My patients often ask, ‘How do I stop my new, expensive retainers from getting dull and stained?’ Scrubbing can damage retainers, but soaking alone isn’t enough to keep them hygienically clean.
I always recommend an ultrasonic retainer cleaner for thorough and damage free cleaning. The Sonic Dental Odyssey is wireless and portable, unlike most others on the market, and I was curious to see if it was still as effective at cleaning. I decided to do some hands-on testing to see if it’s genuinely up to the job.
Review Snapshot: The Sonic Dental Odyssey
Rating: 76%
The Short Version: “After five weeks of daily testing with my own retainers, I’m impressed with the Odyssey. I’m already a fan of its corded sibling, the Sonic Pro, so I was a bit skeptical of whether the wireless version could match its cleaning power. However, my tests showed it is every bit as effective at deep cleaning.
Its real advantage is convenience; the wireless design and week-long battery life means you can keep it in your bathroom AND it’s ideal for travel. For anyone seeking a premium, portable, and powerful ultrasonic cleaner, the Sonic Dental Odyssey is a top recommendation.”
What I Liked:
✅ Two cleaning methods in one device: The combination of ultrasonic vibrations and UV-C light means my oral appliances got a thorough and hygienic clean every time
✅ Powerful wireless cleaning: It delivers the same deep clean as a high-quality corded unit, easily removing daily grime and keeping my retainers fresh.
✅ Convenience: As it’s cordless, it incredibly easy to use anywhere. It can be used in bathrooms that don’t have sockets. A single charge lasts over a week (1 clean per day) making it perfect for travel.
✅ Quick charging: A full battery charge in under 2 hours
✅ Simple to use: It’s a straight forward one-button device, with no complicated settings
✅ Premium build: Sonic Odyssey has a smooth and high end feel, and the device feels solid and well made
What Could Be Better:
Lid isn’t watertight: While the lid is secure, it’s not a sealed unit. If you tilt it with water inside, it will leak.
Price: At £79.95, It’s more expensive than some other ultrasonic cleaners.
Sound: The cleaner isn’t silent. There is a noticeable buzz when its working, though it only lasts for 3-5 minutes
Unboxing the Sonic Dental Odyssey
What’s in the box?
- Sonic Odyssey retainer cleaning pod
- Charging base
- Power adaptor
- User manual
First impressions matter, and the Sonic Dental Odyssey doesn’t disappoint. It arrives in a sleek, premium-looking box that is simple and not overly fussy.
Lifting the cleaner out, the first thing I notice is its feel. The main unit is tactile and smooth to the touch, a nice upgrade from the hard, glossy plastics of cheaper models. It has a reassuring weight: not too heavy, but substantial enough to feel durable and strong. The lid is attached and soft-closing, a thoughtful detail and a nice, high-quality touch.
Setup is straightforward with a simple power button on top. The Sonic Odyssey sits on a wireless charging base, and though it connects easily, it can take a little jiggle to get it seated correctly to charge. It’s not a big deal, but it’s something I noticed straight away.
Key Features & How It Works
Dual-Action Cleaning
What makes the Sonic Odyssey so effective is that it combines two different cleaning technologies in one quick, 3-minute (or 5-minute deep cleaning) cycle.
1. Ultrasonic waves (variable 45- 50,000 Hz) for a physical clean
High-frequency vibrations create microscopic bubbles in the water. These tiny bubbles get into every corner of your retainer and powerfully, but gently, dislodge plaque, stains, and daily grime. It’s a similar, damage-free method to how we clean dental instruments in the surgery, so it won’t scratch or warp your expensive retainers.
2. UV-C light for disinfection
Built in to the lid, is a UV-C light (260-280 nanometres) which also activates during the cleaning cycle. (For safety, the lid needs to be closed to work). This UV-C light is lab tested and proven to kill 99.9% of the bacteria and viruses that can cause odours and illness [1]. You get a higher level of sanitisation that water and vibration alone can’t achieve.
The result is a damage-free retainer that is visibly AND hygienically clean.
Capacity
The Sonic Odyssey has a 200ml stainless steel basin, which is plenty of space to comfortably fit a full set of retainers or dentures. It has an 8cm diameter, which seems to be industry standard, and wide enough for all oral appliances I tested.
For best results and top hygiene standards, here are a few tips from my own testing:
One at a time: Even if you can fit more, I always advise cleaning only one set of retainers at a time. This ensures the ultrasonic waves can reach effectively around the entire appliance.
