The first ultrasonic cleaner was produced by the Bendix Corporation and was released for sale in 1952. Ultrasonic cleaners are a mainstay of the dental practice, ensuring that our tools are cleared of debris using powerful sound waves created through the use of electrical energy. Cavitation, or the formation of countless tiny bubbles, clears away this debris in preparation for sterilizing them so they can safely be returned to use. Selecting the right cleaner ensures that you can safely sanitize your tools and confidently protect your patients.
Comparison Table 1: Price, Capacity, and Features of Ultrasonic Cleaners
| Model | Price Range | Capacity | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| BrandMax Tri-Clean U-5LH | $622.70-$675.00 | 4L to 40L | Stainless steel basket, heating element, cycle time controller, versatile, and affordable |
| BioSonic UC-125 | $992.25-$1,080.00 | 1.25 gallons | Solution tracking module, Degas button, LCD technology, customized baskets, multiple solution options |
| SweepZone 310R | $2,250.00-$2,548.39 | Not specified | Smart Circuit technology, automatic adjustment, Pulse Width Modulation, timer, convenient drain |
| Crest Powersonic P230H | $680.00-$692.00 | ¾ gallons | Ceramic enhanced transducer, Tru-Sweep, internal heater with lifetime warranty, built-in drain valve |
| ProSonic Ultrasonic Cleaners 1000 | $495.00-$549.99 | Not specified | Simple dial, compact, low price-point, 2 ½ year warranty |
Comparison Table 2: Notable Features of Ultrasonic Cleaners
| Model | LCD Technology | Solution Tracking Module | Degas Button | Customizable Baskets | Smart Circuit Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BrandMax Tri-Clean U-5LH | No | No | No | No | No |
| BioSonic UC-125 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| SweepZone 310R | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Crest Powersonic P230H | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| ProSonic Ultrasonic Cleaners 1000 | No | No | No | No | No |
A few factors will affect your choice of ultrasonic cleaner, each of which will determine which one is right for your office.
- Dimensions –Cleaners are available in a variety of sizes. The type and amount of equipment you’ll need to clean on a regular basis will be a central determining factor. They’re available in a variety of sizes, ranging from desktop models that could be kept at every station to larger styles that may be best kept in a central cleaning room.
- Basket Style –A membrane at the bottom of the machine vibrates rapidly to produce the cavitation effect. This membrane can be quickly damaged by anything that comes into contact with it. Baskets keep the equipment elevated so it can be cleaned without causing damage to that membrane. The available styles of baskets will determine if the device is suitable for your needs.
- Ultrasonic Frequency Settings –The frequency of vibration allows the cleaner to perform its function. The lower settings, between 35 and 45 Khz, produce larger cavitation bubbles that are suitable for removing polishing paste or abrasives. Higher frequency settings are better suited to cleaning more delicate equipment such as spectrophotometer cuvettes and capillary tubes.
- Temperature Control –The temperature of the cleaning solution can determine its effectiveness. The proper temperature for your cleaning solution can change depending on what you’re trying to clean. Hot solutions are appropriate for removing many contaminants but will detract from the effectiveness when cleaning substances such as blood from equipment. Some units have built-in temperature control options, while such as cooling coils are available as add-ons for others.
- Sweep Mode –The standard cleaning action of many ultrasonic devices often has ‘hot spots’ and ‘dead zones’ that can cause problems. Hot spots This can lead to uneven cleaning and damage to the equipment being cleaned. Sweep mode helps to vary the frequency slightly to prevent these concerns.
Each of these elements can be a central concern in selecting your Ultrasonic Cleaner. We researched respected providers of dental tools to bring you the following list. As part of our search, we referenced Pearson Dental, Net32, and Henry Schein, and other dealers looking for reliable reviews and price points to support our selections.
