Dental Loupes

[Kong57]

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Hey All,

I recently started my first year of dental school and am getting ready to purchase my first set of loupes. I would like some advice on what magnification to get. As of right now, I am having a hard time deciding between 2.5X and 3.0X. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DrReo]

Hey All,

I recently started my first year of dental school and am getting ready to purchase my first set of loupes. I would like some advice on what magnification to get. As of right now, I am having a hard time deciding between 2.5X and 3.0X. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Bigger, the better.

I'd recommend the DFV 3.5 explanded field.

 

[HupHolland]

Bigger, the better.

I'd recommend the DFV 3.5 explanded field.

+1. Buddy Holly's, baby.

 

[FutureDent020]

3.5 for a 1st year student? Why? Our surgitel rep said he would pretty much not sell us 3.5 without putting up a fight, and that 3.5 was really only necessary for endodonics....
I just purchased 2.5 flips and they seem perfectly fine

 

[monreal]

3.5 for a 1st year student? Why? Our surgitel rep said he would pretty much not sell us 3.5 without putting up a fight, and that 3.5 was really only necessary for endodonics....
I just purchased 2.5 flips and they seem perfectly fine

Your surgitel rep would be happier if you get X2.5 now, X3.5 in your third year, and X4.5 before you graduate! Save, go higher.

 

[monreal]

Forgot to mention. I'm using orascoptic X3.8 EV (a bit lighter than DFV X3.5 EV) and thinking of X6.

 

[FutureDent020]

Your surgitel rep would be happier if you get X2.5 now, X3.5 in your third year, and X4.5 before you graduate! Save, go higher.

Yea, I see what you're saying, just never thought 3.5+ would be necessary. Guess I will find out soon enough.

 

[DrReo]

Your surgitel rep would be happier if you get X2.5 now, X3.5 in your third year, and X4.5 before you graduate! Save, go higher.

Exactly.

One of my buddies bought the 2.5x. I told him to try my DFV 3.5 Expanded field. The next day he returned his and had an order for the 3.5x.

With the 3.5 EFx, you see so as much as the field as the 2.5x.

I'd return those suckers and try to get the 3.8 or whatever they have.

The weight for DFV hasn't been an issue. Even after 8 hours in a day....

 

[whlee84]

I really don't think a first year needs a 3.5x with expanded view. Try the 2.5x for the first 2 years of school and you can upgrade to higher magnification if you choose to, or you may not even like using loupes altogether. I know a handful of people who never use loupes cause they work faster and trust their eyesight.

I was looking into a 3.5x but they have better student discounts for the 2.5x so it was A LOT cheaper.

 

[spud daddy]

I really don't think a first year needs a 3.5x with expanded view. Try the 2.5x for the first 2 years of school and you can upgrade to higher magnification if you choose to, or you may not even like using loupes altogether. I know a handful of people who never use loupes cause they work faster and trust their eyesight.

I was looking into a 3.5x but they have better student discounts for the 2.5x so it was A LOT cheaper.

Or save $1500 by just purchasing the 3.5x right off the bat and not have to worry about upgrading in dental school.

 

[DrReo]

I really don't think a first year needs a 3.5x with expanded view. Try the 2.5x for the first 2 years of school and you can upgrade to higher magnification if you choose to, or you may not even like using loupes altogether. I know a handful of people who never use loupes cause they work faster and trust their eyesight.

I was looking into a 3.5x but they have better student discounts for the 2.5x so it was A LOT cheaper.

What is going to change in the first few years?

Having better discounts on the 2.5x is the perfect marketing. You will buy the 2.5x, realize that in 2 or 4 years (right before you graduate so you can still get the student discount) to upgrade to the 3.5x

Do it right and only purchase one. I can promise you that the 3.5x will not disappoint you!

 

[HupHolland]

3.5 for a 1st year student? Why? Our surgitel rep said he would pretty much not sell us 3.5 without putting up a fight, and that 3.5 was really only necessary for endodonics....
I just purchased 2.5 flips and they seem perfectly fine

They seem perfectly fine because you don't know any better. Trust me. I bought 2.5's first year and ended up upgrading to 3.5's 3rd year. I wasted $1000 on my 2.5's.... That's a spring break trip to mexico. Twice. Think about it..