Hygiene first: For obvious hygiene reasons, never clean oral appliances from different people in the same cycle. Always give the pod a quick rinse after each use.
Use it to clean toothbrush heads: You can just about fit a standard electric toothbrush head in the basin (submerged completely). I like to use the Odyssey to give my own toothbrush head a weekly deep clean.
Performance: My Hands-On Test Results
After four weeks of daily use and testing at home, I got a good feel of the Sonic Odyssey’s real-world performance. Here’s what I found:
Build Quality & Design
Our score: 8/10
I’ve tested many ultrasonic cleaners, and from first use, I noticed the Sonic Odyssey’s premium build quality. It feels well built and sturdy, with none of the light, flimsy plastic you find on cheaper alternatives.
The outer coating has a soft-touch matte finish, which not only looks high end, but also allows a secure grip when handling. The attached lid is soft-closing.
Inside, the basin is made from SUS-304 stainless steel. This is a medical-grade material chosen for its durability and resistance to rust, ideal for hygienic cleaning.
It’s available in three colours: Pearl White, Onyx Black, and Sapphire Pink.
Ease of Use
Our score: 7/10
The Odyssey is really easy to use with a single touch sensitive power button on top. A single hold starts the 3-minute cleaning cycle (white light), and a double tap starts the 5-minute deep clean (blue light). It shuts off automatically.
A couple of small niggles I noticed:
Power button: The touch-sensitive power button isn’t instantaneous. It needs a deliberate press-and-pause for a second to turn on; a quick tap won’t work. Initially, I thought my unit was faulty, but once you get used to this, it’s not a problem. To turn it off manually mid-cycle, you press and hold for 3-4 seconds.
The lid: The lid is secure, but it’s not sealed or watertight. Be mindful that it will leak if you tilt it with water inside, so it’s best to always empty it before moving it.
During use, the water heats up slightly but never gets too hot to handle. For hygiene, and to prevent overheating, use fresh cold water for every use. Avoid using hot water, as this may risk damaging or warping your retainer.
While plain water is fine for daily cleaning, I recommend a weekly boost with a retainer cleaning tablet for the deeper level cleaning. (see my full advice on this in the FAQ below)
Wireless & Battery Life
Our score: 9/10
For me, the Odyssey’s standout feature is its wireless design. You charge its built-in battery on a base, which means you’re free to use the ultrasonic cleaner anywhere.
This solves my biggest annoyance with other cleaners: not being able to easily use them in UK bathrooms that lack a 3-pin plug socket.
I tested the battery life thoroughly. On a single charge I got 30-35 minutes of use, which breaks down to:
- 10 full cycles on the standard 3-minute clean.
- 7 full cycles on the deep 5-minute clean.
This means you can comfortably use it daily and only charge it once a week, making it perfect for taking on your travels without the charging base.
The charging system is simple:
- You place it on the base to charge. A solid blue ring indicates it’s charging.
- A white ring light lets you know it’s fully charged.
- The light will flash blue when the battery is low and needs recharging.
It takes less than 2 hours to fully charge the Odyssey (1 hour 50 mins to be exact!) I was impressed with the quick charging.
The Coffee Stain Test
A big promise from ultrasonic cleaner companies is their ability to bust tough, set-in stains. As a dentist who has tested many of these devices, I’m often disappointed with these claims when I test myself. While they do work to keep new retainers looking fresh, they definitely can’t make old, badly stained appliances look brand new again.
I wanted to see how well the Sonic Odyssey could remove tough stains. I decided to test it out by soaking clear retainers in black coffee for 1 hour and letting it air-dry completely, to set in the stains.
Here are the results from my multi-stage test.
After One Standard Clean (3 Mins):
The single cycle made a noticeable difference. It lifted the fresh, surface-level staining and improved the overall clarity. However, the deeper-set yellow-brown tint from the coffee was still clearly visible along the edges
After One Deep Clean (5 Mins):
The 5-minute cycle was a definite improvement over the standard clean. The retainer was visibly clearer, and more of the stubborn discolouration had been lifted. It shows the deep clean mode is genuinely more powerful.
After One Deep Clean (with a cleaning tablet):
Adding a cleaning tablet gave the cycle an extra chemical boost. I was left with a bright and clean looking retainer. I couldn’t see much of a visible difference between this and without the tablet, but studies have shown that adding a cleaning tablet provides a deeper level antimicrobial clean.
