Since the introduction of amalgams, a mixing tool has been required to triturate or grind into a fine powder and mix the materials used in their creation. Since their original introduction, they have been updated for use with glass ionomers and a variety of other materials used in dentistry. These machines spin at high RPMs in a figure-eight motion to reduce the materials to powder and mix it evenly and thoroughly. The frequent use of these machines makes choosing a quality device essential, while the range of materials used requires them to be versatile in order to serve the needs of your practice.
Table 1: Comparison of numerical values
| Model | Price | Weight (lbs) | RPMs | Ratings (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimix Model VCL 100 | $1,422.70 | 8.25 | No Vibration | N/A |
| Silamat S6 | $668.95 | N/A | 4,500 | N/A |
| CM-II Trituator | $749.95 | N/A | 4,000 | 5 stars (Net32) |
| Bader Amalgamator | €234.64 | N/A | 4,200 | 5 stars (Dentaltix) |
| Ultramat 2 | $669.00 | N/A | 4,600 | N/A |
Table 2: Comparison of features
| Model | Compatibility with Capsules | Safety Features | Programmable | Design | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimix Model VCL 100 | All tested designs | Safety switch | Yes | Lightweight | Little |
| Silamat S6 | Popular capsules of all sizes | “Figure-eight mixing pattern” | No | Round shape | N/A |
| CM-II Trituator | Today’s modern capsules | Class II classification, Manual on-off switch, Removable cover | Yes | Digital display | Noiseless |
| Bader Amalgamator | Any popular capsule | Lock cover, Class II classification | No | Simple functions | Silent |
| Ultramat 2 | Latest capsule designs | Micro-switch safety features, Touch control | Yes | Robust construction | Low |
Amalgamators, also known as trituration, are comprised of two primary components. These components are the claw-like clasp for holding the capsule containing the materials of the filling compound to be mixed. The figure-eight motion ensures that the material is rapidly moved between the two ends of the capsule while allowing the pestle to perform its work effectively. These systems are largely designed to fit conveniently on countertop spaces in your practice comfortably.
When looking for an amalgamator, it’s important to consider a number of features available with these devices. The range, quality, and number of these functions they contain will help you determine if it’s capable of meeting your clinic’s needs. The following features are central to the performance of the device, and an understanding of them will aid in the evaluation of possible choices.
Features:
- Multiple Timing Settings – A proper mixing time is necessary to triturate the desired material properly. Too little time will result in an under-triturated mix typified by a dull and crumbly appearance, while over-trituration will result in a wet, soupy mix that won’t set properly. The more flexible your time settings, the more accurately you can hone in on a perfectly triturated mix.
- Easy to Clean (Design) – As with all devices in your practice, the amalgamator needs to be easily cleaned and designed with this in mind. As a result, the simplest overall designs, without difficult-to-reach nooks and crannies, are preferred.
- Low Power Indicator (Ensure Proper Mixing by Ensuring proper power availability) – A sufficient and consistent degree of power is necessary for the device to accomplish its task. If the available power to the device should dip for any reason, it’s possible that it will not triturate the materials properly. A low power indicator will alert you if the device cannot get sufficient electricity to function, saving material and time as a result.
- Quiet Operation/Low Vibration – With its presence in your dental practice, quiet operation and low vibration are essential elements. Loud devices make the environment less comfortable for your patients and staff, while high vibration can result in damage to the device, furniture, and other equipment.
- Multiple Mixing Speeds (rpm) – Not all mixtures are triturated at the same rate or RPM. Having the option to manipulate the device’s vibration level means you can tailor your results to suit your needs and the mixture being triturated.
- Suitable for all Capsules – While once only intended for the mixing of amalgam material, modern devices are able to mix ionomers, glass, and polymer mixtures, for use in fillings as well. As a result, most devices can hold round-ended amalgam materials and ionomer capsules with their protruding nozzles.
