System cleanup options available in Dental System 2024

The System Cleanup page (available since Dental System 2020) allows you to define when orders, database data, auxiliary scans, and 3Shape Communicate data should be cleaned to maintain optimal system performance.

Follow the steps below to open the System Cleanup page:

Step 1: Open "Dental System Control Panel".

Step 2: Go to "System Settings".

Step 3: Open "System cleanup".

Image: System cleanup section options

Configuring automatic order management and database defragmentation

Automatically Close Orders

(Previously located in "Dental System Control Panel" > "Dental Manager" > "General")

If enabled, Dental System will automatically transfer all designed orders that were last modified after a specified number of days to Closed status. 

Automatically delete orders

(Previously located in "Dental System Control Panel" > "Dental Manager" > "General")

 If enabled, Dental System will automatically delete all orders that were last modified after a specified number of days:

• From the Dental Manager database
• From the order storage directory

This helps maintain system performance when working with a large number of orders.

If "Keep files but delete from the database" is selected:

• Orders are removed from Dental Manager

Order files remain in the directory (recommended setup)

Database defragmentation.

SQL Server has a database size limitation (for example, 10 GB depending on version and edition). Exceeding this limit may result in unstable system behavior.

Database defragmentation allows you to:

• Reduce database size
• Continue working without losing data

During defragmentation:

• The database is backed up
• All active database connections are closed

The amount of space freed depends on the current database size.

Optimizing disk space with auxiliary scan and cache file cleaning

Automatic cleaning of auxiliary scan files in orders

If enabled, Dental System will automatically delete auxiliary (raw) scan data stored in the “AuxScanDir” folder within the “Scans” directory.

These files are only required when using the “Rescan option” in ScanIt Dental.
If rescanning is not needed for older orders, enabling this option can save disk space.

Automatic cache cleaning for fast order redesign

The "Fast order redesign" feature (introduced in Dental System 2019) stores cached design data to allow faster reopening of designs.

If enabled, cached data for older orders will be deleted to free disk space.

Note: Redesigning orders may become slower after cache removal due to rebuild calculations

Automatically delete 3Shape Communicate invalid orders

If enabled, Dental System will automatically delete 3Shape Communicate orders and updates that were corrupted, not fully downloaded, or failed to be converted properly. 

These are stored in: “C:\ProgramData\3Shape\DentalSystem\3ShapeCommunicate\Incoming\invalid”

These files are typically unusable and may impact performance because they are loaded each time Dental Manager is opened.

Before enabling, ensure that the invalid orders do not contain unattended orders so that they will not be deleted automatically with unusable and corrupted files.

Automatically stop sending 3Shape Communicate scheduled screenshots 

If enabled, Dental System will stop sending screenshots for designed orders that were last modified after a specified number of days.

Having "Send screenshots for designed orders" enabled with many orders may significantly slow down synchronization with 3Shape Communicate.

Manual cleanup options in Dental System Control Panel for improved performance

Manual cleanup allows you to remove unused or unnecessary DME files that have been previously imported.

Over time, unused files may:

• Occupy disk space
• Slow down system performance
• Make file management more difficult

It is recommended to remove unnecessary files, especially those related to CAD models, such as:

• Implant systems
• Attachments
• Smile libraries
• Articulators
• Workflow materials

Regular cleanup helps maintain stable and efficient system performance.

Contact 3Shape Support if you have any further questions.
 
For full information on correct usage consult the official Safety and Setup Guide and the most current Manual.