After One Week (One 5-Min Deep Clean Daily for Seven Days):
In my coffee stain test, results were impressive even after the first 5 min deep cleaning cycle. I’m not sure if old retainers that have become dull and cloudy will have quite the same results as we’ve seen here. The cumulative effect of daily deep cleaning over a week may not make old retainers 100% brand new, but they will be dramatically clearer and fresher than after the first clean.
The Verdict on Stain Removal
Our score: 8/10
So, can the Sonic Odyssey make a badly stained retainer look brand new in a single cycle?
No, and that’s an unrealistic expectation for any household ultrasonic cleaner.
However, my testing shows it is highly effective at reducing existing stains with repeated use and adding a cleaning tablet. More importantly, its daily cleaning power is more than enough to prevent new stains from ever setting in, which is the key to keeping your appliances looking new for years.
Noise Level
Our score: 6/10
The Odyssey has a low-noise claim of under 55 decibels (~<55 dB) on their site. To test this, I used a sound meter app on my phone.
My real-world measurements showed a different result, recording an obvious buzz of around 80dB. I measured the older Sonic Pro at 74dB, so the Odyssey is actually a little louder.
The noise is not a deal-breaker for me. The cleaning cycle is short (3-5 minutes), and the cordless design provides the ideal solution. You can use it in a bathroom where it won’t disturb anyone.
A screenshot from my sound meter app. While this isn’t a calibrated scientific instrument, it provides a clear real-world measurement of the noise level during operation.
Why I recommend an ultrasonic cleaner
Retainers get dirty, smelly, and cloudy with use, so they need cleaning every day. While cleaning them with a toothbrush does work, over time this scrubbing can actually cause damage to your oral appliances.
There’s high-level evidence to support this; a 2022 systematic review found that brushing can create micro-scratches on clear retainers that dull the surface and give bacteria more places to hide [2].
This is why I recommend an ultrasonic cleaner for every household. They are clinically proven to reduce bacterial load and biofilm on oral appliances, but in a damage free way. They can be used for cleaning so much more than your retainers too.
Use an ultrasonic cleaner for your:
- Clear Aligners (like Invisalign)
- All types of Retainers (both clear Essix and wire Hawley types)
- Dentures and Partial Dentures (including cobalt chrome dentures)
- Night Guards and Sports Guards
- Whitening Trays
- Electric Toothbrush Heads
Ultrasonic cleaning technology is safe for use, even on appliances with metal parts, like wires on a retainer or clips on a partial denture. It’s the easiest, and most effective way to clean your dental appliances, without risking damage from scrubbing.
While the hygiene benefits for your appliance are clear, it’s important to have realistic expectations about what these devices can do for your overall oral health (I address this in the FAQ at the end).
A Dentist’s Review of the Sonic Odyssey
Here’s a quick summary of my findings from the hands-on testing.
Pros
✅ Powerful cleaning that matches premium corded models.
✅ Dual-action cleaning with both ultrasonic waves and UV-C sanitisation.
✅ Cordless is much more convenient and simpler to use
✅ Rechargeable battery allows 7-10 cleans per charge
✅ Excellent build quality with a high-end look and feel.
✅ Quick and simple to use, option for a 3 minute every day clean, or a 5 minute deep clean
Cons:
❌ The power button takes a bit of getting used to
❌ The lid is not watertight, so it must be emptied before moving.
❌ It is more expensive than some of its competitors.
❌ An obvious buzzing sound during cleaning cycle.
Sonic Dental Odyssey vs. Sonic Pro
For those deciding between the Sonic Odyssey and the Sonic Pro, here is a comparison of its key features.
Having used both, it’s clear that the Sonic Pro is a great value, competitively priced ultrasonic cleaner. However, the Sonic Dental Odyssey does have the edge, and the wireless capability/portability and more premium build is definitely worth the extra investment.
| Sonic Odyssey | Sonic Pro | |
| What You Are Getting | Premium portable wireless cleaner | Great value countertop cleaner |
| Cleaning Modes | Two (3 min + 5 min) | Two (3 min + 5 min) |
| Ultrasonic Frequency | Multi-frequency (45-50,000Hz variable) | Fixed (43000Hz) |
| UV-C Sanitisation | Yes | Yes |
| Power Source | Battery (7-10 cleaning cycles per charge) | Must be plugged in to mains |
| Tank Volume | 200ml (165ml max fill line) | 200ml (165ml max fill line) |
| Unit Weight | 460g 530g (incl.charging base) | 325g |
| Cleaning tank material | SUS-304 Stainless Steel | SUS-304 Stainless Steel |
| Colours | 3. Onyx Black, Pearl White, Sapphire Pink | 2. Onyx Black, Pearl White |
| Price | £79.95 | £59.95 |
Who Should Buy the Sonic Dental Odyssey?
