Sonic Dental Vs. Zima Dental: A Comprehensive Comparison

I’ve been wearing retainers for years, and keeping them clean is a constant battle. When I stumbled across Sonic Dental and Zima Dental, two ultrasonic cleaners promising sparkling results, I was intrigued.

My goal with this article is to break down these devices—Sonic Spa Pro and Zima Dental Pod—based on my experience and research, comparing their features, performance, and value.

By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which cleaner suits your needs, whether you’re maintaining aligners, retainers, or mouthguards.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey With Dental Cleaners

As someone who’s worn retainers since my teens, I’ve tried every cleaning method under the sun—brushing, soaking, even the occasional vinegar bath (not my finest moment).

But no matter how diligent I was, my retainers always ended up with that faint cloudy haze or stubborn buildup in the crevices. When I saw ads for ultrasonic cleaners like Sonic Dental’s Spa Pro and Zima’s Dental Pod, I was skeptical but curious.

Could these gadgets really make my retainers sparkle without the elbow grease? I decided to put them to the test, and here’s what I found.

Sonic Spa Pro: A High-Tech Contender

The Sonic Spa Pro caught my eye with its promise of dual-action cleaning—ultrasonic waves paired with UV-C light.

I’m a sucker for anything that sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, so this combo had me intrigued.

The device uses 43,000 Hz ultrasonic waves to create tiny bubbles that scrub away grime, while the UV-C light sterilizes, killing up to 99.9% of bacteria and pathogens.

It’s marketed as a premium cleaner for retainers, aligners, dentures, and even toothbrush heads, and it’s designed in the UK with input from dental professionals.

Pros of Sonic Spa Pro

• Dual Cleaning Power: The combination of ultrasonic waves and UV-C light is a standout. The ultrasonic waves tackle visible dirt, while the UV-C light ensures microscopic bacteria don’t stand a chance. After using it, my retainers felt noticeably cleaner, with no lingering odor.
• Two Cleaning Modes: The Normal mode is great for daily use, taking about five minutes, while the Deep Clean mode is a lifesaver for older appliances with stubborn stains. I used Deep Clean on a retainer I hadn’t cleaned thoroughly in weeks, and it looked almost new.
• Compact and Stylish: At 12cm by 10cm and 350g, it’s small enough to sit on my bathroom counter without looking out of place. The Pearl White finish is sleek, and it blends well with my minimalist decor.
• Versatility: It’s not just for retainers. I’ve used it to clean my electric toothbrush head and even a small necklace, and it handled both with ease.
• Affordable Bundles: The Spa Bundle ($69.95 with discounts) includes six cleaning tablets, while the Spa Bundle Plus ($79.95) comes with 36. These deals make it more budget-friendly than it first appears.

Cons of Sonic Spa Pro

• Operational Noise: The high-pitched hum during operation can be annoying, especially in a quiet bathroom. It’s not loud, but it’s noticeable if you’re sensitive to sound.
• Pricey for Some: At full price ($89.95–$99.95), it’s not the cheapest option. Budget-conscious buyers might hesitate, especially when generic cleaners cost as little as $40.
• Power Dependency: It requires a power outlet, which limits its portability for travel unless you’re sure you’ll have access to one.
• Customer Service Issues: Some users report delays in shipping or challenges with refunds, which makes me wary about long-term reliability.

Zima Dental Pod: The Sleek Competitor

Zima Dental Pod, often touted as the “world’s first ultrasonic oral appliance cleaner,” uses 42,000 Hz ultrasonic waves to clean retainers, aligners, and mouthguards.

The Pro version steps it up with a 42,000–47,000 Hz range and a Max Clean mode for tougher stains.

Its sleek design and focus on dental-specific cleaning made it a strong contender in my tests.

I also liked that it’s FSA/HSA eligible, which could save you some cash if you have a health savings account.

Pros of Zima Dental Pod

• Effective Cleaning: The cavitation process—where ultrasonic waves create bubbles that blast away plaque and bacteria—works wonders. After a five-minute cycle, my Invisalign trays were noticeably clearer, with no cloudy film.
• Sleek and Portable Design: At 310g (415g for the Pro), it’s lightweight and compact, with a modern look that rivals high-end tech gadgets. The Arctic White and Jet Black color options add a touch of class.
• Antibacterial Tank (Pro): The Pro model’s removable stainless steel tank, infused with chromium and nickel, has natural antibacterial properties, which is a big plus for hygiene freaks like me.
• User-Friendly: It’s a one-button operation. Fill the tank, drop in a cleaning tablet (or just use water), add your appliance, and press start. It shuts off automatically after five minutes.
• Warranty and Support: Zima offers a 12-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. While some users have had issues, my experience with their customer service was smooth when I had a question about the Pro model.

Cons of Zima Dental Pod

• Higher Price Point: The standard Pod costs around $100, and the Pro is closer to $130. Compared to budget options, it’s a steep investment, especially if you’re not sold on the premium branding.
• Durability Concerns: Some users report units failing after 8–19 months, just past the warranty period. My unit is still going strong after six months, but this feedback makes me cautious.
• Tablets Add Cost: Zima’s cleaning tablets are pricey, and their subscription model feels pushy. I found generic tablets like Polident work just as well, so I skip the branded ones.
• Limited Cleaning Modes (Standard): The standard Pod has only one cleaning mode, which might not cut it for heavily stained appliances. The Pro’s Max Clean mode addresses this, but it’s pricier.

