Piezo vs Magnetostrictive Ultrasonic Scalers: TPC and Bonart Compared
The short answer to piezo vs magnetostrictive scaler: piezo units drive a screw-on tip in a straight, linear stroke, while magnetostrictive units vibrate a 25K or 30K insert in an elliptical pattern. Chase Dental Supply carries both types from TPC and Bonart, plus an air sonic option. This guide compares every model side by side.
Quick Answer
A piezoelectric scaler uses ceramic crystals in the handpiece to move a threaded tip in a linear path, with the lateral sides doing the work. A magnetostrictive scaler uses a metal stack or rod insert that moves elliptically, so all sides of the tip are active. Choose magnetostrictive if you already own 25K or 30K inserts; choose piezo for a tip based system with fine, linear control.
Key Takeaways
- Piezo: TPC Advance 850 LED, 750N, 800N; Bonart ART-P3II, ART-P6, ART-PB3.
- Magnetostrictive: TPC PowerMAX 25; Bonart ART-M1, ART-M3II, ART-MB3. Inserts must match 25K or 30K.
- Built-in for chair refits: TPC Advance 800N, Bonart ART-PB3 and ART-MB3.
- The TPC Sonic Air Scaler AS5000 runs on handpiece air with no console, which suits portable and mobile setups.
Piezo vs Magnetostrictive Scaler: What’s the Difference?
The difference is how the tip is driven. A piezoelectric scaler sends current through ceramic crystals in the handpiece, which move the tip back and forth in a straight line.
A magnetostrictive scaler uses a coil in the handpiece to create a magnetic field around a metal stack or ferrite rod insert. The insert vibrates in an elliptical or orbital pattern, so the face, back and sides of the tip are all active.
What that means chairside
With piezo, the lateral surfaces of the tip are the working sides, and the tip is adapted to the tooth with that linear stroke in mind. TPC lists its Advance units as gentle on the patient with little or no sensitivity.
With magnetostrictive, heat from the insert is carried away by the water flow, so water settings matter. The upside is an all sides active tip and a large installed base of 25K and 30K inserts.
Tips vs inserts
A piezo tip screws onto the handpiece with a torque wrench. A magnetostrictive insert slides into the handpiece, and its frequency must match the unit. Our 25K vs 30K ultrasonic scaler inserts guide explains how to tell them apart.
An air sonic scaler is a third category: a handpiece driven by the high-speed handpiece air line, operating at sonic rather than ultrasonic frequencies.
How Do TPC and Bonart Scalers Compare Side by Side?
The table uses only specs stated on each product listing. Where a figure is not listed, it says “see product page”.
| Model | Brand | Type | Mount | Frequency | Modes / power | Included tips or inserts (as listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPC Advance 850 LED | TPC | Piezo | Tabletop | 24 to 28 kHz, automatic tuning | General, Perio, Endo range; max 10W | G1, G2, G4, P3, P4, P5 tips, endo file holder and files, foot control |
| TPC Advance 750N | TPC | Piezo | Tabletop | See product page | Wide power range; endodontic use | #1, #2, #3, #4, #P5 tips, foot control, tip wrench |
| TPC Advance 800N | TPC | Piezo | Built-in | 24 to 28 kHz, automatic tuning | Max 10W; uses chair foot control | #1, #2, #3, #4, #P5 tips, transformer |
| TPC PowerMAX 25 | TPC | Magnetostrictive | Tabletop | 25 kHz | Linear power, about 10 to 40W | 25K universal insert, foot control |
| TPC AS5000 | TPC | Air sonic | Handpiece on air line | See product page | Runs on handpiece air (2 or 4 hole) | AS1, AS2, AS3 tips, wrench (full kit) |
| Bonart ART-P3II | Bonart | Piezo | Tabletop | 26 to 32 kHz | Scaling, Perio, Endo; Auto Gain Control; LCD | 2 LED piezo handpieces, BS tips (see product page), torque wrench |
| Bonart ART-P6 | Bonart | Piezo | Tabletop (compact) | 26 to 32 kHz | Auto Gain Control; LED power dial | BS-1 (x2), BS-2, BS-3 tips, torque wrench |
| Bonart ART-PB3 | Bonart | Piezo | Built-in | See product page | Display module; chair install | 3 piezo tips, handpiece, torque wrench |
| Bonart ART-M1 | Bonart | Magnetostrictive | Tabletop | 25 kHz | Regular 10 to 30W, turbo 20 to 35W | 1 x 25K IF-50 insert, foot switch |
| Bonart ART-M3II | Bonart | Magnetostrictive | Tabletop | 30K listing (see product page for 25K) | Scaling, Perio, Endo; locks tip frequency | Call to confirm included inserts; foot switch |
| Bonart ART-MB3 | Bonart | Magnetostrictive | Built-in | 25K or 30K versions | Display module; chair install | 2 inserts, handpiece and cable |
For a deeper look at one brand at a time, see our TPC Advance piezo and PowerMAX guide and the Bonart piezo vs magnetostrictive units guide.
What Are the Piezo Options from TPC and Bonart?
Both brands offer tabletop piezo units with endo capability. The differences are tip systems, controls and what ships in the box.