Hup

 

[LNinlove]

Or save $1500 by just purchasing the 3.5x right off the bat and not have to worry about upgrading in dental school.

I agree, plus you learn with the 3.5x's and don't have a curve to get over later in school or practice.

 

[jay47]

Yea, I see what you're saying, just never thought 3.5+ would be necessary. Guess I will find out soon enough.

LOL, seriously man, why are you giving advice on what loupes to get when you have never even used your own in a mouth? The surgitel rep used the ol "I won't sell you X now" because he will gladly sell it to you later. I would have said, if I were to do it again, well, then I'll have to buy them from someone else.

I have 2.5, but if I were to do it again, I would definitely go with 3.5.

 

[Vicviper]

LOL, seriously man, why are you giving advice on what loupes to get when you have never even used your own in a mouth? The surgitel rep used the ol "I won't sell you X now" because he will gladly sell it to you later. I would have said, if I were to do it again, well, then I'll have to buy them from someone else.

I have 2.5, but if I were to do it again, I would definitely go with 3.5.

Yeah, the surgitel rep said the same thing to me, but I ended up going with the DSV 3.5x regular field, and they're working out just fine, I can still see 3-4 teeth - plus it's only like 80 bucks more than the 2.5. And yeah, you don't NEED loupes your first year, I did the entire first year without them and did really well in amalgam and composite, but I just got them to save my back. If anything, your future self will thank you for the lack of chiropractor bills, haha.

Also, most of my friends who all got 2.5 at the beginning now wish they could have gotten 3.5.

 

[xtractime]

My new pair of loupes are 2.5x even after my first pair were also 2.5x. they work fine for me. My friend got the 3.5x expanded field and those suckers were heavy when I tried them on....albeit you could see more obviously. i personally don't like a lot of weight on my nosebridge and the 2.5x's got the job done for me. its def a matter or personal preference.

with that said.....i have some Surgitel Oakley 2.5x flip up loupes for sale if anyone is interested shoot me a PM and I can send you more details and pictures if you want.

 

[DrReo]

My new pair of loupes are 2.5x even after my first pair were also 2.5x. they work fine for me. My friend got the 3.5x expanded field and those suckers were heavy when I tried them on....albeit you could see more obviously. i personally don't like a lot of weight on my nosebridge and the 2.5x's got the job done for me. its def a matter or personal preference.

with that said.....i have some Surgitel Oakley 2.5x flip up loupes for sale if anyone is interested shoot me a PM and I can send you more details and pictures if you want.

Everyone complains about the weight. Honestly, the weight is tough to notice if the strap around your head is snug (blanked out on the name of the strap).

 

[DrReo]

Yeah, the surgitel rep said the same thing to me, but I ended up going with the DSV 3.5x regular field, and they're working out just fine, I can still see 3-4 teeth - plus it's only like 80 bucks more than the 2.5. And yeah, you don't NEED loupes your first year, I did the entire first year without them and did really well in amalgam and composite, but I just got them to save my back. If anything, your future self will thank you for the lack of chiropractor bills, haha.

Also, most of my friends who all got 2.5 at the beginning now wish they could have gotten 3.5.

The expanded field is nice because you can see the entire arch.

They cost more, but you pay for what you get.

 

[dl9006]

The expanded field is nice because you can see the entire arch.

They cost more, but you pay for what you get.

our loupes were included in the instrument cost at our school.

can we still return the ones we got fitted for and get the 3.5X expanded field loupe from design for visions even though we already ordered our loupes?

 

[DrReo]

our loupes were included in the instrument cost at our school.

can we still return the ones we got fitted for and get the 3.5X expanded field loupe from design for visions even though we already ordered our loupes?

Did they give you a 45 day trial?

Most places did at out loupe vendor fair. I had a 45 day trial and asked for it to be extended and they did (took a few extra days for shipping).

At your school, are you doing operative first semester or just dental anatomy?

 

[dl9006]

Did they give you a 45 day trial?

Most places did at out loupe vendor fair. I had a 45 day trial and asked for it to be extended and they did (took a few extra days for shipping).