I honestly think that every household would benefit from owning a good ultrasonic cleaner. It’s a piece of kit I use everyday to clean my own retainers, but also weekly to freshen up electric toothbrushes for the whole family.
The Sonic Odyssey is a great example of a high-quality cleaner that offers reliable and effective clean. I would specifically recommend it for:
😬 Long-Term Retainer or Aligner Wearers
Keeping your teeth straight is a lifelong commitment, and an ultrasonic cleaner is the best way to protect that investment without causing scratches. The Odyssey is a fantastic tool for this daily job, helping to keep your appliance in great condition for the long run.
🛁 Anyone Who Values Bathroom Convenience
If you, like me, want to clean your retainer right next to the bathroom sink, its cordless design is a huge plus. It’s simply less faff than being tied to a plug socket, making it easier to build that daily habit of cleaning your appliance while you brush your teeth.
✈️ The Frequent Traveller
The cordless design and 10-day battery life make this an obvious choice if you travel a lot. You can just charge it, pack the main unit, and go without worrying about adaptors or plugs.
In short, while any good ultrasonic cleaner is a worthwhile investment, the Odyssey is a particularly great choice for the convenience of a premium, cordless design.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the Sonic Odyssey and the Sonic Pro?
The key difference is that the Odyssey is cordless and portable, while the Sonic Pro is corded and must be plugged in during use.
Both offer similar cleaning power. The best choice depends entirely on your need for convenience and portability. I’ve created a full comparison table in this review to help you decide which one is right for you.
Do you need cleaning tablets with an ultrasonic cleaner?
No, you don’t technically need tablets for daily cleaning, but I do recommend using them once a week for extra freshness and peace of mind.
The machine itself provides a powerful physical clean with vibrations, while a tablet adds a chemical clean for a deeper level of sanitisation.
You might not see a dramatic visible difference compared to cleaning with an ultrasonic cleaner alone, but research supports the use of cleaning tablets for a deeper clean at a microbial level.
A major 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that combining mechanical and chemical methods was the most effective strategy [3], a finding supported by a brand-new 2026 clinical study on household ultrasonic cleaners [4].
Do you have to use Sonic Dental’s own brand cleaning tablets in the Odyssey?
No, you absolutely do not need to use the Sonic Dental branded tablets.
Adding a cleaning tablet once a week to your ultrasonic cleaner is a good idea. It will enhance the freshness of your retainers, and gives a deeper clean.
While the official tablets work perfectly fine, they can be more expensive. On the Sonic Website you can get a box of 30 tablets for £12, though there are offers to save buy buying multiple.
Retainer Brite, is a cheaper alternative. £12.48 for 96 tablets. Its widely available, and works in the same way.
Can an ultrasonic cleaner prevent cavities or gum disease?
You might see claims online that these devices can prevent tooth decay or gum disease, but that can be a little misleading.
An ultrasonic cleaner does a brilliant job of keeping your appliance hygienically clean, which is important for minimising odours and the harmful bacteria it can harbour.
However, it’s crucial to understand that it won’t prevent dental issues caused by your overall oral hygiene routine. If things like brushing, flossing, and diet aren’t where they need to be, a clean retainer won’t solve those underlying problems.
A clean appliance is just one important part of a complete oral health routine, which must always include:
– Brushing twice daily with an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
– Daily interdental cleaning with floss or interdental brushes.
– A healthy, low-sugar diet.
– Avoiding habits like smoking.
– Regular check-ups with your dentist and hygienist.
Can I use the Sonic Odyssey to clean my jewellery?
Some cheaper ultrasonic cleaners market themselves for use as a jewellery cleaner also. The ultrasonic technology used for jewellery cleaners is similar,and if you did use it, it would probably make your jewellery sparkle. But for hygiene reasons, I wouldnt recommend it.
With time and wear, jewellery attracts oils and dirt, that you wouldn’t want near an appliance.
Even though you rinse or clean your cleaner between uses, I would stick to keeping the Sonic Odyssey as a dedicated oral appliance cleaning device, and consider a separate jewellery cleaner.