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Zima Dental Pod specs, from the maker
- Frequency
- 42 kHz
- Tank
- 150 ml, steel
- Cycle
- 5 minutes
- Power
- Plug-in only
- Size
- 115 x 115 x 83 mm
- Weight
- 310 g
- UV-C
- None
- Warranty
- 1 year
From Zima's product page.
How to use the Zima Dental Pod
Zima's four steps, in our words.
Fill to the max line
Lid off, water to the line, then plug it into the wall.
Put the appliance in
Drop in the retainer, aligner or guard and press power.
Close the lid
The automatic cycle runs for 5 minutes.
Lift it out and rinse
Rinse it in lukewarm water, never hot.
Steps from Zima's directions; the lukewarm rinse from the AAO.
Sizing, and how to clean the Zima Dental Pod
What fits
Two appliances at once in the 150 ml tank.
Cleaning the pod itself
Wipe the steel tank with Zima's Protective Cleaning Wipe after a cycle.
Both from Zima's product page.
Can you use the Zima Dental Pod without tablets?
Yes. Zima says its tablets are optional, and recommends one if you wear your appliance for more than 6 hours at a time, when it says research suggests biofilms start to form.
Other brands' tablets: Zima says some damaged and corroded the Dental Pod's tank. Follow your cleaner maker's guidance.
- Zima says its own tablets leave out persulfates, SLS and sodium benzoate.
- For any retainer, the AAO describes a weekly 10 to 20 minute soak, by the product's directions.
- Retainer Brite's and Efferdent's labels don't cover ultrasonic cleaners. The two compared
Zima Dental Pod pros and cons
Themes from public owner reviews, summed up in our words.
Owners like
- Small and light enough for a suitcase or toiletry bag
- One button and a fixed 5-minute cycle, nothing to set
- Trays look and feel cleaner than with brushing alone
- An upper and a lower tray in one cycle
Owners dislike
- Audible while it runs; a few call the buzz loud
- Old yellowing stays put; some owners run two or three cycles
- The ongoing cost of Zima's own tablets
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- Thick night guards only just fit the 150 ml tank
- A faint max line, and a short cord for some bathrooms
- The odd unit failed within a year; replaced under warranty
Zima Dental Pod vs Dental Pod Pro
Zima's bigger model has a detachable tank, which Zima says is easier to use, clean and refill.
Stay with the Dental Pod for…
- One or two thin clear trays
- Travel: 310 g against the Pro's 525 g
Pick the Pro for…
- Night guards, dentures or two bulky appliances
- The 15-minute Max Clean mode
Pacemaker or other implant? Zima says consult your physician first.
Dental Pod Pro specs
- Frequency
- 42-47 kHz ("dynamic")
- Tank
- 190 ml, 85 x 85 x 40 mm, detachable
- Modes
- Standard and Max Clean (15 min)
- Power
- DC 12 V / 2 A adapter
- Size
- 123 x 123 x 90 mm
- Weight
- 525 g
- Warranty
- 1 year, plus a 30-day money-back offer
The Pro's specs, from Zima's Dental Pod Pro page. The Dental Pod's are above.
Dental Pod vs the Invisalign Ultrasonic Cleaner
Align, which makes Invisalign aligners, sells an Ultrasonic Cleaner labeled "Powered by Zima Dental". Its listed core specs match the Dental Pod's.
The difference is the seller and the bundle: Align sells it with its Cleaning Crystals+. Already using the crystals? The bundle keeps cleaner and soak from one seller; if not, the specs give no reason to prefer either.
Align's page warns: "Do not use the Ultrasonic Cleaner if you have a pacemaker."
Who should choose something else
Three other picks from our ultrasonic cleaner top list, by the need each covers. For bulky guards, see the Pro above.
Sonic Dental Sonic Odyssey
Rechargeable, 8 to 10 cycles a charge, Sonic Dental says; UV-C too.
Sonic Dental Sonic Pro
43 kHz, a 3- or 5-minute timer and a UV-C chamber; plug-in.
iSonic F3900
42 kHz, 140 ml, auto-off after 5 minutes; few owner reviews, so maker facts only.
Facts from each maker's page. Drawings, not product photos.
Zima Dental Pod FAQ
Can you use the Zima Dental Pod without tablets?
Yes. Zima says its tablets are optional and recommends adding one if you wear your appliance for more than 6 hours at a time. Zima also says some other brands' tablets damaged and corroded the Dental Pod's tank.
Is the Zima Dental Pod worth it?
Owner reviews from people with one or two clear trays are positive: it is small, simple to run and leaves trays cleaner than brushing alone. Some reviews say it does not undo yellowing that is already there, and Zima's tablets are an ongoing cost. If you need a cordless unit, a UV-C chamber or room for a bulky night guard, another cleaner fits better.
Does the Zima Dental Pod actually work?
Zima says its 42 kHz ultrasound loosens plaque and debris in the water, and owner reviews describe cleaner appliances than with brushing alone. Some say old stains and cloudiness stay. It does not replace the care routine your orthodontist gave you.
How do you use the Zima Dental Pod?
Zima describes four steps: fill the pod with water to the max line and plug it in; put the appliance in and press the power button; close the lid and let the cycle run; take the appliance out and rinse it.
How do you clean the Zima Dental Pod itself?
Zima says to wipe the stainless steel tank with its Protective Cleaning Wipe after a cycle, to remove debris and loose plaque.
Can I use my Zima Dental Pod to clean jewelry?
Zima says the Dental Pod was not designed, engineered or tested to clean jewelry, though it adds that precious metals did come out clean in its own trials. Check your jewelry maker's care advice first.
What is the difference between the Dental Pod and the Dental Pod Pro?
Per Zima, the Pro has a larger, detachable 190 ml tank against the Dental Pod's 150 ml, a 42 to 47 kHz range against 42 kHz, a 15-minute Max Clean mode beside its standard cycle, and weighs 525 g against 310 g. See the full comparison.
We read public owner reviews and check the maker's specs and directions; we don't lab-test, and a verdict is words, never a score. How we pick
