Protocol for the Cleaning of Orthodontic Pliers Prior to Sterilization

Dental Sterilizers do not run at temperatures high enough to damage Orthodontic Pliers. Rust and corrosion are caused by harmful minerals and chemicals that come into contact with these instruments. The heat generated by sterilization then accelerates the damage.

Follow these easy steps to help prolong the life of your valuable instruments and protect your investment:

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1. Ultrasonically clean or hand scrub instruments in a biodegradable / no rinse solution (recommended product: DMP-US Plus Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution; a highly concentrated, no rinse formula that requires no distilled water and has a strong rust inhibitor). Do not use enzymatic cleaning solutions as they will corrode your pliers.
   • Add 1/2 fl.oz. (15ml) of MPUS Plus per gallon of tap water.
   • Change cleaning solution daily for best results.

2. Clean for five (5) minutes in a small capacity Ultrasonic Cleaner or twelve (12) minutes in a large capacity Ultrasonic Cleaner (recommended product: DDUS60/DDUS60R).

3. Let instruments drip dry or pat dry with a clean paper or shop towel. Wipe mouth mirrors dry with a clean paper or shop towel to avoid spotting, or shake off excess moisture as they sit on racks.
   • Do not rinse. Harmful minerals found in tap water can leave rust spots on your pliers.
   • Use clean towels to dry instruments prior to sterilization.
   Detergent residue from towels can stain your instruments.

4. Lubricate hinged instruments weekly with a silicone lubricant (recommended product: DSL16 Multi-Purpose Silicone Lubricant or DSY20 Syringe).
   • Lubricate between Ultrasonic Cleaning and Dry Heat Sterilization.
   • Do not use oil-based lubricants as they are unable to withstand most sterilization temperatures and may “gum-up” in the hinges of your instruments as well as the sterilizer chamber.

5. Sterilize in a Dry Heat Sterilizer (recommended product: DDS 7000*).
   • Do not use autoclaves (steam under pressure). Autoclaves will rust and dull orthodontic pliers.
   • Do not use chemclaves (chemical under pressure) as they can dull orthodontic pliers.

6. Monitor sterilization weekly (recommended products:
   Passport or EMS Biological Monitoring Service).

*Keep Your Sterilizer Clean To keep your sterilizer in good working condition, follow these easy steps every other day: Spray 409™ or Fantastic™ on a paper towel or clean cloth and wipe down the inside and outside of the unit. For tough stains on inside of unit, use a teflon pad or stainless steel with 409™ or Fantastic™. Please Note: All product recommendations are products available from Dentronix with the exception of 409™ and Fantastic™.to maintain sterilizer performance we recommend annual servicing and proper maintenance.