Sterilization
During scanning, the reusable scanner tip is inserted into the patient’s mouth. The scanner tip can only be used a certain number of times. To avoid cross contamination, the scanner tip must be cleaned and sterilized between patients.
- The scanner tip should be manually cleaned with a disinfecting solution. After cleaning and disinfecting, check the mirror inside the scanner tip for any stains or smudges.
- If necessary, repeat the cleaning and disinfection process. Using a paper towel, gently dry the mirror.
- Place a cotton or gauze on the mirror, then insert the scanner tip into a paper sterilization pouch and seal it tightly to ensure airtightness. Use a heat sealed or self adhesive pouch.
- In an autoclave, sterilize the wrapped scanner tip under the following conditions:
| Autoclave Type | Time | Temperature | Time |
| Gravity | 30 minutes | 121℃ (249.8℉) | 15 minutes |
| Gravity | 10 minutes | 135℃ (275℉) | 30 minutes |
| Pre-vacuum | 4 minutes | 134℃ (273.2℉) | 20 minutes |
⚠️ Any residue on the mirror before autoclaving may permanently leave water mark/ stains on the mirror. It is advised to autoclave with a completely clean mirror tip for longevity of the scanner.
⚠️ DO NOT USE Cavicide as it will eat away the plastic and potentially break the unit.
- Before opening the autoclaves, use an autoclave program that dries the wrapped scanner tip.
- Scanner tips can be re-sterilized up to 150 times before being discarded as directed in the disposal guide.
- Autoclave times and temperatures may differ depending on the type and manufacturer of the autoclave. As a result, it may be unable to meet the maximum number of times. To determine whether the required conditions are met, please consult the user’s manual of the autoclave manufacturer you are using.
Mirror
Impurities or smudges on the scanner tip mirror can result in poor scan quality and an overall poor scanning experience. In such cases, clean the mirror by following the steps outlined below:
- Remove the scanner tip from the scanner
- Use a clean cloth or a cotton tipped swab dipped in alcohol to wipe the mirror clean. If you don’t use pure alcohol, the mirror may stain. Ethanol or propanol (ethyl/propyl alcohol) are both acceptable options.
- Using a dry, lint free cloth, wipe the mirror dry.
- Examine the mirror for dust and fibers. Repeat the cleaning procedure as needed.
Handpiece
Following the patient’s use, ensure that all surfaces of the scanner, excluding the front (optical window) and end (air vent hole) of the scanner, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This cleaning and disinfection process should take place when the device is powered off. It’s important to wait for the device to be fully dried before resuming its use.
- The suggested cleaning and disinfection solution is denatured alcohol (ethyl alcohol or ethanol) at a concentration of around 60-70% alcohol by volume.