which LOUPES to get???

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ilovemangoes

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Hi all, I'm a D1 and so far I've kind of been avoiding thinking about buying loupes...but i might need them next semester as we start operative!

can anyone recommend types, companies.. i have only heard designs for vision being recommended....

Thanks!
 
I'll second Designs for Vision...We got a good price for ours, and they will keep adjusting them until they are perfect for you.
 
DFV is good, Orascoptic, Surgitel, even Brassler. I have Heine loupes and I like them, but I will also be getting a 2nd pair of either Surgitel, Orascoptic, or DFV in higher mag before graduation. You have to try out at least a couple sets before you can make a decision.
 
You know, there are some really great threads on this already. I mean, really helpful things.

That being said, I recommend 3.5 expanded field loupes from Designs For Vision. And the headlight. Gotta have a headlight. Loupes and headlight go together like PB and J.
 
You know, there are some really great threads on this already. I mean, really helpful things.

That being said, I recommend 3.5 expanded field loupes from Designs For Vision. And the headlight. Gotta have a headlight. Loupes and headlight go together like PB and J.

But would you recommend a 3.5x for someone who has not had loops before...? I remember when I was buying they always said 2.5x then to upgrade. (Could be their marketing deal)

What did you end up paying for your expanded field? If I recall,you built your own light, right?
 
But would you recommend a 3.5x for someone who has not had loops before...? I remember when I was buying they always said 2.5x then to upgrade. (Could be their marketing deal)

What did you end up paying for your expanded field? If I recall,you built your own light, right?

My first (and current) loupes are 3.5x. It takes some getting used to wearing loupes in general, and I had no problems adjusting after a couple days with them. The issue with 3.5x as opposed to 2.5x is a narrower field of vision. This problem is solved with the DFV extended view which I would recommend given that you are not limited by cost.
 
Id recommend Heine Loupes all the way...they only offer flip ups, but have the best glass hands down
 
But would you recommend a 3.5x for someone who has not had loops before...? I remember when I was buying they always said 2.5x then to upgrade. (Could be their marketing deal)

What did you end up paying for your expanded field? If I recall,you built your own light, right?

I would indeed recommend them first thing. I did and never regretted it. Here is the problem with upgrading later. By the time that you realize that want more magnification you are already mid-stream into your pre-clin courses, with practicals and projects near continuous. Are you going to send your loupes away then for a couple weeks while you wait for your next set? Nah, you will just stick it out with what you got and make do.

Not one person that I know who got the 3.5 expanded fields ever said "I wish I would have just gotten the 2.5's, these are a waste of money." BUT almost every person who tried the 3.5s after using the 2.5 said that they wished they had the 3.5's.
 
thanks so much for all the advicE!!! 😀
 
I have Heine 2.5's and would like to get a higher mag. I'll wait a while to do so, but I don't think I would have minded getting a higher mag from the get go. Try some out and see what you think.

Scott
 
Not one person that I know who got the 3.5 expanded fields ever said "I wish I would have just gotten the 2.5's, these are a waste of money." BUT almost every person who tried the 3.5s after using the 2.5 said that they wished they had the 3.5's.

I agree 100%. I have surgitel 2.5x. Not bad, but going back I'd have bought something in 3.5x. Consider that you'll be using loupes every school/work day for the rest of your life. Get the best.
 
my recommendation: orascoptic 3.5x TTL titanium frames with ultralight optics light. I have 2.5x orascoptic sport frames now, but in hindsight I wish I had higher mag and titanium frames because they are more durable.

Hup
 
I have 2.5x DFV w/ their light weight light. Good deal and crazy good costumer service. Only thing I don't like about my loupes is the Nike frame. I suggest getting some of the sturdier frames like the "Tank" a.k.a "Buddy Holly" frames. Oroscopic also makes some nice loupes.
 
Personally, I don't have or use loupes. A good clinician should be able to everything with hand instruments and a mirror. Save the money and use it to buy food.
 
I have orascoptic and I love using them. The mag is 2.5x, but technically they said it's a bit more in mag (~2.8x) so it works out perfectly for me.
 
Personally, I don't have or use loupes. A good clinician should be able to everything with hand instruments and a mirror. Save the money and use it to buy food.

I disagree. Ergonomics is already a standing problem in dentistry. One of the biggest issues with dentistry is that you have dentists' getting spine problems long term because of years of bad posture. I feel although loupes may not be necessary for the particular procedure, if you were to work correctly, realistically you're not going to be able to do as good of work as compared to someone who can see the grooves of the tooth a whole lot better when wearing them.
 
I disagree. Ergonomics is already a standing problem in dentistry. One of the biggest issues with dentistry is that you have dentists' getting spine problems long term because of years of bad posture. I feel although loupes may not be necessary for the particular procedure, if you were to work correctly, realistically you're not going to be able to do as good of work as compared to someone who can see the grooves of the tooth a whole lot better when wearing them.

sarcasm alert!! 😳

Hup
 
Oroscopic also makes some nice loupes.