At your school, are you doing operative first semester or just dental anatomy?

unfortunately, i believe we start pre-clinical in the 2nd semester. i remember the rep saying that we have a 45 day trial.


it seems like everyone is in favor of getting the 3.5X expanded field right off the bat over the 2.5x loupes.


so i should return the 2.5X loupes and ask the rep if i can order the 3.5X right?

anyone know how much do the 3.5X expanded field loupes from design for visions cost?

thank you for your help. 👍

it sucks how they make us decide what loupes we want when we don't know anything yet!

 

[HupHolland]

everyone complains about the weight. Honestly, the weight is tough to notice if the strap around your head is snug (blanked out on the name of the strap).

chums.

 

[DrReo]

unfortunately, i believe we start pre-clinical in the 2nd semester. i remember the rep saying that we have a 45 day trial.


it seems like everyone is in favor of getting the 3.5X expanded field right off the bat over the 2.5x loupes.


so i should return the 2.5X loupes and ask the rep if i can order the 3.5X right?

anyone know how much do the 3.5X expanded field loupes from design for visions cost?

thank you for your help. 👍

it sucks how they make us decide what loupes we want when we don't know anything yet!

I want to say it was $1500 + tax. The warranty slip doesn't have the price on it.

I also went with a featherlite (500$). The 3.5x ef with that light is the Ferrari of the works. You wont need that light for waxing, but it awesome for pros and operative.
You pay for what you get.

The prices maybe less or more. Depending on what student discounts they have at the time. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.

 

[dentalservant]

Its all about ebay loupes. 3.5x flip ups for $150. A bunch of my classmates bought loupes from this one company, exact same as mine except for a little logo and they paid $250.

 

[DrReo]

Its all about ebay loupes. 3.5x flip ups for $150. A bunch of my classmates bought loupes from this one company, exact same as mine except for a little logo and they paid $250.

This idea sounds grand, but with optics, you pay for what you get.

I've compared the two and you can bet they are not the same.

 

[Lurchdubious]

I got Heine 2.5's and I like them a lot; some of the best glass of all the major brands I tried on. I bought them first year, knowing that I'd be getting a 2nd pair w/higher mag before graduation. I want to have 2 sets of loupes, so that when I'm practicing in a few years and my favorite set breaks, I'll have a backup while the others are fixed. My buddy has the 3.5 DFV buddy holly setup and LOVES it. I have no idea what I'll go with when I get 'em next year, but they'll be 3.5-4.0 mag.

 

[FutureDent020]

LOL, seriously man, why are you giving advice on what loupes to get when you have never even used your own in a mouth? The surgitel rep used the ol "I won't sell you X now" because he will gladly sell it to you later. I would have said, if I were to do it again, well, then I'll have to buy them from someone else.

I have 2.5, but if I were to do it again, I would definitely go with 3.5.

What are you talking about? I never gave advice about loupes. I'm asking for advice...

 

[dl9006]

I want to say it was $1500 + tax. The warranty slip doesn't have the price on it.

I also went with a featherlite (500$). The 3.5x ef with that light is the Ferrari of the works. You wont need that light for waxing, but it awesome for pros and operative.
You pay for what you get.

The prices maybe less or more. Depending on what student discounts they have at the time. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.

DrReo, are the expanded field loupes only offered from design for visions or are there other brands that sell it?
also for 3.5X mag, does the light become a necessity?


thanks for all the insight everyone!
i don't understand why they make us buy the loupes so early when we don't know anything about them yet..
this thread has been very helpful

 

[zriceman]

DrReo, are the expanded field loupes only offered from design for visions or are there other brands that sell it?
also for 3.5X mag, does the light become a necessity?


thanks for all the insight everyone!
i don't understand why they make us buy the loupes so early when we don't know anything about them yet..
this thread has been very helpful

You should take a look at orascoptic HiRes Plus 3.8x. That's also the expanded field loupe. You see the entire arch with it. The price is about 1295 w/o shipping. DFV 3.5 EF is 1500 w/o shipping. Orascoptic is bit lighter and has adjustable working distance as well. Both prices are current as of now. I bought the DEFV 4.5 EF instead. Will have to see if i can get used to it after wearing them for sometime.

A light source is a requirement when you go up in power else the lack of strong lighting may give you difficulties in focusing and may cause headaches.

