Introduction
NPI has chosen a hi-tech material for its standard plier tip inserts which we believe provides the most superior properties for orthodontic applications. This ferrous material is extremely strong, resistant to abrasion, flexible without fracturing in thin cross sections, and ultimately durable. These materials combined with our box-jointed stainless steel forgings give you excellent value for your instrument dollar, but require your participation in proper care to provide their maximum potential value to your practice.

H²O
One of the most important factors in the safe and effective cleaning and sterilization of your valuable instrument investment is something as simple as water.
Water in many municipal supplies can contain high levels of chlorine, chloramines, iron, and sulfer, plus other trace elements that can be damaging to your pliers. Tap water used to dilute cleaning solutions and for rinsing pliers prior to sterilization can cause severe damage. Chemicals in tap water can also neutralize rust inhibitors causing a corrosive effect on plier tips even when you are spending the time and money to use the right materials. We highly recommend that your office use distilled, R/O, or filtered water for mixing your cleaning solutions, combined with a no-rinse formula for cleaning solutions.

Choosing a Sterilization Method
NPI STRONGLY RECOMMENDS DRY HEAT STERILIZATION FOR INSERTED ORTHODONTIC PLIERS AS THE OPTIMUM METHOD OF INFECTION CONTROL.
Other methods of sterilization can be adapted to the non-stainless materials used in many inserted orthodontic pliers, but the following guidelines must be followed carefully.

Dry Heat Sterilization
Because of the non-stainless characteristics of a vast majority of orthodontic plier tip materials, Rapid Dry Heat Sterilization became the most widely used method of infection control in this dental specialty. Between rapid cycle turn-around and large load capacity. it was the logical choice for practitioners seeking to protect their substantial instrument investment. Even with advances in materials technology (see NPI’s new M² spec sheet on page 1), Dry Heat remains as one of today’s most sensible choices for safety and efficacy in the busy orthodontic practice.

1. Clean in an ultrasonic unit for 10 minutes. with a norinse general purpose solution with an included rust inhibitor. Keep tips open during cleaning.
2. Dry instruments with a compressed air blast, towel, or allow to drain for 5 minutes if using a no-rinse solution.
3. Place pliers on rack or cassette and load sterilizer according to manufacturer’s instructions. Loading method should allow plier tips to remain open during sterilize cycle.
4. After sterilization cycle is complete, lubricate pliers with a silicon (non-petroleum) lubricant. DO NOT use tap water during any sterilization process and always dry instruments whenever they are rinsed.

Chemclave
(Unsaturated Chemical Vapor)

1. Clean in an ultrasonic unit for 10 minutes with a norinse general purpose solution with an included rust inhibitor. Keep tips open during cleaning.
2. Dry instruments with a compressed air blast, towel, or allow to drain for 5 minutes if using a no-rinse solution.
3. Load pliers on tray placing layers of paper towels between instruments. Loading method should allow plier tips to remain open during sterilize cycle.
4. Sterilize according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. After sterilization cycle is complete, depressurize equipment and allow pliers to cool.
6. Remove instruments and make sure they are dry prior to storage.
7. Lubricate pliers with a silicon lubricant. DO NOT use tap water during any sterilization process and always dry instruments whenever they are rinsed.

Autoclave
Because of the high levels of moisture in the autoclave process, this method can be damaging to ferrous plier tips and is not generally recommended unless instruments are 100% stainless steel or tungsten carbide inserted.

1. Clean in an ultrasonic unit for 10 minutes with a norinse general purpose solution with an included rust inhibitor. Keep tips open during cleaning.
2. Dry or drain instruments and dip in instrument milk.
3. Load pliers on tray. Loading method should allow plier tips to remain open during sterilize cycle.
4. Sterilize according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. After sterilization cycle is complete, depressurize equipment and allow pliers to cool.
6. Remove instruments and make sure they are dry prior to storage.
7. Lubricate pliers with a silicon lubricant. DO NOT use tap water during any sterilization process and always dry instruments whenever they are rinsed.

Cold Sterilization
CDC and ADA guidelines federally mandate the use of heat sterilization for instruments used in dental care. Many ortho offices use cold sterilization/ high level disinfectants for holding solutions and processing of heatsensitive items. If your office uses these types of products, here are some recommendations for avoiding damage to your pliers:

1. Always ultrasonically clean prior to immersion in high level disinfectants and cold sterile solutions using the same guidelines as specified in heat sterilization methods.
2. If using glutaraldehyde solutions, use only those that are non-acidic in composition and include a rust inhibitor.
3. Avoid contact with quarternary ammonium compounds and iodophors.
4. Keep plier tips open in liquid. Avoid immersion overnight in these chemical solutions.
5. If solutiuons require dilution, do not use tap water. Use distilled, RO, or filtered water free from errant chemicals.
6. Dry instruments immediately after rinsing.
7. Lubricate frequently with a silicon-based lubricant.