When it comes to precision, microscopes are a great help
It is reliable and popular and it facilitates the work for many dental technicians: the dental microscopy. Light microscopy technology has been used since the end of the 16th Century to magnify structures that can only be distinguished with difficulty or not at all with the naked eye. This effect is achieved with the use of optical lenses. There are many different microscopes on the dental market and at least as many differences between them. This blog give you a short, simple description of how an optical lens should be, which lighting also illuminates the minutest details and also what features are good in a microscope in terms of handling.
The optics
The decisive aspect for producing a sharp image with a digital camera is not the number of pixels but the quality of the optics. This also applies to microscopes: it is not the greatest possible magnification but the quality of the lenses that defines the difference in quality. In geometric optics a differentiation is made between spherical and aspherical lenses, whereby aspherical lenses have a big advantage: they do not distort the margins, so that the object can be seen completely sharp in focus.
Lighting
Good optics in the microscope are not any use if the object disappears in the darkness. Only the correct lighting ensures a better view. It is essential that the lighting should be matched to the microscope, as otherwise it may be the case that the focus, which is defined by the working distance, lies outside the beam of light. Laterally arranged LED lighting with different luminous intensities have proven particularly successful in microscopy. They also enable contrast-rich surface assessment (diffused light) and also guarantee good illumination (directed light) with different materials.
In contrast to microscopes with ring lights (right illustration) the LED light of the Mobiloskop S (left illustration) produces a contrast-rich surface with simultaneous high illumination
Working distance
If the working distance between the microscope and object is too small, it can result in the observer experiencing long-term stresses and back pain. In contrast, the correct distance promotes ergonomic working. The working distance should therefore not be too small, so that the dental technician can assume a comfortable, upright posture. A distance of 150 mm (5.91 inches) has proven to be an optimal working distance.
Support arm
The support arm has two important functions: it holds the microscope in the required position and ensures that the hands and working space are free during microscope operation. However, still further properties are practical in the dental laboratory: as a microscope is not available for every technician, the support arm should be able to swivel around 360 degrees and have an adequately large radius of action – this also provides colleagues with a fresh view of their work. The spring tension for this should be designed, so that the weight of the microscope and lighting is reliably maintained during maximum extension.
Convenience
In addition to the attractive and timeless optics, the operating convenience is also an important criterion for purchasing a microscope. Simple pushing away and pulling towards one is now taken for granted. Screw clamps, which are suitable for both thin and thick worktops, have proven successful in ensuring quick, flexible installation of the support arm.
The Mobiloskop S
With the Mobiloskop S Renfert has developed a dental microscope, which provides dental technicians with a flexible and reliable support during precision work and control of details. It meets all light optical and technical requirements of a modern microscope. Thus it combines optics, which have been proven over decades, with innovative, laterally arranged LED lighting (according to the PerfectView concept) and now also with an optimized, infinitely adjustable support arm which can be used for up to four workplaces. Renfert has been successful in further improving a product which was already good. In brief: the Mobiloskop S provides dental technicians with a significant increase in precision and an optimum view of details, promotes efficient handling and saves technicians from developing head and back pain!”