 

[dl9006]

You should take a look at orascoptic HiRes Plus 3.8x. That's also the expanded field loupe. You see the entire arch with it. The price is about 1295 w/o shipping. DFV 3.5 EF is 1500 w/o shipping. Orascoptic is bit lighter and has adjustable working distance as well. Both prices are current as of now. I bought the DEFV 4.5 EF instead. Will have to see if i can get used to it after wearing them for sometime.

A light source is a requirement when you go up in power else the lack of strong lighting may give you difficulties in focusing and may cause headaches.

are those prices with or without the light?

expensive....

 

[DrReo]

DrReo, are the expanded field loupes only offered from design for visions or are there other brands that sell it?
also for 3.5X mag, does the light become a necessity?


thanks for all the insight everyone!
i don't understand why they make us buy the loupes so early when we don't know anything about them yet..
this thread has been very helpful

I honestly am not sure how common EF is. You should be able to call the local reps and try them out. When you test them out for the first ones, have them right up an order form and if you like them over the later, they can just submit that order.

If that 3.8x is not expanded field you will only be limited to several teeth. That's why there is more weight on the 3.5efx to see that entire arch. The weight honestly doesn't bother me, especially with the chums tight. A light isn't a necessity, but it is extremely nice to have light when you move your head and direct light where you are preparing bridges. Don't need to worry about over head light. There's a reason why a lot of dentists are going to these lights .

 

[DrReo]

3.5 for a 1st year student? Why? Our surgitel rep said he would pretty much not sell us 3.5 without putting up a fight, and that 3.5 was really only necessary for endodonics....
I just purchased 2.5 flips and they seem perfectly fine

Yea, I see what you're saying, just never thought 3.5+ would be necessary. Guess I will find out soon enough.

Cannot suggest they are perfectly fine if you've never used them!

 

[zriceman]

are those prices with or without the light?

expensive....

those are w/o the light. I got DFV for 1500 and their light (that goes on the head instead of loupe light) for 400 as a combo deal. The light would have been around 800 to 900 if i bought it separably.

Yes, the price tag is significantly more compared to a their 2.5x (prob under $1k), but chances are you will go up in power by the time you graduate. Then you will have to fork over another 1+k for another set of loupe and you wont have your student discount. I bought a medlight 3.5x normal field loupe for 200 b/c i didnt think the higher priced loupe made much difference, but it was night and day. The medlite will be my back up loupe.

Oh shipping and handling for orascoptic and DFV would prob be another $100 😀

 

[DrReo]

are those prices with or without the light?

expensive....

That's without the light. The featherlite runs about 600 with the composite shield.


zriceman Tell us how you like the 4.5x's!

 

[zriceman]

That's without the light. The featherlite runs about 600 with the composite shield.


zriceman Tell us how you like the 4.5x's!

Will do! Hopefully I don't chicken out and switch it back for 3.5 EF b/c i know down the road i would be itching for more power

Do you have the 3.5 EF with the black buddy holy frames? The 4.5 EF feels like a tank on my nose.

 

[DrReo]

Will do! Hopefully I don't chicken out and switch it back for 3.5 EF b/c i know down the road i would be itching for more power

Do you have the 3.5 EF with the black buddy holy frames? The 4.5 EF feels like a tank on my nose.

I do have the 3.5x EF. No doubt they are larger and there is a reason why they last so long. Tighten the chums and make sure you have good posture. If you're trying to lean over, it'll create a lot more weight since your head will not be situated over long axis of your body. It took a little bit to get used to the nose pieces but after that, I would replaced them in a heart beat.

 

[monreal]

I do have the 3.5x EF. No doubt they are larger and there is a reason why they last so long. Tighten the chums and make sure you have good posture. If you're trying to lean over, it'll create a lot more weight since your head will not be situated over long axis of your body. It took a little bit to get used to the nose pieces but after that, I would replaced them in a heart beat.

What he said! The colleagues I know who complain about weight or do not use loupes anymore all work hunched over. It's all about posture, which is controlled to a great extent by your working distance. When the rep is measuring yours, make sure you sit straight, thighs parallel to the floor, neck slightly flexed and the dummy head mouth is close to your body at the level of your elbows. I am 6'2" and my loupes has 22.5' working distance. They force me to sit correct.

