Mouth Mirror (Dental Mirror) – Parts, Types and Functions

Mouth Mirror is one of the most common instruments used in the Dental clinics, a part of diagnostic instruments in Dentistry. The mouth mirror has multiple functions, and it is used during the various diagnostic and treatment procedures in the field of Dentistry. The head of the mouth mirror is usually round, with various sizes depending on the diameter of the mirror. The mouth mirror has 2 parts – Handle and Head. Handle is of a specific exact length with most of the manufacturers, and only the size of the head changes, depending on the requirement.

Types of Mouth Mirrors:

The mouth mirror is of different types, depending on the mirror type. The various types are –

• Front surface mirrors – This produces a perfect, accurate and an image free of any distortion or change in size.
  Flat surface mirrors – This type of mouth mirror is used in the disposable models.
• Concave mirrors – This type of mirror is used to magnify the image, and it makes the visible area look larger to provide a better image of the area for diagnosis, especially the gums and areas between the teeth and gums.
• Double-sided mirrors – It is used to retract the cheek or tongue, and on the same time, to view the other side in an indirect view simultaneously.

Sizes of Mouth Mirrors:

• Size 1 – Ø 16 mm
• Size 2 – Ø 18 mm
• Size 3 – Ø 20 mm
• Size 4 – Ø 22 mm
• Size 5 – Ø 24 mm

Functions of the Mouth Mirror:

• Providing indirect vision of any part of the oral cavity
• To provide indirect illumination on the gums and teeth where direct light doesn’t reach
• To retract the lips, cheek and tongue
• Viewing the back of the molar teeth, especially the last molars and the gum, tartar problems behind the last tooth

The indirect illumination (or) light reflection is most commonly needed in the posterior and lingual regions of the maxillary anterior regions. The mouth mirror even helps the dentists and hygienists prevent sitting in improper sitting positions on the side chair, which would have later caused problems due to improper posture. The poor postural problems would affect in a chronic way, especially in the neck and back region.

Apart from their usage in the Dental offices, the Dental mirrors are even used in the labs for various purposes where the direct vision is practically difficult.

The Mouth Mirrors are either made with the handle and the head attached to each other, and the entire piece has to be replaced when the image clarity doesn’t remain the same, or they are even made with the head screwed onto the handle and only the head can be replaced on the same handle later on. The mirror head is a little angled, making it easier for Dentists to send into the sulcal regions between the teeth and cheek and provide the indirect vision.

The most commonly used Mouth Mirrors are the No. 4 and No. 5 mirrors, and the No. 2 mirror is the commonly used one when a smaller area is accessible and operable, and even when a rubber dam is placed and there is little access for the mouth mirror to be placed and provide the vision and illumination.