Top 10 Bottle Cleaners for Dentists
1. Brandmax Tri-Clean U-5LH Ultrasonic Cleaner
BrandMax equipment has a reputation for reliability among the dental community and is known for providing versatile equipment capable of meeting multiple needs. Their Tri-Clean line of products is a favorite thanks to all of them coming with a stainless steel basket, heating element, and cycle time controller. These options often have to be purchased as add-ons with other ultrasonic cleaners, so having them included saves cost and makes it possible for it to meet multiple cleaning demands. This line of cleaners comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 4L to 40L, making it suitable for any size clinic or practice. In addition to the listed features, it has the added bonus of being affordable.
Pearson Dental – U-5LH $675.00
Tiger Medical – U-5LH $622.70
2. BioSonic UC-125
BioSonic produces a line of fully-featured ultrasonic cleaners, a popular option for many dental clinics. One function that makes them stand out from some of the competition is the solution tracking module that indicates the length of time that the present cleaning solution has been in use. The cover on the system helps keep the cleaning enzymes free of contaminants while keeping the noise level down when used. Another significant feature included in this design is the Degas button, which activates a feature that releases trapped air in the solution that can interfere with the cleaning process. Like the BrandMax, it’s available in a range of sizes, with the UC125 holding 1.25 gallons of cleaning solution.
The Biosonic UC-125 is customized with LCD technology, containing a countdown timer, solution tracker, and degas button for maximum cleaning. The Biosonic is ideal for medium-sized practices and can clean a wide variety of instruments within a short period. Its drainage operates under a minute and contains a quieter operating system that eliminates noisy distractions and helps maintain a calm working environment for you and your staff members. It’s also customizable with different baskets and can be used with numerous solution concentrates for effective instrument cleaning.
Safcodental.com – BioSonic UC125 $992.25
Net32.com – Biosonic UC125 $1,080
3. SweepZone 310R
The SweepZone 310R is an inset ultrasonic cleaning system intended to be integrated into existing cabinetry in your clinic. This space-saving feature also lends itself to a cleaner and more organized appearing office space. SweepZone is known for its Smart Circuit technology, which is central to a suite of useful features that make it stand out. Among these is Pulse Width Modulation which tracks the load being cleaned, voltage fluctuations, and solution levels to produce a thorough clean. Its ability to automatically adjust to the needs of the equipment being cleaned ensures that dead zones and hot spots will never be a problem. It includes a timer and a convenient drain that ensures no contact will be had with the contaminated solution when changing. The system does come at a higher price point, but its utility and convenience make it a worthy investment for many clinics.
Prime Dental – $2,548.39
Independent Dental Inc – $2,250.00
4. Crest Powersonic P230H Ultrasonic Cleaner
The Powersonic line of ultrasonic cleaners comes equipped with a ceramic-enhanced transducer that produces the bubbles that clean the equipment surfaces. Bearing the Crest name, Powersonic has a reputation for excellence in the dental community, trusted to clean even the most delicate of equipment. On the list of included features is Tru-Sweep, a system that oscillates the frequency across a 3 kHz band to ensure that every part of the cleaning basin receives an equal level of cleaning free of dead zones or hot spots. Cleaning solutions can be kept at ambient temperature or warmed to 80°C using the internal heater that comes with a lifetime warranty. Degas, heat, time, and power can all be controlled on digital units. A built-in drain valve is included on all models of ¾ gallons and larger. Parts and labor are covered on the rest of the unit for up to two years, ensuring worry-free use.
Lion’s Dental Supply – $692
Amazon – $640
5. ProSonic Ultrasonic Cleaners 1000
The Vivid FastSonic is a compact but powerful ultrasonic cleaner that is simple in design and doesn’t bring anything more to the table than what is strictly required. Perfect for setting on a countertop in your office, this device provides a quiet cleaning experience using a simple dial that sets its run from 0-60 minutes. Vivid backs its products with a 2 ½ year warranty that ensures your investment will be covered if something malfunctions. Simple and straightforward, it’s a great solution for a low-traffic office, especially with its low price-point.
Pearson Dental – $495.00
Amazon – $349.99
