A Guide to Choosing the Best Type and Size of Dental Mirrors
Dentists rely on the mouth mirror to see around surfaces that would otherwise block their view. It can also be used to reflect light to hard-to-reach areas of the mouth when soft tissues such as the tongue or cheek are required to be moved aside. This tool allows dentists to see difficult-to-see areas of the mouth without having to put themselves in uncomfortable or awkward positions. This prevents the dentist from wearing out their body.
Types of Mouth Mirror
Examining a patient’s mouth can be accomplished with several different mirrors. Choosing the right mouth mirror for your practice requires deliberation and an awareness of how each mirror is unique.
Concave mirrors magnify the reflected image of the mouth, making it easier to see between the gums and the cheek or between the tongue and the gums. A simple reflection is created with these mirrors’ smooth surfaces. Double-sided mirrors are excellent for retracting soft tissue like the tongue or cheek, reflecting the desired region.
- Front Surface Mirrors: This mirror helps to produce an image clear from distortion, being a simple reflection.
- Concave Mirrors: These mirrors have a curved surface that has a magnifying effect on the portion of the mouth that is reflected. It’s a good choice for viewing between the gums and cheek and the tongue and gums.
- Double-Sided Mirrors: These mirrors are perfect for retracting soft tissues like the tongue or cheek while providing a reflective surface for viewing the desired area.
Composite units, which are created by joining a headpiece and a handle piece, are available in all cases. Single-piece units are the only ones that can be discarded when they become worn or broken. Disposable mouth mirrors, which help prevent infection spread, are another option. They are discarded between uses and do not require sterilization because they are opened before they are thrown away.
Size Of The Mirror:
The sizes of mouth mirrors vary from No. 0, which is 14 millimeters, to No. 10, which is 55 millimeters. The most commonly employed sizes are No. 4 and No. 5, which measure 0.18 and 0.20 millimeters, respectively. No. 2 is generally used in smaller areas. A lot of sets include every size in their range.
The commonly available sizes of mouth mirrors:
- No. 0 – 014mm
- No. 1 – 016mm
- No. 2 – 018 mm
- No. 3 – 020 mm
- No. 4 – 022 mm
- No. 5 – 024 mm
- No. 6 – 026mm
- No. 7 – 028mm
- No. 8 – 030mm
- No. 9 – 040 mm
- No. 10 – 055 mm
Because there are many mouth mirror suppliers, it’s hard to know which one to choose. We obtained data from respected dental associations such as The Dental Advisor and came up with a list of the finest disposable sets and manufacturers on the market today.
1. Flecha Disposable Mouth Mirrors by Pulpdent Corporation
Nte32 Ratings: Five stars out of 4 Reviews
Awards: 4 ½ stars out of 5 stars, at 83% clinical rating by Dental Advisor
Dentists can benefit from Flecta’s innovative disposable mirrors; their elongated mirrors offer a 40% bigger viewing area and allow for easy removal of the protective coating. The double-sided mirror is easy to see with a back-side light reflector on the back. Its scratch-resistant surface and comfortable handle make it a low-cost option.
Pulpdent Price: $56.35
Net32 Price: $44.60
2. Crystal HD Mouth Mirrors by Zirc Dental Products
Net32 Ratings: Five stars out of 1 Review
Awards: Five out of Five stars at 96% clinical rating by Dental Advisor
With a 40% brighter image than traditional rhodium mirrors and a 99% true color reflection, the Crystal HD mirror lens creates a colorful, fun experience for patients. The Crystal HD mirrors are available in both #4 and #5 sizes, with plastic or stainless steel handles for convenience. Zirc Dental manufactures all of its mirrors with anti-microbial protection against bacterial growth, are autoclavable, and come in 12 neon colors to create a unique design.
Net32 Price: $71.99
3. Disposable Mouth Mirrors by Plasdent
Net32 Ratings: Five stars out of 2 Reviews
Plasdent disposable mirrors help reduce sterilization and practice management expenses by providing economic and straightforward services. These Plasdent mirrors are manufactured from a rigid acrylic material that can handle fundamental dental procedures, and their ergonomic designs include an extra-strong neck for biting and chewing situations. Until they are employed, these scratch-free disposable mirrors are suitable for pediatric practices and orthodontic appointments for applying wax and elastics due to their pull-off tabs.
Net32 Price: $11.75
4. Plastic Disposable Dental Mirrors by Bader
Dentaltix Ratings: Four stars out of 4 reviews
Bader produces dental equipment, devices, and other items at economical prices. Bader provides product choices for national and international procedures and premium disposable dental mirrors in bulk at very low costs. Because of their lightweight, ergonomic construction, Bader premium mirrors are comfortable to handle, autoclavable up to 135 degrees, and feature mirrors that don’t distort the visual field. Slippage is reduced by the texture and finish on the handle.
Dentaltix Price: € 9.63
5. Plastic Disposable Mirrors by Starline
Dentaltix Ratings: Five stars out of 4 Reviews
Starline provides dental consumers and disposables with an excellent product-to-price ratio. Starline’s disposable mirrors are individually packaged in sturdy plastic to prevent bacteria proliferation, and their mirrors deflect light to prevent glare. Dentists may use disposable mirrors for intraoral scanning and general dentistry. They offer excellent image quality and a comfortable plastic grip that is easy to hold.
Dentaltix Price: $8.81