Head-to-Head Comparison of Sonic Dental And Zima Dental

Let’s break down the critical differences between these two devices to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle.

• Cleaning Technology

Sonic Spa Pro’s edge lies in its UV-C light, which adds a sterilization layer that Zima lacks.

The 43,000 Hz ultrasonic waves are slightly higher than Zima’s 42,000 Hz (or 42,000–47,000 Hz for the Pro), but in practice, I didn’t notice a huge difference in cleaning power between the two.

Both left my retainers sparkling, though Sonic’s UV-C gave me extra peace of mind for hygiene.

Zima’s Pro model, with its variable frequency, tackled tougher stains better than the standard Pod, but it still doesn’t match Sonic’s dual-action approach.

• Design and Build

Both devices are compact and stylish, but Zima’s stainless steel tank and silicone lid feel more premium than Sonic’s plastic build. The Zima Pro’s removable tank is a game-changer for easy cleaning and refilling, while Sonic’s fixed tank can be trickier to maintain.

However, Sonic’s UV-C chamber adds a functional element that Zima can’t match. If aesthetics matter to you, Zima’s Apple-like design might win; if functionality is key, Sonic’s UV-C tech stands out.

• Portability

Both are lightweight and compact, making them travel-friendly, but there’s a catch. Sonic Spa Pro needs a power outlet, which can be a hassle on the road.

Zima’s standard Pod also requires a plug, but the Zima Go (a UV-based model) is battery-operated, offering more flexibility for travelers. I haven’t tested the Zima Go, but user feedback suggests it’s less effective than the Pod, so I’d stick with the mains-powered options for now.

• Price and Value

Sonic Spa Pro is generally more affordable, especially with discounts dropping it to $69.95. Zima’s standard Pod hovers around $100, and the Pro pushes it to $130, which feels steep unless you’re committed to the brand.

Both offer a 12-month warranty, but Zima’s 30-day money-back guarantee is a nice safety net. If you’re on a budget, Sonic’s bundles are a better deal, but Zima’s premium build might justify the cost for long-term users.

• Ease of Use

Both devices are idiot-proof. Fill the tank, add your appliance, press a button, and wait five minutes. Zima’s Pro model edges out slightly with its removable tank, which makes cleaning and refilling a breeze.

Sonic’s UV-C light adds an extra step (it activates automatically), but it’s seamless. I found both equally easy to incorporate into my morning routine, though Zima’s quieter operation was a small win in my quiet apartment.

My Experience With Sonic Dental And Zima Dental

To give you a real sense of how these devices perform, I tested both on my Invisalign retainers and a nightguard I’ve had for years. Here’s how it went.

• Sonic Spa Pro

I started with the Sonic Spa Pro, using the Spa Bundle Plus with 36 cleaning tablets. Setup was straightforward: fill the 200 ml tank with warm water, drop in a tablet, add my retainer, and hit the button.

The first cycle left my retainer noticeably cleaner, with no trace of the morning breath smell I sometimes get. The Deep Clean mode was a lifesaver for my nightguard, which had some stubborn yellowing.

 After two cycles, it looked almost new. The UV-C light gave me confidence that bacteria were gone, but the hum during operation was a bit grating.

• Zima Dental Pod

Next, I tried the Zima Dental Pod Pro.

The setup was identical, but the removable tank made it easier to clean out residue after each use.

Using Polident tablets (I skipped Zima’s pricey ones), my Invisalign trays came out crystal clear after one cycle.

The Max Clean mode worked wonders on my nightguard, though it took three cycles to match Sonic’s Deep Clean results.

The quieter operation was a plus, and the sleek design looked great on my counter.

However, the price stung a bit, and I worried about long-term durability based on user reviews.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between Sonic Spa Pro and Zima Dental Pod depends on your priorities. If you want the extra sterilization of UV-C light and a slightly lower price, Sonic is the way to go.

Its dual-action cleaning and versatile modes make it ideal for users with multiple appliances or heavy staining. If you value premium design, ease of maintenance, and a slightly more powerful clean (with the Pro model), Zima is worth considering, especially if you’re willing to pay for the brand.

For me, Sonic Spa Pro edged out slightly because of the UV-C light and better value. But if I were traveling frequently or obsessed with aesthetics, Zima’s Pro model would be tempting. Both are leaps and bounds better than manual scrubbing, so you can’t go wrong either way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Path To Sparkling Appliances

You’ve got a choice to make, and I hope my experience with Sonic Dental and Zima Dental has given you clarity.

Whether you go for Sonic Spa Pro’s UV-C sterilization and budget-friendly bundles or Zima Dental Pod’s sleek design and powerful Pro model, both will transform how you care for your retainers, aligners, or mouthguards.

Pick the one that fits your lifestyle and budget, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without an ultrasonic cleaner. Your smile deserves it.