- Auto-Stop safety features – Given the extreme RPMs employed to mix the device and the potential harm that could come from interacting with the device while in operation, auto-stop safety features are an essential element of the device. In most cases, this appears as a feature that causes the device to stop functioning when the lid is opened.
- Warranty And Customer Service – Even the best functioning device is of limited use if it doesn’t have a company that backs it with a solid warranty and customer service. When you have a malfunction or need a device replaced quickly, the ability to get help when you need it will limit the impact this instance has on your practice.
Below we’ve compiled a list of amalgamators that are popular with those in the dental industry according to some reliable sources. Each has been evaluated for having the necessary features and a company with a solid reputation for backing its customers.
1. Optimix Model VCL 100 by Kerr Restoratives and SDS
Safco Dental Ratings: N/A
The Optimix amalgamator is a programmable, computerized 3-touch system for mixing dental alloys, capsules for temporary fillings, and oral cement. The product features keypad entry programming, an LCD display of settings, a safety switch, pre-programmed settings for capsules, and easy-to-connect electrical settings. The Optimix produces consistent mixing and frequency times with no vibration and little sound. The Optimix is compatible with all tested capsule designs, weighing 8.25 lbs, making a lightweight machine with the internal circuitry to handle all mixing needs.
Safco Dental Price: $1,422.70
2. Silamat S6 by Ivoclar Vivadent
Safco Dental Ratings: N/A
Net32 Ratings: N/A
The Silamat S6 produces universal mixing for multiple types of predosed dental materials, such as amalgams and glass ionomers, to combine design and function into one sleek product. Its round shape makes it easy to clean, and the product features a “figure-eight mixing pattern” to achieve reliable, homogenous mixing. Its average rotation speed of 4,500 RPMs helps to mix contents and is compatible with all popular capsules of various shapes and sizes. Its patented Silamat technology and above-average rotation make it a great tool for office use.
Safco Dental Price: $668.95
Net32 Price: $654.00
3. CM-II Trituator by GC Corporation
Net32 Ratings: Five stars out of 1 Review
Scott’s Dental Ratings: N/A
The Capsule Mixer CM-II contains manual and pre-programmed time modules, making it a user-friendly titrator that can be easily controlled and managed. Its large digital display and removable cover make it easy to clean and offer a pre-set time mode, manual on-off switch, and compatibility with today’s modern capsules. It produces a noiseless operation, and its 4,000 RPMs give a consistent, homogenous mix that’s reliable. Its durable, ergonomic design makes it less prone to accidents, and its featured capsule images help to give clear instructions for capsule insertion.
Scott’s Dental Price: $749.95
Net32 Price: $719.90
4. Bader Amalgamator by Bader
Dentaltix Ratings: Five stars out of 1 Review
The Bader amalgamator features simple functions and operations, creating a consistent mixture of silent and stable capsules. Its plastic fork clevis mechanic allows for easy attachment to any popular capsule, and operates at a frequency of 4200 rpm per minute, making it an ideal product for dental clinics. It’s class II classification helps to protect against electric shock, and its simple function display with manual buttons gives dentists complete control over their mixing qualities. The lock cover helps protect against any malfunction during the mixture.
Dentaltix Price: €234.64
5. Ultramat 2 Amalgamator by SDI
Net32 Ratings: N/A
Awards: Five stars, Editor’s Choice rated by The Dental Advisor in 2011
The Ultramat 2 has been deemed by clinics and critics alike for its robust construction and reliable consistency, giving out a high output of 4,600 oscillations per minute for practical mixing; its design is compatible with the latest capsule designs, and its design feature a 16-second microprocessor, a crystal-controlled osculator for accurate timing, and a low vibration for ease of mind. Its touch control system makes it easy to operate, and its micro-switch safety features halt movement the moment the lid is lifted. Its design also helps facilitate infection control that can be used with any dental disinfectant and produces low energy usage to help save costs.
Net32 Price: $669