 

[Ark413]

I have a pair of Surgitel 2.5X flip down M Frame Oakley loupes I am looking to sell. I am a 4th year at UT Memphis and have switched to through the lense loupes so am not in need of these anymore. I rarely used these and they are in great condition and come with original hard case, neck strap, and cleaning cloth. Never took the lense cover off the loupes. Was going to put them on ebay but thought I would give people on this forum first shot. You can reach me by email at [email protected] or [email protected]

Paid around $850 at student discount and am selling them for $550 OBO.

 

[civiapt]

DrReo, do you find that the light output of the featherlite is sufficient for your DFV 3.5x ef? When we get fitted for our loupes at the end of this month we have the option to get either the DFV daylite or daylite mini and I'm trying to decide if I should go with either. I'm leaning towards the daylite mini to save some weight, which has similar light intensity as the featherlite.

Has anyone had experience with any of the DFV led lights?

 

[FutureDent020]

Cannot suggest they are perfectly fine if you've never used them!

Used my neighbors 2.5 TTL's for my first prep and "they seemed perfectly fine". Of course my experience is far, far less than 2nd, 3rd, 4th year students and dentists. But that is where my use of "seem" came from. And am I in no way arguing against anyone. For some reason my curiosity was viewed as me trying to give advice. You guys are tough man.

Note: I will be using my 2.5's for 90 days then be utilizing the return policy and getting the 3.5 expanded field. So I am definitely not advocating that 2.5's are the way to go.

 

[jay47]

Used my neighbors 2.5 TTL's for my first prep and "they seemed perfectly fine". Of course my experience is far, far less than 2nd, 3rd, 4th year students and dentists. But that is where my use of "seem" came from. And am I in no way arguing against anyone. For some reason my curiosity was viewed as me trying to give advice. You guys are tough man.

Note: I will be using my 2.5's for 90 days then be utilizing the return policy and getting the 3.5 expanded field. So I am definitely not advocating that 2.5's are the way to go.

Okay, I was probably a little harsh earlier. I interpreted your post as a support for 2.5, but in reality you did just say "seems just fine". Didn't mean to offend you at all, just didn't think that your limited experience would qualify as great advice, especially when you quoted the rep from Surgitel.

When it comes down to it, 2.5 will be fine, 3.5 will be fine, etc...but from my many hours in the lab, I can say that I wish I would have gotten the 3.5 extended FOV. Just my opinion though.

 

[DrReo]

DrReo, do you find that the light output of the featherlite is sufficient for your DFV 3.5x ef? When we get fitted for our loupes at the end of this month we have the option to get either the DFV daylite or daylite mini and I'm trying to decide if I should go with either. I'm leaning towards the daylite mini to save some weight, which has similar light intensity as the featherlite.

Has anyone had experience with any of the DFV led lights?

Works perfectly fine. I do not utilize the light full power. I feel it fatigues my eyes sometimes.

 

[civiapt]

Works perfectly fine. I do not utilize the light full power. I feel it fatigues my eyes sometimes.

Thanks for the feedback. Have you had any experience or heard from others who have used DFV lights? It seems like the featherlite and lumadent are two popular choices and I'm curious if the DFV daylite mini is comparable.

 

[zriceman]

Thanks for the feedback. Have you had any experience or heard from others who have used DFV lights? It seems like the featherlite and lumadent are two popular choices and I'm curious if the DFV daylite mini is comparable.

I just ordered the DFV daylight with headband. The Daylight is slightly bigger and heavier and brighter than the daylight mini, but I got them to go on my head else I d be wearing a brick if i put them on my already heavy azz loupe. if u got qs about the light i can answer them in few weeks.

 

[DrReo]

Thanks for the feedback. Have you had any experience or heard from others who have used DFV lights? It seems like the featherlite and lumadent are two popular choices and I'm curious if the DFV daylite mini is comparable.

I have only tried it out at a demo. I know two people who has the DFV mini. they haven't complained about it. So, I assume their experience was pleasant, thus far. I went with the heavier loupes, so I decided to go with the smaller light. Wish I could help more.

 

[wantorthogpa2]

guys whats the cheapest 3.5? and apart from the loupe magnifiers, does the glass fitted to the frame come in prescription? doable?