TPC Advance 850 LED
The TPC Advance 850 LED Piezo Ultrasonic Scaler has a compact housing and a power range covering General, Perio and Endo. It ships with six tips, an endo file holder and files, and a water bottle; indicate EMS or Satellec style tips when ordering.
TPC Advance 750N
The TPC Advance 750N Piezo Scaler and Endodontic Unit is a tabletop piezo and endodontic unit with 115/230V input and five tips in the kit list.
Bonart ART-P3II
The Bonart ART-P3II adds Auto Gain Control, three modes (Scaling, Perio and Endo) and a built-in LCD showing power and mode. It includes two LED piezo handpieces and BS tips (see product page).
Bonart ART-P6
The Bonart ART-P6 compact piezo scaler is the smaller Bonart piezo at 3.52 lbs. It keeps Auto Gain Control and uses a large power dial ringed by LED indicators. For tip selection, see our Bonart BS piezo tips guide.
Not sure which scaler fits your operatory?
Tell us whether you run piezo tips or 25K or 30K inserts. Call for current pricing.
What Are the Magnetostrictive and Air Sonic Options?
TPC offers one 25 kHz magnetostrictive unit plus the AS5000 air sonic handpiece; Bonart offers an entry-level unit, a three mode unit and a built-in.
TPC PowerMAX 25
The TPC PowerMAX 25 Ultrasonic Scaler uses automatic tuning and linear power control, and accepts Cavitron, P, SLI, TIF and FSI style 25K inserts. It auto-ranges from 110 to 240 VAC.
Bonart ART-M1
The Bonart ART-M1 25K magnetostrictive scaler is Bonart’s most basic magnetostrictive unit and is offered only at 25 kHz. It adds a turbo mode above regular scaling power.
Bonart ART-M3II
The Bonart ART-M3II magnetostrictive scaler adds three modes (Scaling, Perio and Endo) and locks in the insert frequency. The listing is the 30K version; call to confirm included inserts before you order. Our Bonart magnetostrictive inserts guide covers the P-10, IF and triple bend options.
TPC Sonic Air Scaler AS5000
The TPC Sonic Air Scaler AS5000 is a lightweight, autoclavable handpiece for 2 hole or 4 hole tubing, with three tips in the full kit.
Built-In vs Tabletop: Which Mount Works Better?
A tabletop scaler sits on the counter, plugs into power and water, and moves between rooms. A built-in scaler mounts inside the chair and runs from its foot control.
The TPC Advance 800N built-in piezo scaler kit includes a transformer and small control box, with no external water line or power cord. The Bonart ART-PB3 and Bonart ART-MB3 do not include a solenoid valve, footswitch or transformer and need professional installation.
Which Scaler Should You Choose?
You already stock 25K or 30K inserts
Stay magnetostrictive and match the frequency. With 25K inserts, look at the TPC PowerMAX 25 or Bonart ART-M1; with 30K inserts, the Bonart ART-M3II 30K listing or a 30K ART-MB3 keeps your stock in service.
You prefer piezo
For endo plus scaling with the most included accessories, choose the TPC Advance 850 LED; for an LCD mode display and two handpieces, the Bonart ART-P3II.
You are refitting a chair with a built-in
Choose the TPC Advance 800N or Bonart ART-PB3 for piezo, or the Bonart ART-MB3 for magnetostrictive.
You want a capable unit without extra features
Compare by features: the Bonart ART-M1 is the most basic magnetostrictive unit here, and the ART-P6 is the most compact piezo.
You work portable or mobile
The TPC AS5000 runs from handpiece air with no console. For ultrasonic power on the road, the compact ART-P6 travels well.
Shop the Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a piezo or magnetostrictive scaler better?
Neither is better for every practice. A piezo scaler moves its tip in a linear stroke using the lateral sides, which many clinicians find precise. A magnetostrictive scaler moves the tip elliptically so every side is active, and it accepts the 25K or 30K inserts many offices already own.
Can I use 30K inserts in a 25K scaler?
No. A magnetostrictive insert must match the frequency of the unit, so 25K inserts go in 25K scalers and 30K inserts go in 30K scalers. The TPC PowerMAX 25 and Bonart ART-M1 are 25 kHz units; the ART-MB3 comes in 25K or 30K.
Do piezo scalers use inserts or tips?
Piezo scalers use screw-on tips rather than stacked inserts. The tip threads onto the handpiece and is tightened with a tip wrench, which is why TPC Advance and Bonart piezo kits include a wrench.
What does a built-in ultrasonic scaler need for installation?
A built-in scaler mounts inside a dental chair, cart or delivery unit and is run from the existing foot control. The Bonart ART-PB3 and ART-MB3 do not include a solenoid valve, footswitch or transformer, and they should be professionally installed.
What is an air sonic scaler?
An air sonic scaler is a handpiece that runs on the compressed air from the high-speed handpiece line instead of an electronic console. The TPC Sonic Air Scaler AS5000 connects to 2 hole or 4 hole tubing and is lightweight and portable, which suits mobile dentistry.
Related Guides
The decision comes down to your insert inventory, clinical preference and mount. Chase Dental Supply carries both lineups; browse every brand we stock in our dental lab and office supply brands guide. Questions? Email sales@chasedentalsupply.com or call us.
Compare Bonart and TPC scalers with our team
We can confirm included inserts, frequency versions and install needs. Call for current pricing.
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