There are professions such as dentistry in which your face and eyes are exposed to damage or danger, in some cases irreparable. That's why this time we will be talking about eye protection equipment which is not only protective goggles but also face protection screens. If you want to know more about the functions of goggles and protective screens, keep reading! We will give you some tips on the use, care and handling of dental equipment.
Facial Protection Screens for Dentistry
Currently, face protection visors have become very popular as a result of Covid 19. Besides preventing you from touching your face and preventing possible infection, it protects your face and eyes mainly from splinters, splashes of biological or chemical agents such as saliva, blood or contaminated foreign bodies that are harmful in dental interventions.
There are several types of protective screens that can be adapted to your needs:
- Anti-fog screens: Designed to prevent screen fogging caused by factors such as gases or mists. Created from chemicals that prevent fog-like water condensation.
- Polycarbonate Screens: Impact and heat resistant, optical transparency (no reflection)
Designed in different colors and models, most of them admit glasses and contain frames of different material and fixation.
Use of face protection screens in dental clinics
It is true that protective masks protect you from splashes and harmful external biological agents, they do not protect you from airborne agents or chemical sprays. Therefore, we recommend its use together with surgical masks.
Depending on the manufacturer, most of the face shields contain a plastic protector that must be removed when the equipment is assembled. The parts are separated, so you will have to assemble them following the instructions.
Each assembly is different according to the brand but if you want an idea on how to do it this video will help you: How to assemble a face protection screen? by IDELT.
Face shield assembly video
Dental Protection Goggles
Protective goggles are part of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and are regulated by European standards. This standard emphasizes the use of them to avoid exposure to chemical or biological agents that affect both the dentist and the patient, so both must use protective lenses.
More than 90% of eye injuries in the workplace can be avoided by wearing protective eyewear.
Although most glasses have the same function there are different types, the most common ones are:
- Transparent polycarbonate glasses: Thanks to this material, the glasses are very transparent, more resistant and rigid in any impact.
- Side protection goggles: They allow you full eye coverage as they cover the side of the face and eyes making you feel safer.
- UV-protective goggles: UV-protective goggles are indicated to prevent the incidence of blue light emitted by light-curing lamps in the eyes.
These are just a few of the wide variety of protective goggles, although many of them contain more than one of these features: anti-scratch, anti-fog, and also have very comfortable sports designs.
How to choose quality safety screens or goggles?
When choosing your face shield or goggles you should consider the following:
- That these comply with EN166, EN170 or ISO standards to ensure their reliability.
- All parts must be certified as a whole, i.e. the frame plus lenses or screen must be certified equally.
- Take into consideration weather they are suitable for use over prescription glasses.
- You must take into account the design, resistance, robustness and ergonomics, especially if the use of these is prolonged.
- It evaluates even if they are anti-scratch or anti-fogging glasses or screens.
- Above all, they should be light and offer very good visibility .
- Those screens or glasses containing moving parts should be ensured to have a smooth drive to avoid any wear or tear.
Another very important fact is that you can observe by indicators their deterioration. The life span is approximately one year depending on the manufacturer or if you take good care of them. But do not worry there are screen replacements.
Best valued face protection screens and goggles at Dentaltix:
If you still do not know which protective equipment to buy, here are some suggestions.
Care and maintenance of face masks and goggles
To keep the screens and glasses in good condition for as long as possible you should consider:
- Clean daily using soap and water and everytime the user is changes.
- They must be disinfected periodically. In some cases disinfectant products can be implemented (as indicated by the manufacturer).
- When the equipment is not being used it must be stored, clean and dry.
- If you stop using it for a short time, be very careful to not leave the screen or eyepieces facing down to avoid scratches.
- If you find any part damaged or deteriorated, they should be replaced immediately or left out of the protection equipment.
Contagiousness and exposure to elements through the eyes and mucous membranes may be more important than you think and the use of eye and face protection equipment will help you protect that crucial part of your body, of course you need to combine it with the use of masks.
Experts insist that you pay attention to what you buy and its specifications, as there are products that, depending on the manufacturing material, can cause vision problems such as fatigue or dizziness. You must take the same care as with other protective equipment, avoiding any manipulation during use to prevent contagion or contact with harmful agents.
Do you think the use of these products has become a fad because of covid-19 or is it a necessity? If you wish you can share this information with those who are at the forefront of protection in the dental world. And do not forget that you can find more tips and suggestions here .