I agree, Orascoptic makes a good loupe. But wait until you need good customer service, then you are screwed....
 
my recommendation: orascoptic 3.5x TTL titanium frames with ultralight optics light. I have 2.5x orascoptic sport frames now, but in hindsight I wish I had higher mag and titanium frames because they are more durable.

Hup

Does anyone know how much a light from Ultralight optics cost? I can't find this anywhere on their site.
 
I hope you're trying to be funny...
Not at all- I use hand instruments and a mirror. I also don't have x360, x360 live, internet access at my apartment, or a reliable car. Some people "need" these things. I, on the other hand, am broke. Find a co-signer and take out more loans then you'll be able to get the 4.5x expanded field loupes that will last until you retire. Don't forget the light.
 
Not at all- I use hand instruments and a mirror. I also don't have x360, x360 live, internet access at my apartment, or a reliable car. Some people "need" these things. I, on the other hand, am broke. Find a co-signer and take out more loans then you'll be able to get the 4.5x expanded field loupes that will last until you retire. Don't forget the light.

I have none of those things with the exception of the internet. Nor do I own a TV.

BUT, loupes I do. In fact our school demands it of their students. Every instructor at our school has a set and uses it daily and swears by them. Got endo? There isn't a single endodontist that doesn't use loupes or a microscope I know of. There are numerous articles about the benefits for BOTH the patient and clinician everywhere (we've had to read some in our curriculum). But I guess none of that matters if all you can see is the small picture.

I'll turn that light off for ya, g'night!
 
I've been reading a lot about these recently, one question, how many people actually have these and start wearing them in pre-clinic? I agree with the poster who said that if you are going to get them get them asap so you are better with them, but is it only a select few who use them?
 
I've been reading a lot about these recently, one question, how many people actually have these and start wearing them in pre-clinic? I agree with the poster who said that if you are going to get them get them asap so you are better with them, but is it only a select few who use them?
The vast majority of students here use them.
 
I've been reading a lot about these recently, one question, how many people actually have these and start wearing them in pre-clinic? I agree with the poster who said that if you are going to get them get them asap so you are better with them, but is it only a select few who use them?

I would say at least >70% of our class made it an effort to use them from day 1 in pre-clin because of what all the upperclassman and instructors had said to us. I would totally agree with anyone that says to get accustomed to them ASAP! I wouldn't call them a luxury, but rather as necessary as a mirror and a handpiece.
 
even if you don't like the "idea" of getting them asap..just remember your instructors will most likely be using them to grade you so you best be finding some way to see what they are GONNA see when you turn in your projects, practicals, etc.

i personally use the Heine 2.5 flipups. a bit "heavier" than most, but as someone else said best glass by far.
 
my recommendation: orascoptic 3.5x TTL titanium frames with ultralight optics light. I have 2.5x orascoptic sport frames now, but in hindsight I wish I had higher mag and titanium frames because they are more durable.

Hup

I recommend exactly this.
orascoptic 3.5X TTL titanium with ULO.
I had DFV 3.5s but I returned and got Orascoptic 3.5s. They have greater Field of vision and easy to get use to. Ultra light optics is super light and it is worth the money. I payed ~1500 for both as a student pricing.
 
Ditto for the Ultralight. I recently got one to throw on my Heine loupes and it's AWESOME.
 
What working distance do you guys suggest?

I am 5 ft 8in and thinking about getting a 2.5x with a 20 in working distance from a friend. Too long?
 
What working distance do you guys suggest?

I am 5 ft 8in and thinking about getting a 2.5x with a 20 in working distance from a friend. Too long?

You should measure your working distance. Sit down in a chair with a Cavo Head and act as if you are going to do some work. Measure the distance from your eyes to 24/25. That should approximate your working distance.
 
You should measure your working distance. Sit down in a chair with a Cavo Head and act as if you are going to do some work. Measure the distance from your eyes to 24/25. That should approximate your working distance.

whats a cavo head, and what do you mean by 24/25?
 
I have surgitel...a few of us in our class went in and we got a group discount which made a big difference in price(~1100 for loupes + light for some of us). I recommend talking to the rep to see if you can get a group discount and then emailing your class to see who is interested.
 
I have surgitel 2.5x loupes and i started using them in preclin (3+ years ago) just to get use to them. Now I wouldnt recommend doing dentistry without it! I recently purchased Design for Vision 2.5x and the student pricing is $895 for the loupes alone. I made a decision to purchase another pair of 2.5x from a different vender because my surgitel ones flex and after a while you start seeing 2 circles and it's annoying having them adjusted again and again.

I was going to increase the magnification, but after talking to a bunch of people about it I changed my mind. They told me there was no reason for a general dentist to need anything with higher magnification, its a waste of money. Another point was, if you start your career with 3.5x by the time you're a seasoned clinician, you'll be wearing 10X goggles and you'll be blind.

And about the measurements, the sales rep should be the one measuring you. Loupes don't come in a S-M-L sizes because everyones' eyes are different.
 
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