magnification Myths |
- Myth #1 – Magnification will harm my vision.
On the contrary – wearing optical loupes will dramatically increase image size while allowing for you to work at a farther distance from the patient. The larger sized images reduce strain and stress on the eyes, while viewing an enhanced image.
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- Myth #2 – Through-the-lens (TTL) loupes are better than flip-up loupes.
Both through-the-lens and flip-up loupes will improve patient care, reduce your fatigue, and improve ergonomic comfort. This decision is really based on your preference as both types of loupes have their advantages and disadvantages.
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Through-The-Lens (TTL) Loupes |
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Advantages – Through-the-lens Loupes
• Simple all-in-one solution
• Cleaner look than flip-up loupes
• Slightly lighter weight
• Customized angle of declination and working distance.
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Advantages – Flip-up Loupes
• Can make multiple adjustments to angle of declination to accommodate patient positioning
• Loupes can be flipped up for charting, and then flipped down for procedures
• Easier to add and accomodate prescription changes
• Less expensive than TTL loupes
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Disadvantages – Through-the-lens Loupes
• Cannot move loupe from line of vision.
• Cannot make adjustments to angle of declination to accommodate patient positioning.
• More expensive to purchase
• Prescription changes require return to manufacturer
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Disadvantages – Flip-up Loupes
• Possibly heavier design due to hinge
• Focusing (PD Knob Adjustment) required before first use.
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So it’s really up to your personal preference. Currently, dental industry figures show that loupe usage is split between through-the-lens and flip-up wearers. At SheerVision you have your choice of either loupe design and with our 30-day trial policy – so you can be confident in making your decision.
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- Myth #3 – Magnification is only for hygienists that need vision correction.
This is not true. More loupe users are younger hygienists who learned during their recent studies the benefits of using loupes and lighting equipment.
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- Myth #4 – Magnification slows down procedures.
For any first-time loupe wearer, there is a short adjustment period in order to get comfortable wearing the loupes.
Most new users of surgical quality loupes experience some initial feelings of awkwardness and disorientation in the first week or two of use. These feelings are similar to the times you had your first pair of glasses, or when your eyeglass prescription changed.
If the user experiences these feelings, then we recommend that their loupes are only used 20-30 minutes at a time performing simple procedures.. As the user’s eyes accustom themselves to the increased magnification, then the usage period can then be extended.
After the first few weeks, loupes can enhance diagnostic and treatment procedures, and boost production due to reduced eye, neck, and back fatigue.
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- Myth #5 – Loupe quality is directly related to price
While there are “cheap” loupes in the marketplace, many of the brand-name loupes are of good optical quality.
However, by ordering manufacturer-direct — eliminating the mark-ups of dealers and distributors — SheerVision can you save up to 40% over our competitor’s prices for our surgical-quality loupes.
So with SheerVision you’re not only getting the best quality, you’re also getting the best value. As a leading supplier to over 200 dental hygiene schools nationwide, SheerVision is endorsed bay leading independent, non-profit, dental education and product testing foundation. SheerVision products have also been awarded “Best of the Best” in the Dental Lab Products Buyers Guide for 2006.
Plus there’s a 30-day trial, with a 100% money-back guarantee, unmatched personal support, and an unlimited lifetime warranty on all working parts.
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- Myth #6 - Loupe purchases require a fitting or that loupes can’t be purchased online
This final myth can be put to rest by making a purchase at SheerVision.com. We don’t require a personalized “fitting” for you to purchase a loupe. Even with our new Through-the-lens loupes can be easily fitted over the phone or online using our PerfectFit™ system that just requires three measurements.
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| C. How much magnification do I need? |
| SheerVision recommends a 2.5x level of magnification for Dental Hygienists, and also for most first-time loupe wearers.
Going beyond to a 3.0x or 3.5x will increase the level of magnification – but with a very significant reduction in the field of view. With a 2.5x loupe will allow you to see the entire arch of the mouth – rather than just a few teeth. |
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SheerVision offers two versions of its 2.5x loupe:
—The 2.5x is our original loupe design that offers a bit more range than the new ultra-light models.
—The 2.5xx is SheerVision’s exclusive Ultra-Light Loupes starting at a slim 1.5 ounces. Note that the Ultra-Light optics are used in all of our Through-the-lens loupes.
Another factor that goes hand-in-hand with the level of magnification is the working distance measurement. Choosing the correct working distance will insure that you can see the best, and at the posture.
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How do I determine my working working distance?
It varies by height and body type, but also how you sit and work with your patients. The best method is to use a tape measure, or similar measuring device. While sitting in an ergonomic position in your normal workspace, measure the distance between your eyes and the patient’s teeth. This is your specific working distance. Please note that at a 2.5x magnification that the optics will allow for 4-6” (100-150mm) for depth of field, which means you will be able to move your head closer and farther from the patient – without a loss of focus.
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| D. Balance Performance with Style |
SheerVision’s exclusive line of designer titanium frames, SV Sport frames, and loupe accessories will help balance your need for innovative optical products along with your personal sense of style.
Take your choice of frame design and color as shown here with our Through-the-lens loupes: |
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In addition for our designer-framed titanium loupe customers have a new option:
Introducing the stylish Windsor Clutch (as shown) & Black Knight Cases!
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For Additional Information |
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