Enhanced visualization during dental practice using magnification systems.

The practice of dentistry involves viewing and evaluating small details of teeth, soft tissues, restorations, casts, and instruments. Although normal vision often is adequate to view details to make treatment decisions, the use of magnification loupes provides the clinician with an increased image size for improved visual acuity and improved posture while practicing. There are many choices when selecting a magnifying system. This article recommends the use of a binocular surgical telescope, either a flip-up type or a fixed-lens system, because it affords the clinician more choices in power of magnification, working distance, field of view, depth of field, and working angulation for improved posture.