This article reviews all instructions related to scanner tip care including sterilization, disinfection, cleaning as well as information on the overall scanner tip lifecycle and improper tip care. The scanner tip is the removable part of the scanner that is inserted into the patient's mouth during scanning.

Scanner Tip Care

Sterilizing Your Scanner Tips

Steps for sterilization:

1. Remove scanner tip from scanner wand.
2. Clean scanner tip manually with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove any debris. Autoclaving will not remove smudges or marks on the mirror.
3. Rinse with water and dry carefully with a paper towel or soft tissue.
4. Place tip in a sealed autoclave bag on its own.
5. Autoclave scanner tip.

Autoclave & Statim settings

• Autoclave:
  • Option #1: 134 °C (273 °F) for 3 minutes with a 10-minute dry cycle
  • Option #2: 121 °C (250 °F) for 15 minutes with a 10-minute dry cycle
• Statim 2000 G4:
  • Option #1: 135 °C (275 °F) for 10 minutes
  • Option #2: 132 °C (270 °F) for 6 minutes

Disinfecting Scanner Tips with Optim 1 Wipes

If autoclaving is not an option, Optim 1 Wipes can be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Cleaning Scanner Tips, Scanner Wand & Base, Protective Tips, Scanner Lens, and the Color Calibration Target

Cleaning Scanner Tips & Their Internal Mirrors

The autoclaving process will not remove any smudges or marks on the internal mirror of a scanner tip. Cleaning the mirrors prevents issues with the scanning and calibration.

• To clean smudges, marks, and debris on the mirror of a scanner tip, use one of the two options:
  • Option #1: use a Q-tip brand Q tip and isopropyl alcohol to spot-clean the mirror
    • • Notes:
        • Avoid using cotton applicators with the alcohol, as this can dissolve the glue securing the cotton top and transfer more debris onto the mirror
        • Only use alcohol on the internal mirror itself, not the plastic housing of the scanner tip.
  • Option #2: use distilled antibacterial soap and a nylon bristle tooth brush to clean the mirror.

Cleaning Scanner Wand & Base

After patient treatment, you can clean the remaining parts of the scanner, including the body and the base, using a soft cloth and a mild detergent or isopropyl alcohol.

• Use one of the approved cleaning methods for the scanner wand and/or base:
  • Isopropyl alcohol (typically 60-70% vol.)
  • Optim 1 Wipes
  • Hydrogen peroxide

Cleaning Protective Tips

The protective tip should not be autoclaved, as this can damage this piece of equipment. If cleaning is needed, use one of the following methods:

• Alcohol
• Optim 1 Wipes
• Hydrogen peroxide

Cleaning the Scanner Lens

The scanner lens is located in the neck of the scanner wand: this is the portion of the wand that is exposed when the scanner tip is removed. The scanner lens should only be cleaned if there are visible smudges or debris present, which can cause issues for calibration and scanning. The lens should not be regularly cleaned if there are no visible obstructions.

• To clean the scanner lens, use the following methods:
  • Option #1: use a microfiber eyeglass cloth, applying minimal pressure to the lens.
  • Option #2: apply 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol with a Q-tip, applying minimal pressure to the lens.

Cleaning Color Calibration Target

The color calibration target is the handheld, black rectangular box used while calibrating the scanner. You should never under and circumstance touch the optical components of the color calibration target. Clean only with filtered air at low pressure.

Do Not Use These Products For Scanner Tips

The scanner tip should never be disinfected with any of the following, as they can etch, stain, and/or delaminate the mirror and glass of the tip:

• Bioblast
• Biosurf
• Birex
• Cavicide
• CaviWipes
• Chemclave
• Ethylene oxide gas
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Lysol wipes
• Maxispray
• Opticide
• Oxivir
• PDI Sani-Cloths
• Sklar Wipes
• Ultrasonic (pre-autoclave)
• Volo wipes