An aging suction system eventually makes itself noticed: more noise, more breakdowns, a heavier electricity bill. Replacing it is a chance to start again on a sound footing. But you need to ask the right questions before you choose. Here they are, with Cattani's reference points.
1. How many chairs use suction at the same time?
Your practice may have changed since the old machine was installed. An extra chair, another dentist, longer opening hours. Cattani's criterion stays the same: the number of chairs working at the same time.
- 1 to 2 chairs: Micro-Smart, “Suggested for 1-2 surgeries working at the same time”.
- 2 chairs: Turbo-Smart A, “Suggested for 2 surgeries working at the same time”.
- 3 to 4 chairs: Turbo-Smart B, “model A (for 2 surgeries) to model B (for 3-4 surgeries)”.
- 4 chairs: Turbo-Smart 2V, “Suggested for 4 surgeries working at the same time”.
- 3 to 5 chairs: Turbo-Smart TS, “Turbo Smart TS is supplied for three surgery use and is upgradable to five surgeries if required”.
Think ahead. Cattani is firm: do not undersize. According to the Maxi Smart manual, the saving at purchase is not real, and you lose suction unit service life and energy savings.
2. Which procedures do you perform?
A practice focused on surgery or implantology does not have the same needs as one focused on restorative care. Cattani's documentation presents the Turbo-Smart 2V as ideal for implantology and surgery, thanks to a higher vacuum. The Turbo-Smart HP is a high-power, variable-speed suction system for restorative dentistry and surgery.
3. What condition is your pipework in?
This is the question most often forgotten. When replacing a unit, the new machine is often connected to the existing network. Cattani advises a higher vacuum when pipes are undersized or runs are too long. The Turbo Smart HP leaflet adds the case of pipes that are too narrow or have traps.
So have the diameter and length of the pipes measured, and the traps located, before choosing the model.
4. Where will the machine go, and how much noise is acceptable?
Measure the equipment room. Formats vary: 370 × 340 × 590 mm for the Micro-Smart, 500 × 370 × 650 mm for the Turbo-Smart Cube A, 540 × 400 × 650 mm for the Turbo-Smart 2V.
The housing changes the noise level. A Turbo-Smart A is rated at 68.4 to 69 dB(A) without a cover, and 48.5 to 49.5 dB(A) in an indoor soundproof cabinet. Our article “Dental practice equipment room: keeping noise under control” helps you prepare the location.
5. How do you manage amalgam?
Smart suction systems integrate an amalgam separator: the Hydrocyclone ISO 18 for Turbo-Smart units, the Hydrocyclone ISO 6 for Micro-Smart units. The amalgam level is monitored electronically, with alarms at 95% and 100%. Replacing the suction system also means reviewing how you handle the separator. Read “Hydrocyclone ISO 18 and ISO 6: Cattani amalgam separation”.
6. How much does your current machine consume?
Your current suction system may run at a fixed speed, at the same rate whatever the demand. Smart suction systems use an inverter: power consumption is proportional to use. The Turbo Smart brochure states up to 50% energy saving compared with a fixed-speed suction system.
Progress also shows in the weight. According to Cattani, before 2005 a 4-chair practice needed a 22 kg suction unit. With Turbo Smart, a 10.5 kg unit is enough.
7. Should the compressor be replaced at the same time?
If your compressor is the same age, ask the question. The Blok-Jet Silent 1 combines suction and compressed air for two chairs, and the Blok-Jet Silent 2 for four, in a single soundproof cabinet. Otherwise, size the oil-free dental compressor separately: the Compressed air page details the range.
8. Who will handle maintenance?
A new machine needs a routine. Cattani distinguishes routine maintenance, carried out by trained practice staff, from extraordinary maintenance, carried out by a trained technician with original parts. Plan team training from installation onward. The schedules are on the Maintenance.
In short
- Count the chairs working simultaneously, today and tomorrow.
- Take your procedures and your pipework into account.
- Measure the equipment room and anticipate the noise.
- Factor in amalgam, energy, the compressor and maintenance.
To compare models, use the Choose my equipment.
A Cattani specialist can advise you
Describe your current installation: number of chairs, procedures, pipework, equipment room. A Cattani specialist will help you choose the right replacement suction system.
Ask a Cattani specialist for advice
Sources: Cattani, product sheets Micro-Smart, Turbo-Smart A, Turbo-Smart Cube A and Turbo-Smart 2V (cattani.it); Cattani documentation, Turbo Smart brochure 02-2020, p. 2, 6 and 7; Cattani documentation, Turbo Smart and Micro Smart Cube brochure 02-2020, p. 4; Cattani documentation, Turbo Smart HP leaflet 05-2023, p. 6; Cattani documentation, manual Smart 04-2024 (FR), p. 4, 5, 19 and 20; Cattani documentation, manual Maxi Smart 04-2025, p. 15; Cattani documentation, brochure “L'Hydrocyclone ISO et ses applications”, p. 16; Cattani documentation, manual Hydrocyclone ISO 18, p. 15; Cattani documentation, manual Hydrocyclone ISO 6, p. 15; Cattani documentation, manual Blok-Jet Silent 09-2021, p. 9; Cattani ESAM UK (Cattani subsidiary), Turbo Smart (p. 7) and Turbo Smart TS (p. 2) brochures, Smart suction maintenance guide (p. 7).