When it comes to choosing the right dental chair, it is important that you choose a chair that meets basic criteria such as functionality, comfort, and design. On the market, there are generally two types of dental chairs that you may choose from to meet these criteria: hydraulic dental chairs or electronic dental chairs.
While both of these chairs serve relatively the same purpose, they function on different types of technology used to adjust the movement and positioning of the chair. So, what are the specific differences between the two?
If you would like to learn more about the differences between hydraulic chairs and electronic dental chairs, feel free to continue reading below.
Hydraulic Chairs vs. Electronic Dental Chairs
First, let’s discuss what hydraulic dental chairs are. Hydraulic dental chairs are the most common dental chair models that you will find in the market. It makes use of pumps and valves that circulate the hydraulic liquid that operates the dental chair and its position. They are known to be less noisy than electronic chairs.
Meanwhile, electronic or electromechanical dental chairs have motors instead of pumps and valves to control the movement of the chair. There is one motor that lifts the chair and another that reclines the chair. Since it contains more mechanical parts, moving the chair into a comfortable position is more accurate. However, they can produce more sound due to all the mechanical whirring.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydraulic Chairs
The main benefit of hydraulic chairs is that they have simpler and easy to use controls. This is because they have control schemes such as levers and buttons to operate the chair. Starting, stopping, accelerating, and decelerating the dental chair’s movement and position is straightforward and easy to maneuver.
Hydraulic systems are also advantageous because they can carry broad weight very well. This means that it has consistency when it comes to delivering force no matter the speed it uses. Hydraulic systems are known for its fluid movement and adaptability to broad weight.
In comparison to electronic dental chairs, hydraulic dental chairs have fewer moving parts, making it easier to maintain. Hydraulic systems also do not create sparks that can lead to potential fire hazards.
While hydraulic systems have advantages, they had disadvantages too, largely revolving around the hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluid is known to be hazardous. The hydraulic system itself won’t cause fire, but if the hydraulic fluid is exposed to fire, it can ignite. When handling hydraulic fluid, make sure there are no nearby open flames.
Hydraulic fluid also is not environmentally-friendly. It is a corrosive agent, meaning that if you are overexposed to it it can cause health problems. Because of this, performing periodic check-ups and maintenance concerning hydraulic chairs is critical.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Chairs
Most of the advantages of electronic chairs are grounded in their convenience and accuracy. For example, electronic chairs have high precision control. Their systems are resilient to temperature variations and can likewise adapt to such changes. This gives dentists the ability to adjust and reposition with great accuracy.
Electronic systems also have pre-programmed settings, which eliminates manual adjustments for dental chair adjustments and enhances time management.
More importantly, most electric chairs are actually more affordable than hydraulic chairs. They also require lower maintenance since you won’t need to worry about hydraulic fluid leaks and oil maintenance. This, in turn, requires less downtime during repairs.
Electromechanical systems have safety precaution settings such as actuators that lock the chair in place in the event of sudden power loss to prevent accidents.
Other advantages are that electric chairs can support various weight ranges, can be easily installed, and are environmentally-friendly.
On the other hand, electronic systems can come with disadvantages. For example, overheating can be an issue especially since the system makes use of electronic components. This can also depend on the location the system is installed at. A clinic with proper air-flow or air-conditioning is recommended to combat that issue.
Electronic systems can also be prone to electrical damage. It is recommended to add a surge protector to the system in cases of power surges. If the dental chair experiences a massive power surge, it can fry some components and lead to costly repairs.
Summary
There are a few important considerations when it comes to choosing the best dental chair for your practice. That's where an experienced and well stocked supplier of medical equipment is most helpful.
MES Medical Equipment Services has been Australia’s leading provider of dental chairs and other medical equipment and equipment services since 1952.
We were originally established to provide electro-medical products to healthcare professionals across the country.
Our products range from sterilisation, dental systems, dental imaging, electrosurgical equipment, medical consumables, dental lasers, and equipment service maintenance.
We sell only top of the line equipment and machines produced by the leading manufacturers in the world. Our integrity and standards are your guarantees!
If you are searching for the best dental chair supplier in Australia, then look no further than Medical Equipment Services Australia.
For all your medical and dental supply requirements, please call us today on 1300 342 013 or contact us through our website.
