Hey there, would any practicing dentist or any dental students with the experience of buying dental and surgical loupes help me? Please
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I would love to know how do you guys choose them and where is the best place to buy them in Canada/US (best brand/ online vs store etc).
Thanks in advance <3
Shop around for frames that you like. I personally prefer sport frames, which support the frames on the entire bridge of the nose rather than just 2 points. Once you decide on a pair of frames that you like, the representative will take measurements and have them custom made for you. The vendors usually visit the dental schools a few times a year, and you can also find them at regional dental conventions.
There are other things to consider. While they are all generally priced about the same for 2.5x, Q-optics has that same price for 3.0 and 3.5x (the 3.5x prisms with expanded field are more). The light is also something to consider, as they are usually paired with the frames and won't fit other manufacturers. Some would argue that the light is more valuable than the magnification. Designs for Vision and Orascoptic have wireless lights but, again, those cost extra. Q-optics makes adapters that allow their light to fit any frame.
Customer service is also another factor. The swiss loupe makers are really great. but they are pricier and servicing your loupes may take longer and the reps may not be as readily available.
Do you have a prescription? Most frames can be made to your prescription, but some, like DSV's Nike sport frames cannot. Does your prescription change a lot? You may want to go with contacts and prescription-free loupes. Other brands, Sandy-Grendel and Q-optics come to mind, have prescription inserts that clip into the frames. You can change them for $100 as your prescription changes and have the option of using your loupes with contact lenses when you want to.
Lastly, warranty. Many manufacturers will have a lifetime warranty on any parts they make: the telescopes, the lenses, and the frames. If the frames are made by someone else (ex DSV Nike frames, Surgitel Oakley frames) the warranty is limited.
I went with the DSV Nike frames 2.5x for my first pair because of the comfort and because DSV is based in Long Island, very close to where I was in school at NYU. I took advantage of the student discount and got a the Q-optics 3.5x prism because my prescription is getting worse and I don't like contacts - having the option of swapping out the insert instead of getting a whole new pair of loupes appealed to me. Also, Q-Optics has a lifetime warranty on the frame as well as the scopes.
Hope you found this more helpful than confusing!
