Thanks for clarifying - I wasn't quite sure (you must forgive me - but
after reading all about "loops" ;-) - see my first post - I thought it
might have been a typo). Obviously, I should have known better (with
the answer coming from a "Steve" :-)). And thanks for the explanation
below!

    I meant denture procedures.  IMO while I suppose magnification could
possibly see minute voids in impressions, defects in partial frames etc.
generally I don't see much utility.  It is also useful to do try-ins and
other procedures involving esthetics using wide unobstructed
vision--seeing things as others would.
    OTOH, most operative (drilling, restoring), endodontic, and periodontal
procedures benefit from magnification.
    I'm a relatively recent convert to using loupes.  First I tried the
Oroscoptic 2.5X, but found them very difficult to use mounted on a
bifocal lens (in my civilian life I use progressive bifocals).  They
were also rather uncomfortable on my nose due to their weight.  I now
use Designs for Vision 2X, which are less uncomfortable.  They are
mounted on a monovision lens halfway between the upper and lower of my
bifocal prescription.  My brother who started with the Designs for
Vision 2X has moved onto these ridiculous-looking 4.5X, which in order
to have a usable depth of field are very, very long.  It took him a
while, but he has gotten used to them.
    Most endodontists around here are now using operating microscopes,
which have adjustable magnifications usually in the 6-30X range.  These
have helped detect small canals which previously might have been missed.
    A few years ago there was a dentist whose name (IIRC) was Glen Van As,
from Vancouver.  He was advocating operating microscopes for all
operative dental procedures.  Personally I think this is overkill, but
I'm sure there are times when it would be very nice to have.

Steve

Thanks for this :-) (did you mean "dental" rather than "denture"
procedures? and how are "operative" as opposed to non-operative
procedures defined in dentistry?).

I actually found the extract from the book I mentioned above:

"Here are a few guidelines to follow and questions to ask when you are
looking for the right dental professional for you and/or your family:

Does the dentist wear special magnification lenses? This is essential
for doing quality work because dental procedures are precise and the
dentist is working in a small, dark area on a small object. Most
up-to-date dentists will tell you that they would not want to get their
dental work done by a dentist who is not using high-tech, high-powered
lenses."

    This is definitely procedure-specific.  A dentist with normal corrected
vision hardly needs magnification for denture procedures.  However, for
most operative procedures they are a definite advantage.  For some
procedures operating microscopes are becoming the standard of care.

Steve

In a book by Mac Lee, I read a while back that one of the defining
characteristics (for consumers) of a good dentist is the use of loupes.
I'd forgotten all about it, until I came across the following thread on
www.dentistry.com today:

--------------------
Darius
posted 07-25-2005 01:04 AM

Hello,

I need a few cavities filled. I have seen some doctors who use
magnifiers/microscopes for all dental procedures. I am embarrassed to
insist that my doctor should use them if he is going to fill my
cavities--I would feel much better if he did. Is this reasonable?

Thanks
----------

Jeffrey L. Wissot, DDS
posted 07-25-2005 07:21 PM

Interesting question. I practiced 30 years without using loops. Some
dentists prefer them. I think it's really a matter of personal
preference.

-------------------

What is your take on this topic? What percentage of dentists use loupes
for all procedures? Is it one of the surefire characteristics of a good
dentist? How necessary are loupes? And for what procedures? Any
comments would be appreciated - cheers :-) !